Summer At The Sangha 2025—Week 2

Week 2 Sessions

Monday, 7/14:

AM – Climate Change & Community
PM – Meet the Minis for Horse Therapy Education

Many of our young people care about our environment and all life forms impacted by climate change. We are grateful to have Monique Fitzgerald and Kaneita Marcelin who lead the Long Island Revision Project with us today. They will provide background information about the local communities impacted by toxins in our soil, water, and air. And how we can contribute to transforming these places to become cleaner and healthier environments for all. Interactive and engaging activities will lead us towards social action that we can embark on together or individually.

We are excited to welcome HorseAbility and their miniature therapy horses to teach us about their contributions to the Long Island community. According to HorseAbility, the “mini horses” are similar to their full-sized equine partners in terms of personality, intelligence, and disposition. Due to their calm, patient demeanor and willingness to interact with persons of all ages and abilities, they consistently bring smiles to the faces of everyone they meet. We can enjoy hands-on petting and grooming and will experience the calm, and connection these amazing animals make possible.

Wednesday, 7/16:

AM – Medicine Wheel Herb Garden
PM – Creative Mosaic Art – Garden Stepping Stones

This morning we will begin our day with a native Penobscot legend of Arrowhead Finger to set the stage for planting herbs in our Medicine Wheel Garden. We will take a nature walk to our Meadow Farm where we will embark on an educational experience about the medicinal properties of certain herbs that we will plant in the summer section of the garden. These wonderous herbs will be used for teas and food ingredients at the end of the season. There will be various tasks available and team-building involved.

Thanks to one of our former mentors, Sabrina and mentee, Marko, we had the opportunity to learn about mosaic tile designs from around the world. Mosaic mean “a picture or pattern produced by arranging together tessera, which are small colored pieces of stone, tile, or glass, or other nature-based materials like shells.” Today, participants will be inspired by mosaics from ancient cultures and then design their own creative mosaic art garden stepping stones through a mosaic art kit. Once dry, the designs can be either added to our Medicine Wheel Garden or taken home.

Friday, 7/18:

AM – For the Love of Bees
PM – Forest Bathing Meditative Nature Exploration

Bees are winged insects closely related to wasps and ants, known for their roles in pollination and who contribute to enabling life on earth. We will learn about the best-known bee species, the western honey bee who produces honey. And explore their amazing relationship with humans. Come find out new and interesting bee fun facts through a video or game, and the knowledge of an expert beekeeper who will come with some bee surprises!

Then, during lunchtime, we are happy to have Laura Beatus offer Laughing Yoga which can decrease stress and enable a greater sense of well-being leading into Forest Bathing with Stephanie Gaglione, Certified Nature Therapy Guide. Stephanie, who will start with a meditation and introduce ways in which to explore nature through a range of invitations providing creative and enjoyable sensory experiences around Historic Malcolm House on the Jericho Preserve. Forest Bathing helps to minimize anxiety and attain various health benefits. Participants may share during community circle and we will conclude with a heart-felt tea ceremony as we take from and give back to Earth.

Location