May 3, 2024
After several consecutive weekends of downpour in March, we had some sunshine during our 3rd annual Earth Day celebration at Elysian Park, where 84 family and student participants from two LA schools joined us for a day of outdoor play and fun.
The day began with a land acknowledgement to Gabrieliño Tongva. Participants then joined together for various activities, including a scavenger hunt guided by ICO leader Shawn, a drum circle led by a member of the Tongva community, parachute games organized by ICO leader Dorothy, and nature drawing sessions led by a high school volunteer from San Gabriel High’s Kare Bear Service Club.
Throughout the day, kids could be kids and adults could embrace their inner child. During a session of the parachute game, one parent laughed and said, “My inner child is healing right now.” One child encapsulated our collective vibe of the celebration in their nature journal: “I like hanging out with my community. I enjoyed lunch and seeing so much greenery.”
With permission from the attendees, here are more photos we’re sharing from the event.
Throughout the day, kids could be kids and adults could embrace their inner child. During a session of the parachute game, one parent laughed and said, “My inner child is healing right now.” One child encapsulated our collective vibe of the celebration in their nature journal: “I like hanging out with my community. I enjoyed lunch and seeing so much greenery.”
With permission from the attendees, here are more photos we’re sharing from the event.
Note: To uphold the privacy of the Tongva member who joined us during this event, we will respect her request to omit her name as well as photographs of the opening ceremony and drum circle.