Dear “Tinkerguardians,”
[written in August, 2024]
Dear Tinkergarten Explorers,
I love to write letters, and this letter feels extra special to me, because I am writing it to a very special group of people. I’m writing it to you, to my own three explorers, and to all kids who have helped their parents, grandparents, other special grownups teach Tinkergarten.
Ever since we started Tinkergarten, it has been a team sport. And it has always been kids who’ve added the most magic to the mix. I love hearing stories about how kids give their grown ups ideas, help their grown ups get everything ready and packed, help set things up, and help other kids feel welcome and inspired to play.
You may not know this, but Tinkergarten kids have come up with many of our very best ideas. Did you know that kids helped us write the Come to Tinkergarten song? And many of you have invented new verses and movements, too.
Many of you have been in videos or photos of activities. So many of you have helped with Lantern Walks, Summer Solstices and other special events. By doing these things, you’ve helped show other kids how they can play outside.
Just like in nature, things are always changing. Right now, many kids are heading back to school, and soon summer will end and fall will begin. How we work at Tinkergarten is changing too, and you may hear about that from the Tinkergarten teacher you love.
One thing I’ve learned about change is that you don’t always like all of the parts of it, especially when the thing that changes is something you love. So, there may be some ways that Tinkergarten has to change that you or your grown up don’t like as much as before. I feel that same way, too.
But, I also know that things that you really love and things that you’ve been an important part of stay with you forever. And that is true for Tinkergarten.
You have become a true expert in how to play, learn and explore in nature. Those are superpowers, and you will have them always! You can continue to help and show other kids (and even grown ups) how to play and learn outside, too. Maybe you can show someone how you discover new nature treasures, how you create things with mud or forest putty, or how you are curious and caring about the amazing creatures and plants who share our planet. You can even help just by asking, “Do you want to come out and play?!”
This week, I learned a new word–“Tinkerguardians,” and I thought you’d like it, too. It was invented by a Tinkergarten kid, and it means all of us who love to learn, play and explore outside. We are Tinkerguardians, and I am so happy and thankful to know that we will always have and share our love of outdoor play with each other and with the other people we meet.
Thank you for being a Tinkerguardian, too!
With love,
Meghan
Click here or on the image below to download a copy of this letter.
