Shady Creek Outdoor School

10/29/2024

-This Friday and Saturday-Come on out and support some past Shady Creek students!

One of the highlights of this experience has been hearing the musical journeys of each of these incredible artists. It’s inspiring to hear that for some of them, part of that journey started when they were in the 5th/6th grade and performing at Shady Creek Skit Night. This Friday and Saturday it is an honor to be their percussionist as they take their next musical steps in their career.

COME OUT AND SEE IT FOR YOURSELF! It’s going to be an amazing show! BOOMSHAKALAKA!!

10/09/2024

Shady Creek and the Case of the Disposable Camera:

Today, as afternoon classes wrapped up, I was approached by a student with a big problem. Speaking in broken but clear English, she explained that her disposable camera, a treasured gift for her week at camp, was broken. With a hopeful smile, she looked at me and said, “Sweaty Yeti, you can fix this.” The optimism in her eyes was contagious, making me feel like I could tackle anything. What I didn’t know at the time was that the camera had already been tampered with—an old roll of film had been swapped in, and it wasn’t compatible with the camera. Every staff member had tried and failed to repair it, but the way she believed in me made me give it my all. Unfortunately, there was no way to fix it. But her desire to capture camp memories and the effort her family made to send her with this nostalgic camera was inspiring.

This moment brought back a flood of memories from the 80s and 90s when disposable cameras were a staple of every adventure. I’m so inspired by this student’s faith in my abilities and the timeless charm of film photography that I’m determined to make sure she doesn’t miss out on this experience. Tomorrow, I’ll be buying my first disposable camera in over a decade—just so she can capture her camp week and create memories that will last a lifetime. Moments like these remind me how much I love my job.

Tuesday’s can be hard….. Well, truthfully -- EVERYDAY has it’s challenges. This busted camera reminded me that sometimes even if somethings broken, there can still be a solution out there….. You just got to think outside the box and get creative. Hopefully this brought a smile to someone’s day, the way it did mine.

Love you all!

09/07/2024

Dream Team in Sweatbands

With sweatbands high and hearts on fire,
They bring the energy, the spark, the desire.
In every laugh, in every cheer,
Their passion shines so loud and clear.

Wild and free, they take the lead,
With joy and strength in every deed.
Through every joke, through every shout,
They show what Shady Creek’s about.

A team so strong, with bonds that last,
Their spirit echoes from the past.
They wear their love, they wear their pride,
With every step, they stand side by side.

In every grin, in every call,
They lift each other, they give it their all.
Together they face each test and demand,
Side by side, in BOOMSHAKALAKA land!

This is MY Dream Team…….. Let’s Go! - Sweaty Yeti

06/04/2024

Our first annual, Shady Creek Concert in the Park was a HUGE success! Hundreds of people from our community attended, with families of all ages and sizes coming together to enjoy a fantastic day filled with fun and joy. A big thank you goes out to Sutter Health for making all of this possible with their generous support. Their contribution ensured that we could bring this amazing event to life for our community.

We are also deeply grateful to our amazing volunteers, student scholarship sponsors, the Yuba City Fire Department, Feather River Academy, and the Sutter County Superintendent of Schools for their unwavering support. A special thank you to Rhododendron and Beverly for their generous silent auction donations, which added an extra layer of excitement to the event. And let's not forget Intellectual Decay for rocking out and keeping the energy high!

Last but certainly not least, a heartfelt thank you to the incredible Shady Creek Team for bringing games, birds, reptiles, arts and crafts, and a ton of fun to the event. Your dedication and enthusiasm brought the true Shady Creek Magic to life, making this event unforgettable for everyone involved. Congratulations to Lincrest Elementary School, the winners of our grand prize: a Shady Creek concert for their entire school next year! We're already looking forward to it. This event truly showcased the spirit of our community and our commitment to bringing joy to kids.

BOOMSHAKALAKA!!

06/02/2024

The Shady Creek staff is ready for YOU starting at 2:00 at 1895 Lassen, Yuba City
BOOMSHAKALAKA!

