“We will only come to treat the environment differently when we come to love the Earth. We do not love what we do not understand. Therefore, let’s help the children know nature better so they feel comfortable in, and are not afraid of, the forest.”                                           --Stephen Sylvan Willig

Stephen Sylvan Willig, the founder and director of Sylvan’s Youth Education Service, enjoys nothing more than being with youth in nature, and sharing its wonder, joy, and peace with young people.

After over fifteen years of serving as a professional experiential educator at various public and private educational institutions Sylvan Willig founded his own educational service. Sylvan’s Youth Education Service offers quality learning experiences for schools, camps, scout groups and youth groups.

WHAT WE OFFER
The YES is like a tree with four main trunks from the same root. That root is the inherent worth of nature. Most of the trunks have several branches-- the specific programs available.

• One trunk offers outdoor programs in “Woodslore,” sharing the intimate knowledge the early inhabitants of the eastern woodlands had of the forest. Many of these programs are suitable for adults as well as youth.

•The second trunk features “Native Ways,” indoor programs that teach about the legacy of America’s First Nations.

•The third trunk is outdoor Environmental Education, programs that teach ecological sciences.

•The fourth is “Deep Learning,” programs that educate to the deepest parts of the student. Many of these programs, also, are suitable for both youth and adults.

You may choose single programs, or combine any three or more programs into discounted packages. And hiring Sylvan Willig as a naturalist-in-residence at your institution for several consecutive days is a great way to nurture the budding naturalist within your students.

High quality scouting programs specifically designed to fulfill Cub Scout, Bear Scout, Webelo, Brownie, and Junior Girl Scout requirements are also available.

OUR PHILOSOPHY
We firmly believe that education should be experiential and enjoyable and are dedicated to keeping our services as fun and hands-on as possible. Depending on the students’ ages, program activities may include songs, games, direct observation, data collection and interpretation, and other direct learning activities. The YES programs are also inquiry-based. Students are encouraged to develop their own theories rather than to simply listen to an instructor lecture. When students are actively engaged and having a good time, they will learn without even knowing it!

While Sylvan’s YES offers a broad range of programs, it is focused on outdoor education. It is always preferable to study nature in the field rather than in the classroom. Unfortunately, today’s youth are spending less time outdoors than any preceding generation. This certainly leads to a feeling of disconnection with nature, and to a belief that it is of less value. In contrast, when we come to know nature better, we come to love it; and as we grow in love for anything, we take better care of it.
Research supports the need for outdoor education! essay: “Children and the Earth”

THE BENEFITS FOR YOU
While there are other resources in the area offering environmental education programs indoors by qualified professionals, Sylvan’s YES  focuses on outdoor programs instructed by a professional interpretive naturalist.

The Youth Education Service outdoor programs are unique in that they are designed to be held on your institution’s grounds. It is increasingly difficult and inconvenient for most teachers to coordinate field trips. However, most institutions have a wooded area and a lawn either on grounds or within walking distance, and this is all that is necessary for the majority of YES outdoor programs. (Refer to the specific programs for detailed site needs.) If your institution does not have access to suitable outdoor facilities, Sylvan’s YES can provide a site near you.

All programs are correlated to Virginia’s Standards of Learning.

We will customize the programs listed, or develop other programs within our ability to meet the unique needs,interests, and focuses of your class or group . Or you may choose your program to have no focus at all other than to simply help youth get better acquainted with the Earth: one of Sylvan Willig’s favorite programs to offer is the “freelancing naturalist”, a freewheeling exploration of the woods led by the students’ own curiosity rather than a lesson plan.

With the exception of the Native American Legacy assembly program, all programs are designed for a standard school class size or smaller.

All programs are guaranteed high quality!