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In July 2005, The Center for Children and Nature was established to operate the Ironwood Tree Experience, a project founded by Prescott College alumni, Eric Dhruv (MAP ’03) and Suzanne Dhruv (MAP ’04), Co-Directors.
The Ironwood Tree Experience (ITE), located in Tucson, Arizona, empowers young people through active, mindful, and educational eco-programs that cultivate a holistic sense of community. Empowerment is realized through four essential strands of living and learning that are woven throughout each eco-program: enhanced youth wellness; positive community action; sustainability practices; and character development.
Youth Wellness emerges from foundational lessons and practices in fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness.
Community Action is experienced through direct activities that encourage adolescents to share perspectives, solutions, and actions towards contemporary environmental and social needs in urban, rural and wilderness environments.
Sustainable Practices are fostered through personal choices that have long-term affect on the health and wellbeing of humanity, wildlife and ecosystems.
Character Development is built up from personal and cooperative challenges and achievements, and enhances leadership skills that are sustained through adolescence and into adulthood.
Eco-Programs
Intended for teens ages 12-18, eco-programs uniquely merge urban community action with rural and wilderness nature explorations—a backdoor to backcountry experience. ITE eco-programs are challenging, fun, and educational and are designed to build upon one another, reinforcing skills and experiences while honoring the boundless energy and curiosity of teens. Whether greening play spaces in the city, rock climbing in the mountains, exploring the desert, monitoring native species, or kayaking the Sea of Cortez, teens will expand their awareness of the world, contribute to community, build self-confidence, and activate body, mind and spirit.
In my mind, I didn't know how to survive the desert wilderness… When we arrived to the camping area, the place was different than the city.
When I was looking around the area, I spotted a body of water. I just wanted to jump in the water and clear my anger, my sadness, fears, and city life out of me, but my body rejected that chance.
Why is my city life taking over my first experience as a nature person? I have a reasoning why. My reasoning is that I have bonded with nature as a newborn, but my city life has me as an old man in prison.
-Tucson, Arizona Adolescent
For more information on the Center for Children and Nature at Prescott College or the Ironwood Tree Experience, contact Suzanne or Eric at:
520.620.0425
sumaer@mindspring.com
PO Box 85283
Tucson, AZ 85754-5283
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