Today we’d like to introduce you to Jay Renfro
Hi Jay, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
As a teacher in the community, I took some of my students on a 5-day camping trip. Spending that time, away from the stress of the school environment connected those students to nature, but also to each other (they are still friends over 10 years later). Demand for the program grew, and it became clear that this was not something only for some students to get to do occasionally. Connection with the outdoors, with peers, and with caring adults is something that all kids need to experience daily. We designed Tennessee Nature Academy for that reason!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting the school was a two-year process. We brought a goat to the school board meeting, which attracted media attention from around the US. The support of the community drove the success of the school during the start-up years!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
School leader; We’ve created a school environment that really preserves the joy and magic of childhood.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
When I got off the bus each afternoon, I would throw my backpack on the front porch and run off into the woods with the other neighborhood children. We roamed, created games, and built forts with no adult supervision!
Pricing:
- Free
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tennesseenatureacademy.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tennesseenatureacademy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TennesseeNatureAcademy
