When I was a kid growing up in drought-ravaged Southern California, we had "Ricky the Raindrop" a friendly little animated raindrop that helped teach kids about the value of water conservation. Fast forward to present day and we have a new mascot for educating kids on the merits of caring for our environment - Chipper the Squirrel.
Below is Part 1 of a conversation I had recently with Stephanie Rach-Wilson, founder of the Let's Go Chipper™ program created by IAGMedia. Let's Go Chipper™ is an eco-educational adventure connecting kids with nature through a series of books, audio and visual activities.
Q: How long did you "sit" with the idea before launching the program and what were your biggest challenges?
A: Stephanie Rach-Wilson (SRW) I "walked" with my idea for years before I quit "the day job." I grew up living the lifestyle I'm now inspiring families to embrace. I spent over 10 years telling other people's stories, and I constantly wrote down my ideas that would become the big picture. I used to walk to and from work and then one day I walked home and never went back ...literally! The biggest hurdles to launching my business were myself, the initial feedback I received, and finances. I realized that I was about to push my dream into reality and that opens you up in many ways; some initial feedback made me waiver and question my business strategy, and many have the "financial" hurdle so I knew I could hop over that one. Like a squirrel, I had saved a few nuts to take the first leap. (Though I didn't realize how quickly I would need to raise money.)
Q: What kind of response from the community have you had for the program?
A: SRW: It's been very positive on all fronts---from educators to parents and grandparents, and park rangers (grandparents are my best supporters). I get letters, photos, and phone calls. I love hearing from families. Doug McConnell was one of our biggest supporters early on as he knows the only way to sustain our park systems and outdoor spaces is by engaging future stewards of the environment and that means kids. Books, movies, music and educational activities are relevant and our stories playfully teach children to respect and care for the world around them. I get called "the Chipper lady" by kids which is fun. We are very mindful about the teaching opportunities behind the story-telling and our content is correlated for national academic standards in Social Skills, Arts & Literature, and Science.
Q: What is your favorite activity within the program? What about for participants?
A:SRW: My favorite activity is the simple call to action - go outside. There is a scene where Red and Robin are surprised that a squirrel would not know what to do in the great outdoors (Chipper is a city squirrel) and they sing a song that engages Chipper to be curious. That is the same for kids. Children need multi-sensory activities to help in social and physical development. They need to touch, smell, engage and get dirty. Chipper has a great "aha moment" and then he embraces his adventure and really gets curious.
Chipper takes his first camping trip, and his first hike, which is literally a first step for parents too. Once kids meet Chipper they are asking to go out and play. I always say "High Five" meaning five feet in five minutes. Don't get frustrated, get down and get curious.
Eco Parent All Star Series
Stephanie's story is the very first profile for "Eco Parent All Star," a series of spotlights on Bay Area parents who take "being green" to the next level through education, volunteerism and/or weaving it into their professional calling. Stephanie is one of a growing number of parents in our community who are taking eco-action into their own hands.
If you or someone you know is an Eco Parent All Star, going above and beyond to make a difference in living, working and being green, I'd love to know (and write) about them. Contact me at laurel@museadvisors.com.
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