The Weinstein JCC Preschool will welcome educators, parents, and community members for a two-day Nature Play Symposium on April 26–27, exploring the power of nature-based learning through both an educational and Jewish values lens.

At the heart of the symposium is a timeless idea deeply rooted in Jewish tradition: a responsibility to care for and learn from the natural world. Concepts such as bal tashchit (the prohibition against waste), shomrei adamah (guardians of the earth), and b’tzelem Elohim (recognizing the divine in every individual) all point to a holistic approach to nurturing children—one that honors both human development and environmental stewardship.

The symposium will feature nationally recognized educator and author Monica Wiedel-Lubinski, M.Ed., a leader in the nature-based education movement. With nearly three decades of experience, she is the founding director of the Association for Nature-Based Education (ANBE) and has helped establish forest and nature preschools across the country.

The first event, a community-wide workshop titled Playing Outside the Box: The Power of Nature-Based Learning, will take place on Sunday, April 26 from 3 - 5 p.m. Designed for educators, parents, and caregivers, the session offers an engaging introduction to how outdoor play supports the whole child—physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively.

Wiedel-Lubinski will begin with a keynote presentation highlighting research-based benefits of nature play, including its role in fostering curiosity, resilience, creativity, and confidence. Participants will then move into hands-on activity stations, experiencing firsthand how meaningful learning can emerge through simple interactions with the natural world—whether through exploring soil, observing plants, or engaging in imaginative outdoor play.

This approach to learning aligns closely with Jewish educational values that emphasize experiential learning, inquiry, and connection to the world around us. Just as Jewish tradition encourages asking questions and engaging deeply with our surroundings, nature-based learning invites children to explore, problem-solve, and discover meaning through lived experience.

The symposium continues on Monday, April 27, with a full-day professional development workshop from 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m., designed for early childhood educators. Wiedel-Lubinski will be joined by Jim McCullough of Adventure Walkers and Ashlee Mast of Dogwood Nature School to lead Hands-on Learning for Early Childhood Professionals: Nature-Based Play.

This immersive session will equip educators with practical tools to bring nature-based learning into their classrooms. Participants will explore topics such as “risky play,” documentation of learning, and how to design outdoor experiences aligned with the Virginia Early Learning and Development Standards (VA ELDS). The day will include collaborative learning, reflection, and opportunities to connect with fellow educators committed to innovative, child-centered approaches.

Together, the two-day symposium reflects the Weinstein JCC Preschool’s commitment to nurturing the whole child while grounding learning in both contemporary research and enduring Jewish values. By fostering a deep connection to nature, the program encourages children to grow not only as learners, but as thoughtful, responsible members of their community and stewards of the world around them.

Registration is open to both JCC members and the broader community. The April 26 workshop is $25 for JCC members and $50 for non-members. The April 27 professional development session is $125.

For more information, to register, or to view full event details, visit weinsteinjcc.org or contact Tarneshia Evans, Early Childhood Director of Education at the Weinstein JCC Preschool, at tevans@weinsteinjcc.org or 804-545-8616.

Save the Date: 27th Annual Weinstein JCC Golf Tournament

The Weinstein JCC will also host its 27th Annual Golf Tournament on Monday, May 4, at Richmond Country Club.

This longstanding community tradition brings together members, supporters, and local businesses for a day of friendly competition and philanthropy. Proceeds from the tournament directly support the JCC’s wide range of programs and services, including cultural arts, early childhood education, wellness initiatives, and inclusive community offerings for all ages.

Sponsorships, foursomes, and single golfer spots are available for purchase—all in support of a great cause. Golfers of all skill levels are invited to participate, whether for the competition, the camaraderie, or the opportunity to give back.

For more information, sponsorship details, or to register, visit weinsteinjcc.org or contact Dana Zedd, Donor Relations & Grants Manager, at dzedd@weinsteinjcc.org.