Blue Mountain School Fundraiser
For over four decades, Blue Mountain School has served the Floyd, Virginia community through holistic education that nurtures students’ minds, hearts, creativity, physicality, and spirituality. Established 43 years ago, Blue Mountain School is a nonprofit Contemplative Progressive educational community dedicated to developing well-rounded global citizens. More recently, the school has received national attention as a leader in outdoor education, with a curriculum that focuses on using outdoor experience as a major source of classwork and learning.
This includes the completion of Outdoor Learning Labs for every classroom at the school, where children can work outside, sheltered from the elements, but still able to utilize the fundamental principles and benefits of outdoor education programming. Blue Mountain is on the last, but possibly most important, leg of the Outdoor Learning Lab project, which is the completion of the Lab for the youngest classroom, the Early Childhood Education class, known as the Amethysts.
Blue Mountain serves children from preschool to middle school, offering a range of programs, including immersive forest experiences and vibrant summer camps, all designed to foster comprehensive growth in young learners. Fundraising efforts are now underway to facilitate the completion of the Amethyst Outdoor Learning Lab.
Why Outdoor Education?
Research by the National Institute of Health has demonstrated the numerous benefits of outdoor learning for students. It enhances academic performance, with studies showing that students who learn outdoors outperform their indoor-learning counterparts on standardized tests. Outdoor learning stimulates creativity, as students encounter novel and challenging environments, promoting critical thinking and creative problem-solving. Furthermore, it improves physical health, providing opportunities for exercise and fresh air, which contribute to overall well-being.
Additionally, outdoor learning fosters environmental awareness, helping students develop a profound understanding of the natural
world and its significance, ultimately encouraging its protection.
The Importance of Education Alternatives in the New River Valley
Blue Mountain School is unique in its approach, with dedication to a mission that education extends beyond traditional academics. The Contemplative Progressive philosophy emphasizes not only intellectual growth but also emotional, physical, and spiritual development. This approach ensures that BMS students become well-rounded individuals equipped with critical thinking skills, creativity, and a deep sense of empathy and community responsibility.
Within the local community, the Blue Mountain School presence is felt by continuously providing opportunities for reflection, growth, and community service. The service-learning component of the program further instills a sense of responsibility and community care within our students, with past initiatives including food drives, clothing and coat drives, and volunteering at local organizations such as Plenty! and the Humane Society.
How to Get Involved
Blue Mountain School is actively raising funds to complete the Amethyst Outdoor Learning Lab, as well as continuing to grow the Early Childhood Education program and expand the Outdoor Education and Forest School programs that have made it a national destination for parents looking for holistic outdoor based learning.
Community donations are vital in facilitating these initiatives and ensuring the school’s continued success. Contributions help maintain infrastructure, provide tuition assistance, and support the dedicated educators who make Blue Mountain School a nurturing and dynamic learning environment.
As a nonprofit organization, every contribution BMS receives plays a crucial role in sustaining our mission of providing comprehensive and progressive education to students. GiveLocalNRV 2024 presents an ideal opportunity for individuals to seamlessly support Blue Mountain School through convenient and secure online donations.
Supporting Blue Mountain School during GiveLocalNRV is easy and impactful. Donors can make secure online donations with a minimum contribution of $5. The annual giving day event takes place from June 26 at 12 PM to June 27 at 12 PM, with early giving starting on June 1.
Join us in supporting Blue Mountain School and contributing to a stronger, more vibrant community. Your donation, no matter the size, will make a difference.
Donate to Blue Mountain School through GiveLocalNRV and help build a brighter future for our children and community.
Visit https://www.givelocalnrv.org/organization/Blue-Mountain-School-Inc today!
