Education Center

Vision

The MorningSun education center supports people to discover and unfold their potential for effective and healing action in the world. We seek to provide a unique learning environment based on sustainable living and a daily practice of mindfulness.

Programs focus on developing health, well being and sustainability in individuals, families, society and the environment. They blend academic learning, service work, traditional crafts and work on the land.

All programs include training in mindfulness that supports caring human interaction and helps participants learn to respond to situations of suffering with skill, clarity and peace.

Over time MorningSun's programs will be offered throughout the year for adults, families, youth and children and will be guided by a staff of diverse educators.

Through scholarship, outreach and collaborations with other organizations, some programs will be made available to economically disadvantaged families, youth at risk and teenage parents.

Campus

The campus of the Education Center will include the natural outdoor classroom of MorningSun, a small farm, several craft workshops as well as an assembly space and dining facilities, staff housing and room accommodations for up to 30 guests.

Programs

MorningSun is developing programs to be offered during four blocks each year.

Fall block: SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM will focus on mindfulness-based sustainability and service work
Winter block: DEEPENING THE INNER LIFE PROGRAM will offer training in meditation and mindfulness practice
Spring block: VISITING STUDENTS YOUTH PROGRAM will offer practicum for secondary and high school classes
Summer block: FAMILY AND CHILDREN'S PROGRAM will have programs for families and camps for children

Programs will be facilitated by a resident and visiting staff of professional educators including teachers, mindfulness instructors, caregivers, activists, organic growers, and sustainability designers and builders.

Farm

Using organic, bio-dynamic and bio-intensive gardening techniques, MorningSun's farm initiative intends to produce a variety of foods for consumption and processing. These include vegetables of all kinds, fruits, berries, grains and preserves to sustain our programs and also for sale to the surrounding community.

A small animal sanctuary for sheep and chickens will allow us to work actively with animals. Eggs, wool, manure and gentle friendships are among their offerings to us.

The farm-based context of MorningSun will be an important part of many programs, not only through the transmission of information, resources and experience, but also by providing opportunities for people to touch the soil, connect with and participate in natural growing cycles, cultivate compassion and learn first-hand about the ethical treatment of the Earth and our four-legged and winged friends.

Craft Workshops

The resident staff of MorningSun will maintain an association of art and craft workshops, where, like the farm, an experiential and interactive learning environment is offered.

Hand crafts, like painting, music, weaving, stained glass, pottery, woodworking, metalsmithing and baking are among the workshops planned. These workshops will be maintained by both proffessional and hobby artisans and crafters. Some of the programs will emphasize art and craft activities and others will simply make use of the shops to enhance the learning experience.

Simple work in the hand crafts brings our creative capacities, meditative concentration and joy together. These activities ask us to slow down and be nourished on all levels of our being.