Our River. Our Kids.
The Mississippi River is full of wonders, big and small. This summer, more than 500 children will take a figurative dive into the river during Spring Forward’s five-week camps, thanks to a QC River Connections grant through the Quad Cities Community Foundation.
“We are grateful for the grant and excited to have Spring Forward families so engaged in the planning process,” said Program Director Robbie McIntyre. “Our campers will learn about river history, industry and what it takes to conserve and care for our region’s greatest treasure.”
The river journey has started with Spring Forward staff reaching out to families to ask about their connections to and experiences with the river. Many provided feedback in person at pop up events and others completed on-line surveys. Students in afterschool programs also told their river stories by creating artworks inspired by the prompt, “The River is to Me…”
Alannah Alexander, RIMSD #41 teacher and Spring Forward’s River Captain for the Summer Camp program
The next step was to share families’ responses with community partners, who used the feedback to shape proposals for river themed projects and activities. “We can take what our families told us and tie all aspects of the river into activities - whether it’s art, recreation or instruction,” said Alannah Alexander, RIMSD #41 teacher and Spring Forward’s River Captain for the Summer Camp program. Her charge is to use the Mississippi to create stronger, more meaningful and long-lasting connections for campers and their families through activities, instruction, enrichment and art.
Alexander has spent 14 years in various roles with Spring Forward and knows that the students enjoy and have fun as they connect with nature and build upon skills and knowledge. “The river and riverfront will be our learning laboratory and our campers are eager to learn. We will be doing a lot of hiking, exploring and also being mindful to respect the river.”
As Spring Forward campers embark on their river journey, we hope lessons learned and experiences gained at camp will guide them like a steady current, shaping their values, passions, and perspectives for years to come.
If you work for or know an organization who would like to provide a river related activity at Spring Forward summer camp, complete this form.