06/01/2024

Christopher Little, director of Shady Creek Outdoor School and Event Center, can often be heard using the term “boomshakalaka” amongst students and others that visit the longtime educational getaway.

05/29/2024

Shady Creek’s “Concert in the Park” is only a few days away!! This morning I had a blast hanging out with Kristi Johnson and my new best friend, Fish!
See you all on Sunday!

05/28/2024

“You’re the best around, nothings gonna ever keep you down!”

Congratulations Bethany “Echo” Thomas and Michael “Rhododendron” Shanahan for this incredible achievement! Your leadership, dedication, passion and vision for this program is as REAL as it gets….. for that I will be forever grateful. You deserve this and so much more! BOOMSHAKALAKA!

05/20/2024

Less than 2 weeks away from the big day!! Spread the word….. it’s the perfect way for the family to jump into Summer. I promise to post an update this week with who has reached out to help make this day the best EVER!

It’s not too late if you want to hop in on the sponsor train…. Monetary donations towards Student scholarships, volunteer opportunities, vendors and so much more! If you have already reached out, get ready….. more info coming this week!

05/06/2024

Looking for some fun this summer??? Come join the summer team in the kitchen!

05/06/2024

We have had some many people reach out to support our event….. it’s amazing! Alright here’s some structure/framework for what we’re looking for-

Volunteers - Let me know your name and we’ll put you in our list! We have many ways to help at the event, we need you!

Silent Auction Items - Let us know what you’d like to donate and we’ll put you on the list! We are accepting all kinds of donations for this event.

Vendors and Booths- Let us know what your dream
Is and we’ll set aside space for you.

Monetary donations- All funds received will 100% go directly to student scholarships! Let us know and we’ll make it happen.

Once signed up, your name or business will go on our flyer for the event! BOOMSHAKALAKA!!

Join us for "Concert in the Park" at Feather River Academy with Shady Creek on June 2nd! We’re inviting community members of all ages for a day full of music and fun in the valley. We welcome sponsors to support this community event in any form—whether through donations, volunteering, or contributing items for our silent auction. Every bit of support helps us make this event a success. If you're interested in getting involved, please let us know. We appreciate all forms of support and look forward to sharing a wonderful day with you!

Shady Creek needs your help!!! Spread the word!

We have a dream, to gain at least 30 sponsors to join in and be part of our first ever Shady Creek Concert in the Park!

We are open to all kinds of partnerships and collaborations. Whether it’s a donation, an item for our silent auction, promoting from your business, hosting a booth, your organization’s presence, vending or whatever strikes your passion….. we want you to be a part of this momentous event!

As more join, we will fill in all the space on this promotional announcement. Right now we have three logos represented ……. I can’t wait to add some more.

Message-Call-Email Christopher Little with all questions, comments and sign ups! BOOMSHAKALAKA!

[email protected]
(530)822-2470

05/04/2024

Shady Creek needs your help!!! Spread the word!

We have a dream, to gain at least 30 sponsors to join in and be part of our first ever Shady Creek Concert in the Park!

We are open to all kinds of partnerships and collaborations. Whether it’s a donation, an item for our silent auction, promoting from your business, hosting a booth, your organization’s presence, vending or whatever strikes your passion….. we want you to be a part of this momentous event!

As more join, we will fill in all the space on this promotional announcement. Right now we have three logos represented ……. I can’t wait to add some more.

Message-Call-Email Christopher Little with all questions, comments and sign ups! BOOMSHAKALAKA!

[email protected]
(530)822-2470

04/29/2024

🥁 Drumroll, please... 🥁

**June 2nd marks a special day! Shady Creek Outdoor School is coming to the valley for an unforgettable afternoon!**

This is your perfect kickoff to summer—so make sure to mark your calendars! You won't want to miss this electrifying event.

Please share this post and help spread the magic.

**BOOMSHAKALAKA!**

03/10/2024

There is so much to say…. I’m sure you’ll hear me tell stories of this adventure for decades to come. But as I wrap of this final chapter of Shady Creek’s introduction to the world, I just want to give thanks.

