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Shaw CDC plants seeds in young minds

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Zade Vadnais
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Strolling through a field of beautiful wildflowers. Sitting in the shade by a serene lake on a warm day. Taking in a beautiful sunrise from atop a lonely mountain. They say the best things in life are free, but when it comes to the health and beauty of planet Earth, these free pleasures may not last forever.

Since 1970, people from all over the world have been holding rallies, attending conferences and participating in service projects in honor of Earth Day, an annual event created to celebrate the planet and raise awareness about environmental issues.

This year, the 20th Force Support Squadron Chandler Cornell Child Development Center teamed up with the 20th Force Support Squadron’s Child and Youth Services Parent Advisory Committee to celebrate Earth Day by planting seeds and flowers with children enrolled at the CDC April 22 and 25.

The PAC provides opportunities for parents to be involved in meetings and activities throughout the Child and Youth Services programs. The goal of the committee is to create a positive environment for the children by working hand-in-hand with the CDC staff and leadership.

“We just wanted to give back to the facility that takes care of our children and Earth Day seemed like a good opportunity,” said Staff Sgt. Laura Claypool, 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs photojournalist and PAC president. “Planting the flowers was a fun activity for the children with the added benefit of beautifying the facility. Plus, the children will continue to learn as they take care of the flowers and watch their seeds sprout.”

In addition to beautifying the facility and teaching the children about Earth Day, interacting with the water, seeds, soil and plants and learning how to ensure they flourish allowed the children themselves to grow.

“I always love to bring nature into the classroom,” said Daisy Gonzalez, 20th Force Support Squadron CDC infant program lead. “There are so many things children can explore from the soil to the leaves to the flowers; the colors, the textures, the smells – their senses develop better when they are exposed to a natural environment. I think it’s one of the best ways to develop their social, cognitive and language skills as well.”

Earth Day served as the perfect opportunity for Team Shaw children to experience nature in a safe, controlled environment. By fostering a respect for the planet early on, Gonzalez hopes to inspire children to protect its resources and strike a balance between humans and the natural environment that can be sustained for generations to come.

“There is so much going on now that, little by little, is destroying nature and all the things we really enjoy as human beings,” said Gonzalez. “We have to pass a respect for nature on to our children so when we’re not here they can keep preserving what we’ve left.”