After attending a seminar about bringing nature into the library, district media specialist Claudia Burville learned about Elpis Enterprises and their program to teach students how to make a bird feeder right in their own library. On Dec. 12, fourth and fifth grade students at Cedar Creek Elementary School participated in the program thanks to a generous donation from the CCES PTO.
“This is a great opportunity for students to learn a skill and gain some confidence,” Burville said. “Many of them might not have ever had the chance to use a hammer before. To build something from scratch and then to take it home, they're going to get to watch that bird feeder for years and have that confidence that they gained. Plus, it makes a connection with nature.”
Parent volunteers were asked to help with construction of the bird feeders and most were able to build and take home their own bird feeder. The rest of the students in the building will get to build their own bird feeder when Elpis Enterprises returns for two dates in the spring.
View photos from the experience.
View a video of students building the feeders and some of their plans of where to put them.
More about Elpis Enterprises
Elpis Enterprises is a Saint Paul-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides job training, work experience and employment assistance for young people between ages 16 and 23 years of age who are experiencing homelessness. By operating social enterprises, Elpis provides the young people we work with opportunities to gain paid work experiences, while gaining the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to secure job placement with advancement potential and end the cycle of homelessness.