Thank you to everyone who made this possible —

Most of all, and first of all…. Thank you to every student that has ever called Shady Creek their home, school or camp. This is all for you! Every week, every year, students leave Shady Creek with a new found sense of connection to nature, others and self. That type of impact works two ways. We are also left inspired to keep on growing and evolving…… in every way possible.

Thank you to my phenomenal and one of a kind family(that’s all of you!), my dogs, my Shady Creek family(I miss you all and I’m so proud of you), my SCSOS family, whom without there support…. All of this would have just been a dream. Thank you to the Shady Creek community of teachers, administrators and supporters, our local community of North San Juan, the Shady Creek Foundation, my newly found international family at the IOERC and Kathleen Hansen for spoiling us twins rotten!

Thank you to every Director of this historic program. Thank you Jack Murtha, John Hendrickson, George Stratman and Shannon Cueva. It is your leadership, vision and commitment to this program that allows me to stand here today. I am humbled everyday that I get to follow in your footsteps, as we look to the future.

Thank you Jason for coming back to Shady Creek in a way I would have never imagined. This whole experience has been like a fairy tale from the very beginning 19 years ago. I remember our very first moments in outdoor education at Woodleaf…… and now, here we are! The Shady Creek Evaluation Guide will be a game changer for this program and all of OE! I know it, and I am committed to the process. Love you so much!

Last of all, my wife and boys. I miss and love my boys horribly, but the truth is….. they are teenagers! They barely knew I was gone — just playing, thanks boys! Shannon, please forgive me forever for going to Japan without you! Thank you for your unconditional love! Love you most!

That’s all for now….. mostly! Sayōnara

BOOMSHAKALAKAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!

03/09/2024

You got drumming for opening ceremony….. Now it’s time for dancing and drumming for closing ceremony!! This is a group out of Okinawa….. the two ladies closest to the video are a mother and daughter tandem. When the daughter was asked what her most favorite thing was in the whole world….. she instantly replied, her drum! I know how she feels!

03/09/2024

I do believe the snowfall says it all….. It was a week to last a lifetime!! This beautiful gift from above marked the end of an INCREDIBLE conference in Tokyo!

It will take weeks, if not months to unpack the knowledge, content and big crazy ideas gained from this conference! So many new friends and so many new possibilities as we strive to bring Shady Creek to the world and the world to Shady Creek.

But….. the truth be told, I am exhausted!!! Yesterday will go down as the longest Friday of my life. (Time-travel gets a little funky when you cross the international date line.) There will be more photos and video’s later today and tomorrow….. as I plan on wrapping up this chapter of daily updates. Monday we will have a whole new group of kids coming up to Shady Creek and I can’t wait share the magic with them! ありがとう

03/08/2024

BOOMSHAKALAKA!

It’s official…… Leaders in education from around the globe know about the wonder and magic that is……. Shady Creek Outdoor School! There is so much to say, but I will start with……Thursday’s presentation of the Shady Creek Evaluation Guide was a HUGE success!!!

The presentation was truly an approach from two different perspectives, two different professional motives and two different individuals….. kind of.

Where do I start when sharing about all of the hard work Jason has put into this project. It’s constantly evolving! His knowledge and passion for creative solutions and professional learning is something that inspires me daily. Watching him shine amongst his people has been one of my highlights of this experience without a doubt!

For me, my mission has been simple….. Spread the love, passion and feeling of Shady Creek. As per usual, I have the best job in the world! The International Outdoor Education community has embraced our culture, values and vision….. and they want more! It was more than a privilege to speak about the wonders of Shady Creek….. it was a gift of a lifetime! There is SO MUCH on the horizon, so many collaborations…. So many opportunities to grow this amazing program to places we only dare to dream.

Lastly, the evidence of a impactful experience is measurable in many ways. For me — The fact that people from all the world have the word BOOMSHAKALAKA on their lips is enough. The word BOOMSHAKALAKA was foreign to just about all at the start of the week……. And now, it’s a word resonating through these international halls, and soon taken back to all around the globe.

That’s what I’m talking about!

