Summer Program 2026 Comes to an End

Three weeks ago, nine children arrived at Heartsmith as individuals. Last Friday, they left as part of a community.

Our first year hosting the Summer Program on the property has officially come to a close, and while we're sad to see it end, our hearts are incredibly full.

Over the course of three weeks, we welcomed nine amazing kids for days spent almost entirely outdoors—learning, creating, exploring, and growing together.

Every morning began with movement, followed by curiosity. The kids fed the ducks, collected eggs, and even helped welcome two baby ducklings that joined the Heartsmith family during the program.

They watched sunflowers and cucumbers sprout from tiny seeds, learning firsthand that good things take patience and care. Nearly every day included a hike around the property, where we searched for wildlife, listened for birds, and, when nature was generous, picked fresh berries along the trail.

One of our favorite parts of the program was welcoming guest speakers who shared their passions with the kids.

We were honored to host:

🦅 Game Commission Officer Troutman, who taught about wildlife and conservation.

🌻 Master Gardener Heather Hilyer Gray, who shared her knowledge of plants, pollinators and gardening.

🐝 Steve's Bees, introducing the fascinating world of honeybees.

And one of our own kiddos even stepped into the role of teacher by creating and presenting a wonderful presentation about Pennsylvania snakes, helping everyone learn that many snakes are beneficial neighbors rather than something to fear.

Throughout the program, the kids also enjoyed crafts, journaling, teamwork games, nature observation, and plenty of laughter. They learned responsibility by caring for animals, curiosity by asking questions, patience by tending to plants, and teamwork through every shared activity.

Perhaps the most meaningful day of all was our Family Day.

Parents, siblings, grandparents, and even uncles joined us for an afternoon of food, games, music, water play, and conversation. Watching multiple generations laughing together, exploring the property, and celebrating the children's accomplishments reminded us exactly why Heartsmith exists.

Community isn't something you build in a single event. It grows little by little, through shared experiences, helping hands, and welcoming spaces.

This program was made possible because of generous donors, grant funding, volunteers, guest speakers, families who trusted us with their children, and a community that believed in this vision from the very beginning.

To everyone who supported this first season—thank you.

You helped create more than a summer program.

You helped create memories, friendships, confidence, and a place where children could belong.

Learn, Grow, and Play Together!

With gratitude,

Cristina & The Heartsmith Team