GreenPlay People

Founder/Camp Director/Instructor - Julie Hanft is the founder and Director of GreenPlay. She has worked in environmental education for several years with various groups and organizations including the Greenwood School N.E.S.T. Program, Tree Frog Treks, the Richardson Bay Audubon Center and the Marin Montessori School. Julie has studied Marin County ecology at the College of Marin, received sustainability training at Dominican University and has a B.A. from Barnard College and a J.D. from the University of Miami. Julie is a member of the Environmental Forum of Marin and the founder of the Marin Open Garden Project. She is Wilderness First Aid and CPR certified. Julie lives in Mill Valley with her husband Josh, son Eli, two dogs and four chickens.

Co-Founder/Instructor - Bonnie Bibas is an instructor with GreenPlay. Bonnie's love of the outdoors came at an early age as she felt more comfortable and at home up in her favorite tree than she did in her own bed. She has a degree in psychology and a long career in television advertising and production. Bonnie has lived in numerous places abroad including Tanzania where she started an aid project in a remote village and lived, as she prefers, "off the grid" with no electricity, running water, nor other modern day conveniences. She has studied midwifery and other natural health sciences. She recently completed the Sustainable Practices Course at Dominican University and is a graduate of the Environmental Forum of Marin, SF Urban Permaculture Institute, and the Nature Guide Training at WildCare. One of her favorite things to do is to go backcountry camping with her son, Holden in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Bonnie, her partner Steve and son Holden live in Ross with their guinea pig Soozie.

Co-Founder/Instructor - Monica Richmond is an instructor with GreenPlay. She has studied biology and ecology at the College of Marin and has a B.A. in architecture. Monica is currently working toward a M.S. in marine biology. She lives in Fairfax with her husband Aaron and her two dogs.

Gratitude

GreenPlay would not be possible without the help of some incredible community leaders. A warm thank you to Greg Reza of Marin County Open Space, Robert Eichstaedt of the Alto Bowl Horseowners Association, Charlie Kennard of Friends of Corte Madera Creek, Frank and Elizabeth Gerber, Chrise de Tournay Birkahn of Dominican University's Sustainable Practices Certificate Program, and the many others who have supported this program since its beginnings.

Employment Opportunities

GreenPlay hires some of the best outdoor educators in the Bay Area. All of the instructors are trained in Wilderness First Aid and CPR. They also have extensive experience leading groups of young people and teaching in the outdoors. We require that instructors are at least 21 years of age or older, have a clean driving record and no criminal background. We specificially hire men and women who love working with children and can effectively share their passion and enthusiasm for the outdoors.

If you are interested in working as an instructor for GreenPlay, please email your resume and cover letter, including references, to: work@maringreenplay.com.


Frequently Asked Questions

What makes GreenPlay different from other outdoor education programs?

GreenPlay takes children to the heart of the place where they live. Every week we visit a new piece of the tapestry of Marin's landscape and history. Each Afternoon Adventures session is focused around the seasons, giving children the opportunity to gain insights into the natural rythym of their place. We focus on more than the natural world. Where and why humans settled certain areas and how those areas have changed as a result are examined and explored. And we undertake this adventure by inspiring curiosity and experiential learning through fun.

What is the staff to child ratio?
GreenPlay staffs each class/camp session with a instructor to child ratio of 1:6. We adjust this ratio as necessary to meet the needs of the particular children enrolled in the class/session.

How do you accomodate different age groups?
Typically children ages 6 to 8 will be in a group, with children 9 to 11 in another group. We find that older and younger children learn much from each other in working together and sharing experiences.

How can I access Flickr photos of my child?
You received a confirmation email when you signed up for the program that contained sign in information for the Flickr photo site. Please send an email to info@maringreenplay.com if you need sign in information.

Sustainable Summer Camp-specific Questions

How long are you actually hiking? What if my child gets tired?
All of our hikes are broken up by games and side explorations of what we encounter on the trail. Water breaks are encouraged.

Is lunch provided?
We ask that all campers bring a waste-free lunch. Please let us know if you need suggestions for making your child's lunch waste-free. We provide healthy snacks in the mornings and afternoons and as needed.

What will the campers do if it is raining?
Typically, the summers in this part of California are hot and dry and rain is infrequent. However, depending on our location, we will seek indoor refuge. If an indoor space is not convenient, we use the moment as an opportunity to show children how to make a shelter.

Is extended care available?
Yes, extended care is available from 8-9 AM and from 4:30 to 5:00 PM for an additional charge of $5 per day for before or after care or $10 for both.

We want to help! Email or call us with any additional questions you may have about GreenPlay programs.