Dani's Dreams Memorial Walk/Run, Donations and Fundraising, Earth Day Dedication Event, Special Events

Dani Griffin Innovation in Education Memorial Scholarship

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The Dani’s Dreams Innovation in Education Memorial Fund Committee of Zion Lutheran School in New Palestine announces its annual college scholarship.

The Dani Griffin Innovation in Education Scholarship will award a $500 one-year scholarship to a high school senior with a 3.0 grade point average or above who attended Zion Lutheran School (in any grade, preschool through eighth) or is a confirmed Zion Lutheran Church member or is a Southern Hancock resident and plans to attend a university and major in education or the sciences.

Deadline is April 13, 2012. The winner will be announced at the Dani’s Dreams Outdoor Education Center Earth Day Dedication Event May 5 at Zion Lutheran School. All applicants are invited to attend. The winner will also be recognized at the Dani’s Dreams Memorial Walk/Run Aug. 4.

Please contact Committee Chairperson Donna Griffin at 640-4430 or email dgriffins@netzero.com for more information. Forms can be downloaded below.

Applications are also available in area high school guidance offices, at Zion Lutheran School or can be obtained by emailing dgriffins@netzero.com.

scholarship app

Donations and Fundraising, Special Events

Dani’s Dreams – Indiana’s Outstanding Outdoor Lab of the Year Winner

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Thanks to all students, teachers, parents, Scout and everyone in the community who has had a hand in keeping Dani’s Dreams alive! The best is yet to come – be a part of it! Here is the official news release from Donna Rogler, Project Learning Tree Coordinator, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry:

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Dani’s Dreams Outdoor Education Center in New Palestine, Indiana at Zion Lutheran School has been awarded the Outstanding Outdoor Lab of the Year for 2011 by the Indiana Tree Farm Committee.
There are numerous opportunities for hands-on exploration, engaging learning and community service through a visit and participation in the activities of Dani’s Dreams Outdoor Education Center. Features of the outdoor lab include: the Discovery Center containing a weather station, experiment tables, shelter with tables for classroom observation, recording and discussion; a tree seedling nursery; a butterfly garden/wildflower area; an archaeological dig area; bird feeders and houses; Indiana native plants and a vegetable garden.
The Dani Griffin Innovation in Education Memorial Fund at Zion Lutheran School began in fall 2007 in celebration of 150 years of Christian education in Hancock County and in response to a need for hands-on science experiences for the 100-plus preschool through eighth grade students at Zion. Currently, the center is free and also open to all area schools and community groups.
For thirty-four years, the Indiana Tree Farm Committee has selected an outdoor lab from throughout the state to be recognized as outstanding. The criteria used by the judges to bestow this award included: having a well-balanced program that goes beyond simple awareness and identification and including consideration of soils, water, wildlife, energy and, of course, forestry, and how these resources can be managed for production, recreation, aesthetics and other benefits. The facility should be used in many different subject areas and at many different grade levels.

Zion Lutheran School will receive two solid walnut plaques, a $500.00 check from the Indiana Hardwood Lumberman’s Association (IHLA) and a letter of appreciation from Senator Richard Lugar. The first plaque will be engraved with the name of the school and the second plaque is reserved for the person who has been most responsible for guiding the outdoor lab’s development. The State award will be presented at the annual IHLA convention in February.
For more information on this, please contact Donna Rogler, Project Learning Tree Coordinator, Indiana DNR Division of Forestry, Natural Resources Education Center, 5785 Glenn Road, Indianapolis, IN, 46216 317-549-0354, drogler@dnr.in.gov

Donations and Fundraising, Go Green Discovery Center, Teacher Resources

Hancock County Students and Teachers: Think Outside the Classroom!

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Construction of the Go Green Discovery Center at Dani’s Dreams Outdoor Education Center will begin in spring 2012. But before then, area students have a chance to make a difference in a variety of ways:
• Design The Facility: High School students can submit architectural/design plans to dgriffins@netzero.com or mail to: 6513 W. 300S, New Palestine, IN 46163.
Here are the specifications:
Go Green Center Specifications
The entries will be judged by local professionals and Dani’s Dreams Committee members. Deadline is March 1. The winner will be announced in March and will have recognition in news releases and publicity for the Go Green Center and with a plaque in the facility to be unveiled at the dedication August 4, 2012.

•Be a Dani’s Dreams Ambassador: High school students/cadet teachers:
Volunteer as a tour guide or visit classrooms and create and conduct classroom presentations.

• Hancock County teachers can sign up their students as reporters and anchors for Dani’s Dreams TV, conducting research and compiling multimedia reports on environmental issues answering the questions “What Can I Do?” “How is It Made?” and “How Does It Work?”. The reports will be shown on a solar-powered TV in the Discovery Center and on this website.

