1st Explorers Update

First Explorers welcome Melanie Stokely to the position of on-site coordinator for this important ministry of our church.  We are so excited that she will be there each day to work with the staff and help plan great enrichment opportunities for the children.  In Melanie’s own words:

My name is Melanie Stokely.  I’m so excited to be working with 1st Explorers After School Ministry!  I have 15 years experience in childhood education, from preschool through middle school.  I’m originally from Greenville, SC.  I moved to the Sylva area in 2013.  I’m looking forward to getting to know the staff, students, and parents.   Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns (828-226-0781).

                                                                    Serving Him, Melanie

Over the last two weeks, the children concentrated on “Gratitude” and “Thanksgiving.”  They created thank-you cards for special people in their lives and learned about thankfulness in chapel each day.  Emily and Mike Taylor helped the 1st Explorers transplant the herbs they had been growing, and the children took them home as gifts for their families.  

Emily McClurefrom NC Cooperative Extension completed the 5-week cooking class for the older children, and they loved making and eating hummus with vegetables as their last activity.  Each participant received a cookbook at the end of the program.  The younger children had fun sponge painting turkey decorations and all the children loved creating an edible cornucopia as a snack one afternoon.

Thank you to all the volunteers who help make 1st Explorers a nurturing and fun place to be!