03/06/2024

More fun from our adventure day in Tokyo! Special shout out to Naturalist Bonsai for telling me to go to an art exhibit……. It was sensational!

03/06/2024

Wednesday was excursion day!! First Stop — Yoyogikamizonocho Park and the Meiji Jingu Shrine!

Yoyogi Park is what my soul craves. Tokyo and its surrounding areas are filled with life and buildings as far as the eye can see…… but I miss the forests and nature of Shady Creek. Luckily, this World class park is directly behind the conference center!

The pictures are beautiful, but it really doesnt do the park justice. The feeling of this park is something different. There is a special presence in the air, a sweetness all around…… the feeling of nature and past ancestors working together to make today a true gift. Of all the parks I have been to in my life, Yoyogi is unmatched….. it is my favorite! Enjoy!

03/05/2024

“Take the magic when you go, take the magic…. Let it flow.”

The community that comprises the 10th International Outdoor Education Research Conference is second to none! It will take days to process the incredible presentations, the stimulating conversations and the joy of new friends made. Yesterday, when asked by Professor Shinji Murai how I felt about the conference… I only had one word -

INSPIRED

Tuesday Story Time-

My third session of Tuesday morning took place with Dr. Taito Okamura. The topic of this presentation originally caught my eye months ago when I saw the list of topics being shared — “Perceptions of Japanese Outdoor Leaders toward their Outdoor Spirituality.” This is a sensitive topic in most cultures….. but with the dynamic of connection that embodies Shady Creek, my interest was peaked. The presentation did not disappoint whatsoever! My personal highlight was finding out that the philosophy of Japanese education is the connection within: Environment - Others - Self
That’s identical to the philosophy of Shady Creek!

The main highlight came at the end after the presentation. As I went to shake Dr. Okamura’s hand to share my gratitude, I briefly shared a little bit of my story and took a moment to talk a little bit about Shady Creek. Instantly, Dr. Okamura’s eyes lit up when I spoke about the life and excitement of Shady Creek. As our conversation came to a close I took one last chance to share about the feeling of a week at camp. The feelings, the joy, the kids — and before I could finish my sentence…….Dr. Okamura smiled, shook my hand and said — “You’re school has Magic.”

That’s it right there - MAGIC

Magic in experiencing and connecting with nature. Magic in connecting and making new friends. Magic in celebrating and connecting with ourself. I’ll be taking all of it when I go and I can’t wait to get back and share some more!

BOOMSHAKALAKA!

10/17/2023

The photo says it all….. THANK YOU to everyone who was a part of our Open House yesterday! It was such a gift to see so many people come out from so many communities and have some Shady Creek fun. Overall we counted around 170 guests in attendance….. the plan is to double it for next year!

10/09/2023

*NEW TIME-SAME DAY*

Shady Creek Outdoor School is proud to open our gates for all! This Open House is focused on our Outdoor School…. So get ready for a magical time! Our tours will focus on our facilities and trails that students will encounter in their everyday camp experience. Guided by none other than the Naturalist staff, they will be informative but not too strenuous on the body. Then we will rock on with a one of a kind Shady Creek program! Q&A to follow.

* Ropes Course and Pool will not be open.

10/02/2023

One of my personal favorites from Staff Training! See if you can spot any of the naturalists in the top photo??? Good luck! BOOMSHAKALAKA!

09/28/2023

UPDATE: NEW TIME 1:00-3:30

Please come on out and join us Sunday, October 15th for our Shady Creek Open House!! This event is free to all……..and all are welcome!

1:00-2:00pm - Guided tours of cabins, bathrooms, dining hall and facilities. We will also show off some of our outdoor classrooms, trails and learning spaces.
2:00 3:00pm Shady Creek Magic! Music, animals and skits…… essentially, the full Shady Creek experience in an hour and a half!

Q&A to follow

Bring your own lunch and enjoy!

09/28/2023

This afternoon was SO MAGICAL!! Being surrounded by some of the “original” team members of Shady Creek is a gift. It’s their hard work and dedication that helped build the foundation that we stand on today! Love you Moose, Monsoon and Quail!