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Nutrition

Adequate nutrition is essential to attaining optimal spiritual, emotional, and physical strength. Hypocrites wrote, “Let your food be your medicine, and your medicine, your food.” The attributes that each “pure” food has to offer, coupled with the understanding of the potential harmful effects of ingesting genetically modified foods, and foods that are laden with artificial additives, pesticides, hydrogenated fats, artificial colors, and highly processed ingredients, are discussed.

Gardening

Our industrialized society conditions us to be so impressed by advances in technology. Well, consider the fact that from tiny seeds, such large plants grow that produce the vegetables and fruits that help to sustain our existence. The importance of farming and growing our food organically has been neglected. As a result, wellness is compromised. Therefore, the positive consequences of eating fresh foods are presented. Local seasonal crops are discussed and farms visited. A vegetable garden is planted and cared for. Composting is also presented as a means of naturally adding essential nutrients to the soil that are transferred to the foods we consume.

Healthy Food Preparation

Methods to enhance nutrition and flavor are presented. Participants engage in food preparation activities designed to be nutritious, efficient, and flavor enhancing. The importance of spices and herbs are presented in the context of modern day information that has its roots in the ancient wisdom of the Ayurvedic, Chinese, and Native American cultures. Also, the children are treated to several lunches with “Mamma D’Amico” and “Mamma Ruggieri,” two Italian women who practice the art of fine, natural, old world cooking. The children will help make dishes such as lasagna and rice balls. What delicious fun!!!

Artistic Activities

Art is a marvelous way for self-expression and discovery. Benefits also include reduced tension, and improved self-esteem and confidence. Artistic activities include sand art, drawing and painting, clay molding, and jewelry making. Children are taught how to write basic words in Chinese calligraphy.

Spirituality

Spirituality is independent of all religious affiliations. Spirituality transcends the boundaries that different religions create. Spirituality’s primary focus is on the relationship that each individual has with the Creator. The emphasis is on exploring how each person practices spirituality, rather than suggesting a “right” or “wrong” path. Religion is usually passed down from generation to generation often without much thought or question. However, a greater number of people today have realized that taking positions of “right” and “wrong” can lead to prejudice, discrimination, and elitism. Therefore, it is imperative that there is dialogue about what is common among all religions. The saying, “Truth is one, paths are many” best describes the essence of Spirituality.

Sand Play

Through the use of Jungian Sand Play, children engage in creating their own “scripts” which often reflect inner tensions. Through play, dramas are enacted that help children to express inner tensions that they may not be able to verbalize. This activity can provide emotional relief. A positive memory can replace inner tension.

Daily Trips

Trips are an integral part of the Discovery Summer Program. They present opportunities to learn by watching, listening, and doing. Trips to farms, hiking trails, a glassmaker, a woodcrafter, a culinary demonstration, a Dutch mill, a cruise of the majestic Hudson River, museums, aquarium and a music-recording studio are some of the trips that are educational and fun. Trips to the beach, arcades and amusement parks are also included.

Daily Group Discussions

Communication is the process of exchanging information so that mutual understanding can take place. Dr. Vincent D’Amico, a clinical psychologist, facilitates group discussion. There is an open agenda where thoughts, feelings, concerns, hopes, dreams, wishes, and desires can be expressed and explored. There is opportunity for participants to provide feedback to and learn from each other in a loving, caring and supportive atmosphere. In essence, the group reflects the higher aspects of humanity: kindness, compassion, patience, support, generosity, and wisdom. Such an environment is conducive to learning about oneself, about others, and about the power within the spirit of cooperation.

If interested, or, if there are questions, contact Dr. Vincent D’Amico at (845) 353-2229.

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