It will soon be spring and Dani’s Dreams Outdoor Education Center needs you! The annual Dani’s Dreams Earth Day Dedication Event will be earlier this year ON APRIL 9 to promote the community’s Kids Against Hunger campaign. Packing days for meals to be sent to hungry children will be April 8 and 9 at Zion Lutheran Church and School.

In addition April 9 demonstrations, crafts and a Community Planting Day will highlight Dani’s Dreams Earth Day Dedication Events. Scouts, community and congregation groups and individuals can sign up to be a part of caring for the Dani’s Dreams Community Garden. The harvests from the garden will be donated to local food banks or shelters. Come join the fun, crafts, demonstrations and learning and volunteer time to pack meals to feed hungry children – every little bit makes a big difference!

Any business who would like to sponsor an outdoor craft or demonstration April 9 contact Donna Griffin at dgriffins@netzero.com or Principal Kristie Sombke at Zion Lutheran School (317) 861-4210.

Don’t forget to join Dani’s Dreams Team — donate $25 or more and receive a free T-shirt!

Dani’s Dreams Outdoor Education Center Mission:

The mission of Dani’s Dreams is to encourage and support teachers in the use of creativity in and outside the classroom and to foster an interest and awareness in science, the environment and discovery with projects designed to develop children’s appreciation, responsibility and concern for the natural world and God’s creatures.

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Southern Hancock children and adults joined Dani’s Dreams Team in the effort to “Go Green” during the center’s Earth Day Dedication Event 12-2 p.m. April 24,2010 at Zion Lutheran School, New Palestine.

Local Junior Girl Scouts opened the event with a flag ceremony, pledge and “ The Star Spangled Banner.”

Children then took off on an information scavenger hunt throughout the center, gathering answers to questions about butterflies, bird, trees, archeology and native plants. Those who completed the hunt received a free T-shirt.

All those attending signed a “Go Green” contract pledging to do their part to help save energy and the environment. Community members, Jane Pollock from Hancock County Master Gardeners and Randy Caster of Hillcrest Tree Farm were on hand to answer questions and distribute information. Caster also provided free tree seedlings.

Zion Youth Groups provided nourishment with a free will fundraising dinner.

Zion PTL is sponsoring a sale of memorial bricks for the Dani’s Dreams walking path entrance. Costs are $35 and $60 to leave a lasting impression in this growing educational center. Proceeds will go toward installing a water source for the center. For more information, contact Zion Lutheran School, 861-4210 or email dgriffins@netzero.com.