final report summer internship 2016

Nature Nuts Internship- Final Report

Central Washington UniversityCOM 490 Internship: Final Report

By: Ishanti Sanders

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Table of Contents

The Organization..................................................................................................................2

My work at Nature Nuts.......................................................................................................3

Planning................................................................................................................................4

Research................................................................................................................................5

Design and Promotion.........................................................................................................6

Evaluation of Results...........................................................................................................7

General Reactions................................................................................................................8

References.............................................................................................................................9

Appendix A............................................................................................................................9

Appendix B..........................................................................................................................12

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The Organization

Nature Nuts Outdoor Preschool is a 501(c)(3) non-profit focused on “Reconnecting kids with nature” (naturenuts.org 2014). My client and founder of Nature Nuts is Brenda Running. Brenda teaches children about survival skills, sustainability, knowledge about plants and more. Nature Nuts strive to

1. Educate children, youth and members of the public about the natural environment and to expose the same demographic to nature and the wild, as well as provide ways for them to experience it.

2. Teach the same demographic and public the importance of protecting the environment and natural resources.

Nature Nuts not only aims to educate children, but the community as well through other programs. One program being the Family Nature Club. This program was led by Brenda Running who would guide families on monthly nature hikes from January to August. Another way Nature Nuts integrates adults into their non-profit is a program called Corks and Canvas. The corks in the title is referring to wine. Guests gets to drink wine while enjoying a painting class.

Aside from the more leisurely programs, Nature Nuts offers outdoor preschool during the school year. In the summer, Nature Nuts offers week long summer camp. Every week there is a new batch of kids. This program is similar to outdoor preschool but it is condensed into one week.

More About Brenda Running, Founder of Nature Nuts

Meet Brenda Running. She wears many hats. She is the founder of Nature Nuts, is the lead certified instructor and is a Master Naturalist. Mrs. Running is apart of the Washington Native Plant Society as a Native Plant Steward. She has had various training one being from the Art of Mentoring Children in Nature at Wilderness Awareness School. To create opportunity for everyone Running’s background involves working with children with special needs. Running is Wilderness First Aid certified and is on the Board of Directors of the American Forest Kindergarten Association (naturenuts.org 2014).

Figure 1: Brenda Running, Nature Nuts Founder and Certified Forest Teacher

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My work at Nature Nuts A lot of work has been done since I started Nature Nuts in winter quarter. All of the objectives have now been met. There were some objectives that were not finished in either winter or spring quarter, but I am happy to report that they are all done now. This work has involved creating promotional content, conducting research, updating social media, increasing followers/likes on social media, and manage/create written texts. My current objectives are to plan or promote an event, improve media relations skills and create an infographic based on Facebook analytics. It has been a pleasure working with Brenda Running and I am excited to share the information I’ve collected with you.

Planning As soon as I heard that Brenda was going to have a family hike program for half the year, I knew families would want to know everything. To ensure most questions would be answered, I created a digital flyer in InDesign. In Figure 2 you will see that the flyer had all the basic information regarding what exactly the program entails and how long it would be going on.

Figure 2: Family Nature Club Hike announcement I made and shared on Facebook and Instagram

Planning for the Family Nature Hikes every month was a team effort. Brenda would choose the location of the hike and then would give me this information. Next, I would research some basic information about the location and created an event page for every hike with frequent updates.

On September 16, 2016 Nature Nuts will have a fundraiser. I have had multiple meetings with Brenda discussing the logistics of this event. Mrs. Running wants to have to fundraiser to create scholarships for children and to support the buildings of the program. I’ve created an order of events so you could see what the fundraiser will look like.

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Order of Events Guests arrive at Cedar River Education Center, North

Bend at 6:00 pm or earlier and Check-In. Silent Action will start and be ongoing throughout event. Adults will go from station to station and will play nature

games. A light buffet of food will be provided. Brenda will say her “Thank you” to her guests and will

plug Snoqualmie Brewery. Silent Action will close at 7:00 pm. Remaining time people will eat and converse until event is

over and guests will have to option to come to Snoqualmie Brewery.