•Be a designer/graphic artist: Every aspect of the Outdoor Education Center will be explained inside and outside with signs explaining the irrigation system, solar and wind power, identifying plants and trees.
Inside the Go Green Center will be interactive solar and wind energy experiments – powered by solar/wind energy and rotating exhibits on seed growth (germination), farming, ecology, water conservation, soil erosion and photosynthesis explanation and displays written and designed by Hancock County journalism/desktop publishing students.

EMAIL Dani’s Dreams Outdoor Education Center Director Donna Griffin at dgriffins@netzero.com or call her at 317-640-4430 for more information or to schedule a presentation to your school district, Chamber of Commerce or organization.

The Go Green Discovery Center is a 2011 Recipient of a Community Development Grant from the Hancock County Community Foundation and is also sponsored by the Hancock County Soil and Water Conservation District.

Donations and Fundraising, Go Green Discovery Center

Hancock County Community Foundation Grant gives Dani’s Dreams Outdoor Education Center a ‘Go Green’ light

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Alyse Vail, program director of the Hancock County Community Foundation presents Donna Griffin, director of Dani’s Dreams Outdoor Education with the check that will start construction of a Go Green Discovery Center focusing on alternative energy and conservation education. Dani Griffin Innovation in Education Committee Members and Zion Lutheran Church and School officials were on hand for the presenation. Pictured are: (from left) Zion Lutheran School Principal Kristie Sombke, David R. Griffin, Dave Griffin, Courtney Sloan, Debi Adam, Darcy Finchum, Alyse Vail, Katie Morris, Don Adam, Dawn Morris, Donna Griffin, Pat Adam, Donnie Adam, Kelsey Pope, Pastor Jason Taylor, Diana Pope, Debbie Dirr.
Dani’s Dreams of a Go Green Discovery Center for environmental education in Hancock County will take root with a $4,500 grant from the Hancock County Community Foundation awarded Nov. 12 at Dani’s Dreams Outdoor Education Center at Zion Lutheran School in New Palestine. The grant will start construction of the Go Green Center that will focus on environmental education for grades preschool through 8 in Hancock County – with a community garden, interactive exhibits and experiments in solar and wind energy. The building will also be powered by alternative energy sources.
The mission of the Go Green Discovery Center will be to empower students and involve them in both teaching and learning to develop knowledge of and responsibility for the world surrounding them.
Teachers, students, Scouts and community groups are encouraged to become a part of the center’s planning and operation. Architectural/CAD students throughout Hancock County can submit designs for the facility to be constructed this spring. The winning design will have credit in the dedication plaque. Teachers can also sign up to be eligible for a $200 Go Green Grant. More information on both contests can be obtained on Dani’s Dreams website, http://www.danisdreamsoutdooredcenter.wordpress.com or by emailing dgriffins@netzero.com.
You can also take a break from leftovers and turkey after Thanksgiving and have dinner at McDonald’s on U.S. 52 in New Palestine Nov. 28, 5-8 p.m. Dani’s Dreams committee members will be at the restaurant that night with free tree cookie nametags for children and information on the outdoor education center’s programs. Teachers and youth group leaders will be able to sign up for the Go Green Grant contest.
Community support will be needed for the center’s continued development. Dani’s Dreams is the only outdoor education center in Hancock County – if you would like to be involved through financial support or volunteering, email dgriffins@netzero.com or call 317-640-4430.

Special Events

Ready…Set…Go! Children’s Museum Gets Families Active Together

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Dani’s Dreams brought the Children’s Museum to the Southern Hancock area Oct. 19 at Zion Lutheran School’s gymnasium. The School Outreach for all Hancock County K-5th grade students featured the museum’s Fit Bodies, Healthy Minds program that gave families a number of activities to learn and interact together. Museum educators facilitated presentations and provided supplies and information.
Dani’s Dreams Outdoor Education hosts community activities and events to encourage exploration and education about our environment. Construction will begin in the spring for the latest addition to Dani’s Dreams – the Go Green Discovery Center, sponsored by the Hancock County Community Foundation, featuring exhibits and activities on alternative energy, recycling, conservation and environmental education.
You can support Dani’s Dreams by eating at McDonald’s in New Palestine, Monday, Nov. 28, 5-8 p.m. Special activities and information are planned. Check this website for more information.

Teacher Resources

Hancock County Teachers: Get A Chance For A Go Green Grant

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NEWS FLASH!!!! All Hancock County teachers who complete the Dani’s Dreams Teacher Needs Survey by Dec. 15, 2011 will be registered for a $200 Go Green Grant. Design a science classroom project that can be connected to one or more of the learning centers at Dani’s Dreams Outdoor Education Center and Dani’s Dreams will fund the supplies and equipment and pay for transportation to conduct the project at Dani’s Dreams. The winner must be from a school in Hancock County and will be announced in January 2012. The winning project will also be featured in the new Go Green Discovery Center sponsored by the Hancock County Community Foundation opening in August 2012. To register for the contest, please provide your contact information at the bottom of the survey.
Check out the teacher resources page on this site for lesson plans and the home page for upcoming events at Dani’s Dreams or email dgriffins@netzero.com for more information.

