Riekes Alumnus, Henry Solomon joined the band HAIM this past weekend as they opened for Taylor Swift at The Era’s Tour at Levi’s Stadium, playing for over 60,000 people! Henry has been touring with the band for the last year, playing saxophone, guitar and other instruments. Watch part of his performance (a saxophone solo!) from Friday night’s show at Levi’s here →
Riekes Film Summer Documentary Program Off to an Amazing Start
A June Summer Camp Recap!
The summer season is in full swing, and throughout the month of June, children and teenagers from all over the Bay Area have come together to experience the joys of summer camps. From immersing themselves in the wonders of nature to unleashing their creativity in various artistic disciplines, this year's summer camps have been nothing short of amazing. With an array of diverse programs and activities, young campers have been engaged, inspired, and, most importantly, having a blast.
At the heart of the action was the Riekes Center, which played host to a multitude of captivating camps. Among them was the Electronic Music Camp, where aspiring young musicians delved into the world of digital sound creation, composition, and performance. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, these campers explored the realms of electronic music, honing their skills and expanding their creative horizons.
Meanwhile, at the Intermediate Rock Camp, budding rock stars embraced their inner musicians, learning to jam with fellow campers and discovering the magic of playing in a band. The Riekes Center also offered an Intro to Photo Camp, where campers got behind the lens, capturing captivating moments and developing their photography skills. Additionally, the Mixed Media Art Camp fostered creativity through a fusion of various artistic mediums, encouraging campers to experiment and express themselves.
Notably, the Youth Film Camp at the Riekes Center allowed aspiring filmmakers to delve into the world of cinema, learning the art of storytelling through visual mediums. Through hands-on experiences and guidance from industry professionals, these young filmmakers crafted their stories, honed their camera skills, and discovered the magic of bringing their visions to life on the big screen.
Expanding beyond the walls of the Riekes Center, another standout program was AFCANA (Athletic Fitness, Creative Arts, and Nature Awareness) camp. Held at Filoli Gardens and the Riekes Center, AFCANA camp offered a well-rounded experience that combined physical fitness, artistic expression, and a deep appreciation for nature. Campers engaged in various sports and fitness activities, honed their creative skills through artistic endeavors, and explored the natural beauty surrounding them.
For nature enthusiasts, the Nature Adventure Camp at Filoli and Stevens Creek provided an immersive experience in the great outdoors. Campers embarked on exciting nature explorations, learning about local ecosystems, flora, and fauna. The Nature Ramblers Camp, also held at Filoli and Stevens Creek, allowed young adventurers to embark on guided hikes, sharpening their observational skills and deepening their connection with the natural world.
For those seeking an extra dose of adventure, the Bushcraft Camp at Huddart Park provided campers with invaluable survival skills. Campers learned the art of utilizing tools, natural materials, and knowledge to thrive in the woods—a true immersion into the fundamentals of bushcraft. Similarly, the Nature Ninjas Camp at Huddart Park encouraged stealth and agility as campers honed their outdoor skills through nature-inspired games and challenges.
At Stevens Creek, young adventurers put their survival instincts to the test in the aptly named Survival Skills Camp. Through hands-on activities and expert guidance, campers acquired essential survival skills such as fire-making, navigation, and wilderness first aid. Additionally, campers had the opportunity to channel their inner heroes in the LARPing Camp, where they embarked on epic quests and participated in live-action role-playing games.
Lastly, the Ancient Skills Camp transported campers back in time as they explored the traditions and techniques of ancient civilizations. From primitive tools to traditional crafts, campers delved into the knowledge and wisdom of our ancestors, gaining a deeper appreciation for the foundations of human ingenuity.
June came to a close, the summer camps left a lasting impact on all participants. The combination of fun-filled activities, educational experiences, and personal growth opportunities made these camps an unforgettable summer experience. We are excited to continue the journey of learning, growth and overall fun in the months to come!
Riekes Edge Online
Did you move in the last few years but wish you could still work out at the Riekes Center? Well, now you can! Our Riekes Online platform, Riekes Edge Online, offers you access to our innovative programming wherever you are! Whether you’ve moved away, are off to college, or are on a long vacation, Riekes Edge Online offers you the convenience of a customized fitness plan, access to one of our amazing Riekes coaches, and 1-on-1 virtual training wherever you are in the world. Contact coach Juan Pablo to learn more:
Eagle Scout Helps Rebuild our Storm-Damaged Fence
We are proud to recognize the efforts of Eagle scout, Kai Shahani, who recently fixed our storm-damaged fence in the backyard. We are grateful for his commitment to excellence and his contribution to our organization. Thank you, Kai!
Introducing Riekes Nature Fitness
Wild Hearts: Bringing Young Adults Together with Riekes Nature
Right now, our young people are feeling more stressed and anxious than ever. The world can feel pretty overwhelming, but being part of a community can help. We're here to light a fire within them - to help them find their purpose, walk with resilience and love, and rise up together.
Wild Hearts is a community of teens, young adults, and parents who are all about living and leading with love. We guide them in finding their authentic selves, building confidence, and having honest conversations. We call it Fire Talk, and it's all about giving young people the essential life skills they need to make choices that truly serve them.
With Wild Hearts, they'll learn to:
Speak their truth with confidence
Set healthy boundaries
Take care of themselves
Be leaders in their own lives
Express themselves authentically
Stand up for justice and integrity
Build healthy relationships
Explore their identity
Take appropriate risks
Spend quality time with friends in nature
Honor their bodies and natural cycles
Connect with the earth
And when they graduate from Wild Hearts, they'll do it with a secure sense of self, knowing they're worthy of love and respect. Our mission is to connect young people with their inner nature, the natural world, and the nature of life - and to build a world where we're all devoted allies to each other and to the earth. So let's gather 'round this fire and be in this together!
Hosted around a campfire on the second Saturday of every month! Located in Felton, CA.
To learn more visit: https://www.riekes.org/wild-hearts-nature-program
Riekes Nature Homeschool 2023-2024: Registration Opening on June 5th
The Riekes Center Nature Department has been providing high quality nature immersion and education for the past 20 years. All of our Youth Nature Programs bring students outside to form deep connections to the natural world through learning and through immersive experience. Our learning focuses on a diverse range of topics including: learning about the natural history of local ecosystems, how to identify and use native medicinal and edible plants, wildlife tracking, bird language, ancient living and survival skills, developing sensory awareness, homesteading skills, rural skills, and learning to be comfortable being fully immersed in nature.
Creating deep connections to nature is the cornerstone of our department. We nurture these connections while helping students achieve personal goals in this environment. Whether it is learning to identify 20 species of birds by song, how to track coyotes, or how to build a debris shelter, each student follows their own passion in nature. Our instructors mentor students through the art of questioning and share their own individual expertise and passions in natural history subjects. Our curriculum draws upon the core routines of nature awareness as detailed in the book Coyote’s Guide by author Jon Young, one of our department’s founders. Richard Louv, author of the landmark book Last Child in the Woods, describes these mentoring techniques as “good medicine for nature deficit disorder.”
We have homeschool nature programs for youth 3-17 in Woodside, Cupertino, Santa Cruz, and Pebble Beach.
To learn more visit: https://www.riekes.org/homeschool-programs