A year of adventure
With final Forest Days and fourth grade's capstone, kayaking adventure in the books, Lower School Naturalist Teacher Lauren Hagan takes a look back at year of soul-awakening time spent outdoors and in wonder. Continue reading for a glimpse at all the Young Naturalist Program entailed this academic year.
By Lauren Hagen, Lower School Naturalist Teacher
Back
“I feel alive,” exclaimed one kindergarten naturalist shortly after our year's-end creek walk began. As we walked down the stunning Vaughn's Creek in Edwin Warner Park, hearing those three simple words filled me with joy and gratitude, and it occurred to me that the student's exclamation summed up the essence of the Young Naturalist Program. Whether canoeing on Lake Woodhaven, dissecting an owl pellet in the classroom, or running through fields on a Forest Day, over and over again nature invites us to be more present, more curious, more exuberant — essentially, more alive.
The 2021-2022 academic year has been an interesting one for the Young Naturalist Program. Severe weather, COVID-19, and other extenuating circumstances led us to adopt the phrase "Semper Gumby" as a philosophy. The phrase, though seemingly silly, reminds us to embrace the flexibility that is needed when navigating outdoor activities and everyday life. Despite the challenges faced, it has been another successful year for our naturalists.
The 2021-2022 academic year has been an interesting one for the Young Naturalist Program. Severe weather, COVID-19, and other extenuating circumstances led us to adopt the phrase "Semper Gumby" as a philosophy. The phrase, though seemingly silly, reminds us to embrace the flexibility that is needed when navigating outdoor activities and everyday life. Despite the challenges faced, it has been another successful year for our naturalists.
We have traveled to Warner Parks, Radnor Lake, Caney Fork River, Lake Woodhaven, Couchville Lake, Duck River, Owl’s Hill, the wetlands at the River Campus, and the outdoor classroom at 2000 Edgehill. We’ve hiked, climbed, canoed, kayaked, dissected, balanced, studied, explored, floated, laughed, jumped, spun, fallen, and picked ourselves back up again. Every journey we take begins with a brief gratitude practice. This practice is in part because I’m grateful to get to do what I love every day but also due to the immense amount of wonder, joy, and brilliance our naturalists bring to every adventure. This program is extraordinary because our incredible and brave young naturalists make it so.
This year, I was made aware of a beautiful analogy made by Young Naturalist Program Founder & Former Teacher Cynthia Lee: When the students were experiencing nervousness about trying something new during a journey, she used to say, “those butterflies you feel inside are your soul waking up.” Circling back to the wise words of our kindergarten creek walker, as our souls awakened this year, we did feel very much alive.
And, USN's incredible transportation team deserves a huge shout out. Bus drivers greeted every student with a smile and navigated the many obstacles of driving on Nashville's roads with ease. They are ever kind and helpful when we have schedule changes. The Young Naturalist Program would not be possible without them, and we are truly grateful. Amy Rivera, Eric Smith, Angie Moore, Begashaw Asfaw, and Mike Turnage, our Tiger hats are tipped off to you.
And, USN's incredible transportation team deserves a huge shout out. Bus drivers greeted every student with a smile and navigated the many obstacles of driving on Nashville's roads with ease. They are ever kind and helpful when we have schedule changes. The Young Naturalist Program would not be possible without them, and we are truly grateful. Amy Rivera, Eric Smith, Angie Moore, Begashaw Asfaw, and Mike Turnage, our Tiger hats are tipped off to you.
More USN News
List of 3 news stories.
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USN graduates 98 plus 1 during Commencement
Seniors turned their tassels and graduated from University School of Nashville on Sunday, May 17, on the Back Lawn. Visit usn.org/classof2026 for more highlights from their last year on Edgehill and to learn what they will do next.Read More -
Spring sports season ends with podium finishes, trophies
The girls lacrosse team ended its season in overtime to become state runner-up. Tennis players Carter Kojetin '29 finished as a state quarterfinalist, Sophie Oliver '26 and Mary Kate Adler '28 finished as state semifinalists, and Veer Kodali '29 and Max Parker '29 finished as state champions. Meanwhile, eight runners competed at the state track and field meet in Knoxville, where Griffin Davidson '27, Caleb Freifeld '28, Drew Zwerner '28, and Jack Fruin '27, sprinted to first in the 4x800m relay and Jack also placed first in the 800m dash.Read More -
USN creates the Juliet Douglas Endowed Fund for Student Success
For the entire USN community: an invitation to give in gratitude, in celebration, and in honor of the woman who has given so much to our school. Make a gift at usn.org/giving to support students with needs beyond tuition and honor Interim Director Juliet Douglas.Read More
Contact
Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
USN Mission:
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.