Programming: Groups and Activities

"Where's Walden?"

an Intergenerational Outdoor Experience

Held Every Season at

Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent,, 228 Gougler Avenue, Kent, OH 44240

Nearly every season of the year since 1996, men, women, and children of our church have taken part in a "Where's Walden? Day" in the out-of-doors. Newcomers to the church, and even many who have been attending for a while, may wonder just what this is all about. Here is a brief explanation of what we hope to accomplish and a cordial invitation to join us whenever you have the time and inclination.

Under the leadership of Liz Erickson, eleven people met on April 10, 1996, to brainstorm our first outdoor activity. The purpose was "to re-establish or re-affirm our deep connection with nature - a sustaining spiritual bond celebrated by our Transcendentalist forbears, notably Henry David Thoreau." That connection was to be based on "knowledge, observation, participation, silence, celebration, and action for [the environment]. The organizing theme would be the ideas and life of Henry David Thoreau," hence the name of the day.

Our intention is to involve both adults and children. Some activities are intergenerational, others for one group or the other. The general framework for the day is: 1. an initial meeting ("gathering in") for everyone, 2. approximately four hours of "experiences and explorations" to choose from, 3. a shared meal, 4. celebration/sharing time, and 5. worship.

Church members in 1996 were asked to fill out a two-page survey of their interests and to suggest other ideas for experiences to offer. After much additional planning, the first "Where's Walden? Day" was held on Saturday, June 15, 1996 at the Oak Hill Trailhead in the Cuyahoga National Park. As time went on, we became more ambitious and occasionally expanded the experience to a weekend of camping, hiking, and sometimes canoeing at state parks in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Thus far we have been able to meet "rain or shine," using heated facilities for our winter gatherings.

Please join us the next time you see fliers and posters around the church asking "Where's Walden this (Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer)?" We think you will be glad you did.

For further information, contact Liz Erickson, Jim Scott, Gordon Vars, or leave a message at the church office, 330-673-4247.

9/19/07