Outdoor, nature-based school asks for community support to start scholarship program

In 2019, surrounded by the Heritage Grand River, the Sacred waters of Whiteman’s Creek and nestled within the rich biodiversity of the Carolinian Forest, Growe Outdoor School was established, becoming Brant County’s first Forest School

Outdoor knowledge, once an important part of our everyday living, has been misplaced through the generations of convenience and technology. There is a need in our community to reintroduce and reacquaint nature connection opportunities into our children’s lives today

Naturally, outside amongst the sheltering of trees, connection of the rivers and learning of the skies we can generate a true curiosity for learning which, in turn, gives away to the connections within themselves, within the community and among nature The benefits are truly immeasurable just a Growe kid And then ask their parent. Children can enroll in any and as many days within a calendar week during the conventional school hours; this allows working families seamless access to deliver their child to our program that offers fostering of relationships with their peers and connection to the land. Our mentors/teachers strive to model a well-rounded skill set of listening, observation, engagement, perseverance, celebration of one’s accomplishments and recognizing individual gifts. Nature immersion programs are an essential compliment and alternative to the conventional classrooms we have acclimated. We strive to make Growe Outdoor schooling accessibleto any local/surroundingfamilies.

It is our hopes to establish a lasting and reaching scholarship program that will assist in diminishing the monetary barriers and instead lend support to families that will allow children the experienceof natural depth learning

In such, we are graciously making a call to the community to assist Growe Outdoor School in the continued efforts of gifting a child(ren) the experience to the lasting impact that will be felt and benefit both families and our local communities. Your donation to our Scholarship funding will go directly towards tuition of child(ren) in need. Funding will be distributed to as many families as we can accommodate and will be known as an extension of your generosity and showing of our communities’ support.

Starting at 10 am on October 28th , everyone is invited to the 2nd Annual trunk or Treat event held at the Lynden Park Mall (84 Lynden Rd, Brantford). All proceeds from our Raffle table and 50/50 tickets goes towards our GROWE Outdoor School scholarship fund for families with financial barriers.

Your gift of support is directly enhancing a child’s life. We cannot thankyou enough for your generosity.

Sincerely,

Tara Capenter, Director/Principal, Growe Outdoor School

Just for the Health of It with Coach Shell

Do you have a fitness and nutrition question you’d like to Ask Coach Shell? Send your question to gaudetfitnesssolutions

@gmail.com and Shelley will be happy to assist you!

“I have been going to the gym regularly for 6 months now, but I still don’t look like I lift. What am I doing wrong?” You aren't doing anything wrong! Congratulations on getting yourself into a great workout routine as that is not easy to do You must feel great!!!

The reason why you may not yet be seeing the results you were looking for could be one of many reasons:

1) How is your nutrition? If your nutrition is not dialed in, then it will be harder to see the fruits (pun intended) of your labour You need to ensure you are eating a high protein diet, adding starchy carbs to your pre and post workout meal in order to help your muscles recover and grow and adequate healthy fats in your daily nutrition.

2) Are you still using the same size weights? If you are still using the same size weights you started with then you are not challenging your muscles and therefore, they will have no need to grow Do not shy away from heavy weights as they will make you lean, not bulky.

3) Are you pushing yourself out of your comfort zone? Are you still doing modified exercises thinking you can't do the harder version even though you haven't tried them lately? It is really important that you continue to challenge yourself in the gym as if you always do the same you will always look the same It is when we step outside that comfort zone and jump on a higher box, go deeper in a push up, squat with weights a little heavier that we give our bodies a reason to change.

4) Are you putting in maximum effort? We all know those people who go to the gym but spend more time socializing than they do lifting weights. Are you getting sweaty? Are you pushing yourself to failure? If you are moving your mouth at the watercooler catching up on the latest gossip more than you are moving your body, then you know that you are not putting in the effort that it takes to see changes in the mirror.

5) Are your expectations realistic? If you expected to lose 20 pounds in 3 months by going to the gym and have only lost 10 you are doing amazing so keep going Or if you have lost one clothing size but expected to lose 3 by now, congratulate yourself for your achievement, keep going and know that it is going to happen We didn't put it on overnight, so we are definitely not going to take it off that quick!

Ask yourself these questions honestly, decide your next step, make a plan and take the next 3 months and see if you notice a difference! If you need more guidance, send me an email and I would be happy to help!

Shelley Gaudet is the proud owner of GFS Fitness Solutions, an online nutrition coaching business. She offers 1-1 daily or weekly coaching services as well as group wellness solutions.

Please call 519-771-8232 or email gfsfitnesssolutions@gmail.com for more information.