Sophia is not your typical 10-year-old. She loves all of the things a child her age does, such as going to the park and the pool, and playing with her friends. But this summer, she asked her mom, Yennifer, if she could do something more.
Sophia Fernandez spent her summer as a “volunteer in training” with the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory with our free early childhood program, Discovery Garden Exploration Time. Sophia visited on our first day of our hands-on nature-themed learning program during the summer and saw some young volunteers helping their docent grandmother set up the program.
This sparked an idea for Sophia that led to her volunteering every Thursday this summer.
“I always enjoy playing with tiny children, and I am hoping one day to be a preschool teacher,” Sophia said. “I feel joyful and grateful that I get to help the kids.”
This summer, the Discovery Garden Exploration Time drew almost 500 children plus their caregivers in June, July, and August. Friends’ early childhood volunteers spend months planning the themes and educational hands-on activities. Community partners from Oak Park Public Library and Wonder Works Children’s Museum joined the fun, bringing themed books and additional activities to engage the children.
Dawn Stockmo, lead volunteer for the summer program, shared, “Sophia came to the Conservatory with her little brother and mom every Thursday. She showed natural leadership skills, and we asked her to become a ‘volunteer,’ which she totally embraced. Week after week, she helped set up, clean up, and organize the other kids in activities. At the end of the summer, she brought her face painting supplies, and the other kids just loved having her paint their faces or arms. Sophia is a blooming leader in action!”
Sophia’s mom, Yennifer, was beaming with pride. “We are very proud of her. I feel like she surprises me every single day with her ideas and motivation to be part of the community and help others. Sophia is always willing to make a difference.”
The Friends are approaching our 40th Anniversary next year, and for four decades have offered an opportunity for volunteers of all ages to support our programs, do hands-on work in the Conservatory, and connect with others who share the same passion and interests. Our volunteers contributed over 4,500 hours to the Conservatory last year alone.
If you are interested in volunteering or supporting our efforts to continue offering free nature-based education programs to the community, visit our volunteer page here.