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Children’s Museum Comes To Town Oct. 19

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Fit Minds, Healthy Bodies will be the order of the day when the Children’s Museum comes to the Southern Hancock area. Dani’s Dreams Outdoor Education Center will host a School Outreach for all Hancock County K-5th grade students Oct. 19, 6-8 p.m. at Zion Lutheran School, 6513 W. 300 S., New Palestine.
The focus of the event is for families to learn and interact together. Museum educators will facilitate presentations and provide activity supplies.
The event will include presentations on:
Portion Distortion
Did you know that two tablespoons of peanut butter are about the size of a ping pong ball and that one pancake should be the size of a CD? Families will create their idea of serving sizes using play dough, and then compare them to actual healthy serving sizes using everyday objects.
Sugar Shock!
Learn about the sugar content that is contained in the drinks that your family might consume on a regular basis. Are you making healthy drink choices? Play a matching game to test your knowledge, and then practice measuring sugar amounts and learning more about the drinks that you consume.
Feel the Beat
Keep your heart healthy and strong! Families will enjoy learning about the heart using scientific models. Learn ways to take your pulse and explore active and resting heart rates and then graph them on a chart.
What’s Bugging You?
Good nutrition and lots of active play builds strong bodies. However, germs can make even a healthy body sick. Work together as a family to learn how easily germs are picked up and the importance of proper hand washing by using germ models and a black light box.
Health Around the Clock
Healthy habits are important 24 hours a day — especially while you sleep. Take your time at this station to explore sleep habits and learn about your ‘stop’ and ‘go’ times for adults and children. Quiz one another about who is getting enough sleep in your family and make clocks to take home as reminders.
Color Me Healthy
Take the pyramid challenge with your family. Take a look at the food pyramid posters and talk about foods that you like to eat that are in each category. Create magnetic art as a reminder to eat healthy every day!
Investigation and Recreation
Explore health related books and write down some delicious healthy recipes to try at home.
Active Play Every Day
Did you know that kids need 60 minutes of physical activity every day? Make it fun for the whole family by participating in our active play stations: jump ropes, hopscotch and hula hoops!
For more information on the Oct. 19 event, log onto: http://www.danisdreamsoutdooredcenter.wordpress.com, call Zion Lutheran School, 861-4210 or email: dgriffins@netzero.com.

Dani's Dreams Memorial Walk/Run

Take a Look; We’re Only Beginning

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PHOTOS BY ELYSE SOMBKE
Nearly 100 runners/walkers of all ages took to the course and track for environmental education in Hancock County at the Fourth Annual Dani’s Dreams Memorial Walk/Run Aug. 6 at New Palestine High School. A Fitness Festival was also held that same day at Zion Lutheran Church and School in New Palestine.
The events benefit Dani’s Dreams Outdoor Education Center at Zion Lutheran School, 6513 W. 300S, New Palestine and its plans to construct a Go Green Discovery Center that will focus on environmental education for grades preschool through 8 in Hancock County – with a community garden, interactive exhibits and experiments in solar and wind energy. The building will also be powered by alternative energy sources.
T-shirt and poster design and essay contest winners were recognized: First place: Emily Kleiman, second place Katie Gunn and third place Kara Teipen. Essay Contest winners are Anna Caster and Sam Spears. The 2011 scholarship winner, Stephanie Prince also attended the event.
The men’s race winner for the fourth year is NPHS junior Michael Morris; women’s winner is Lindsay Grant.

Dani's Dreams Memorial Walk/Run, Donations and Fundraising

You Did It!!!

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Cousins Ava, Gannon, Grady and Gage Grant, Noah Finchum and Emily Adam celebrate crossing the finish line at Dani's Dreams Walk/Run Aug. 6.
Thanks to everyone who participated in Dani’s Dreams Fourth Annual Walk/Run Aug. 6 at New Palestine High School and the Fitness Festival at Zion Lutheran Church and School. Your support and participation in all the Dani’s Dreams events throughout the last four years means so much to all of Dani’s family and has truly made a difference in realizing the dream of an Outdoor Education Center to bring innovation to education and give kids a place they can enjoy and celebrate God’s wonderful creation.
Watch for more great things to come as we work toward our Go Green Discovery Center that will grow Dani’s Dreams Outdoor Education Center and expand its reach throughout Hancock County.
Check out more pics to come soon!

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Dani’s Dreams Crop Report – Girl Scouts Get Green Thumbs!

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By Abby Hayes
Girl Scout Troop 1170 started a garden along with three other gardens at Dani’s Dreams. We planted green beans and cucumbers. We did it for the outdoor community garden project. When the vegetables are ripe and delicious they will be used or donated for a community event. If you want to do a garden at Dani’s Dreams next year be prepared so you can plant a spot of delicious plants yourself.

Change the World – Join Dani's Dreams Team!