GreenPlay - Nature Awareness & Education Summer Camps in Marin County

Why GreenPlay?

GreenPlay began in 2009 as the culmination of a dream that all of the children in our community have the chance to grow up with a keen sense of the place where they live . . . the towns and cities and green places in Marin County. By connecting to the natural world, children can develop a sense of meaning and belonging that will give them the ability to adapt and be resilient regardless of what lies ahead. Childhood memories and an understanding of the power of this land will ensure that our chldren will be involved in its future and bring intention to the decisions that will be made in years to come.

It wasn't so long ago that I discovered that I was speeding through life without intention. The good fortune of discovering a few strong mentors to show me another way, and all of the discoveries that followed, set me on a more thoughtful track. As a result, 100% of my energy is now focused on making sustainable lifestyle choices and helping to support others who understand that each of our individual actions affects all of the rest of us and our home, the Earth.

Place and relationship-based education ensures that children establish strong bonds with the place where they grow up. Experiential learning allows them to learn by doing and become empowered as a result. They come to understand that decisions that serve the long-term interests of the community are fundamentally more solid than those that serve short-term whims. They know what grows here in what season. They know why humans settled in one place and not another. They know the names of the animals that roamed here 5000 years ago and the names of the ones that roam here now. After one GreenPlay restoration session, they have given more back to their community than most have in a lifetime. This place and its inhabitants (human and otherwise) are our children's shared history.

Let us help you give your children the gift of their history. Only by understanding what has come before, may we forge ahead.

Best wishes,

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 Nature & Environmental Studies 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, dog Piper and five chickens.

Co-Founder/Instructor - Monica Richmond has been an instructor with GreenPlay since we began and has worked in the Greenwood School Nature & Environmental Studies Program. 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 dog.

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. Camp sessions are focused around learning about the tapestry of Marin's landscape, its history and its 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 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 session.

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.

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?
FREE prearranged, extended care is available from 8-9 AM and from 4-5 PM!

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

Contact the GreenPlay Team - 415.264.2828 - info@maringreenplay.com