Nature is a simple and clean non profit and Brenda wanted that to reflect in her fundraiser. This is why this event will be unique to many. This fundraiser reflects the program the children are in. The adults that come to this event will play nature games at various stations while enjoying food, wine or beer.

ResearchAt the beginning of this internship I researched programs similar to Nature Nuts so I could see what works well for competitors. I found that Little Sparrows at Greenplay Cooperative is Nature Nuts number one competitor. This program is located in Maple Valley and is similar to Nature Nuts as far as the programs offered. Little Sparrows has a sharp website too(greenplaycooperative.org).

With Maple Valley being a small town, reviews make a big impact here. I’ve proposed to Brenda that she should create a testimonial section on her website. Since then, there are three testimonials on naturenuts.org. I collected feedback from families during summer camp. Refer to Appendix A to see the research I received.

Facebook is Nature Nuts number one social media. I wanted to use Facebook’s insights so that I could see the impact I have had on this company since January. In Figure 3, you will see an infographic based on Facebook’s analytics. This infographic covers the demographics, number of likes, how well the posts did, and how my #NatureNutOfTheDay campaign did. Refer to Appendix B for a closer look.

Figure 3: Infographic of Nature Nuts Facebook insights

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In Winter, Brenda started a newsletter for families to stay up to date on the current news about Nature Nuts. This newsletter went through multiple edits I conducted until it was ready to send to all the families.

Before creating a sponsor letter for the fundraiser in September, I researched what other sponsor letters look like. Refer to Appendix A to see how the template sponsor letter turned out. I also tinkered with the mission statement and made it concise and clear. The revised mission statement was used in the first paragraph of this document. To get this result, I researched other mission statements to evaluate how companies made their statements concise.

Design and PromotionOne-week long summer camp means new and old families and nature nuts. I wanted to make sure every family could see their nature nut on Facebook and Instagram. I decided to create a post card size social media plug in “Canva” (Figure 4). Every week I or Brenda would pass out these flyers to families. I also passed out these flyers in hope of increasing Nature Nuts followers/likes.

Figure 4: Social media plug to Facebook and Instagram card.

#NatureNutOfTheDay CampaignAt the beginning of this quarter I wanted to create a different way to gain more likes on Facebook instead of just verbally asking for likes. I came up with something called “Nature Nut Of The Day”. Originally, Brenda and I were going to choose one student to be the “Nature Nut Of The Day”. Since summer camp class sizes are so small (12 nuts per class), Brenda thought most of the children would feel left out. For this reason, I created 12 different #NatureNutsOfTheDay posts for every child, every week. Figure 5 shows a happy nature nut.

Although this campaign ended up being a little more work then I expected, it was fun. A student was chosen to be Nature Nut of the day if they did something unique that day. Like being a risk-taker, adventurous, or even getting some dirt on themselves. It was better to make a post for every

Figure 5: One of my #NatureNutOfTheDay posts

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child every week because the page received more followers and likes. I achieved my purpose of this campaign which was to build awareness and increase web traffic and reactions.

Instagram

Figure 6: Example of an Instagram post

Instagram is a website where you really want to see a variety of pictures so I just tried to keep things different. For example, I would promote Family Nature Club but would also feature a child enjoying summer camp. Instagram was great for posting nature photos with inspirational quotes as well. In Figure 6 you will see a Nature Nut having fun with fall leaves!

Evaluation of ResultsAccomplished and Completed Tasks

Revised the Mission statement Edited Newsletter Researched Nature Nuts’ competition Created promotional announcement of Family Nature Club in January Created Instagram and Facebook posts Created a social media plug for Instagram and Facebook using Canva Created/planned/promoted Facebook events of family hikes (Family Nature Club) Created a “Save the Date” flyer for the fundraiser in September using Canva Discussed logistics and had various meetings about fundraiser Created a sponsor letter template Collect infographic research Created Infographic Increased number of likes on Facebook Obtained research/feedback about program from families

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Unfinished Tasks

There was one small part of my internship that did not get done. All of the objectives were met, but one thing in particular could have been better. Although I did improve my media relation skills by managing written works, I was not able to create a press release for the fundraiser. Since the fundraiser is in mid September Brenda would need a press release then not now. Also I needed Brenda to get back to me with the revised sponsor letter so that I could reach out to a series of sponsors. After this is when I would have been able to write the press release. This is understandable because there was a huge list of tasks to complete for the fundraiser and between summer camp and summer activities the fundraiser is moving at a medium speed. I am happy I was able to provide a document for the fundraiser regardless.

Positive Aspects

Working with Nature Nuts has given me a lot of positive experiences some being: The success of this business is reliant on the community of Maple Valley. I could tell

that word of mouth was a powerful tool in this internship. At my time with Nature Nuts, I can see the change in children’s education and

imagination. Adults love to get in on the fun too! Planning and going on a Family Nature Club

opened my eyes to the family, and ultimately the community’s relationship with Nature Nuts and the trust Brenda has built.

Families seem to love the small class sizes Nature Nuts has to offer and are willing to work with children with special needs. The inclusion is amazing!

Negative Aspects

Although this internship was in no way horrendous the negative aspects include: I learned that is better to start planning a fundraiser earlier then you think. I loved

planning the fundraiser with Brenda but I think we could have gotten more planning done if we started earlier.

I would recommend Brenda and her employee’s Colton Running and Zoe Running have weekly meetings so that their communication gets better. I’ve noticed that Colton communicates differently then Brenda, which has caused frustration in the past.

If possible Brenda should try to communicate with her community on Facebook as soon as possible. Since the community is such a key part to Nature Nuts, responding to them quickly with strengthen and grow her audience.

Last aspect was that I was not able to write a press release. (Honestly, its okay I had plenty of work and can work on a press releases later).

General Reactions My general reactions to this internship are great! I am happy that Brenda was my client and was willing to work with me. I am proud of the work that I have done. My favorite piece of work I’ve created was the infographic. I love that it’s whimsical and informational. My favorite part of this internship was working with the children. To see the pure joy on

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their faces. They are the reason why Brenda started this program in the first place. I am humbled to have been a part of this program and hope that my client is happy with the work that I’ve done. In Figure 7, you will see a photo of nature nuts from week one of summer camp.

Figure 7: Photo of the first week of Nature Nut Summer Camp

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References

https://www.facebook.com/naturenutsmaplevalley/

http://www.greenplaycooperative.org/forest-school/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BCglupmRkjq/?taken-by=naturenuts

http://www.naturenuts.org

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http://www.naturenuts.org/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BCglupmRkjq/?taken-by=naturenuts

http://www.greenplaycooperative.org/forest-school/

https://www.facebook.com/naturenutsmaplevalley/


Appendix A

Sponsor Letter Template I created:ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITY

Dear Future Partner,

Nature 4 all and and Nature Nuts Forest School invite you to participate Nature Nuts Fundraiser held September (date), as a sponsor. Nature Nuts is a outdoor forest school located in Maple Valley Wash. Our mission is to (insert revised mission statement).

We are reaching out to you for donations for our fundraiser to support our mission, provide scholarships for children who can’t afford to attend our school. Your money will also go to structures we need to operate our school like our club house and teepee. (May need more information on club house and teepee so that they understand how those structures are related, Sponsors may want to what club house and teepee are used for)

By sponsoring our Nature Nuts fundraiser, you will (talk about how we would advertise them during fundraiser and what they receive in return)

Thank you for your time. Please consider supporting us by donating today.

Best Wishes,

Brenda Running (206) 271-8899Certified Forest Kindergarten Teacher25306 SE 184th St. Maple Valley, WA 98038

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Nature Nuts Feedback Comments from Families and Guardians We can keep the names anonymous if needed when posted on the website etc.**Paraphrased feedback** Question 1: Why do you like NN?Question two 2: Have you seen a change in your child for the better?

Olive’s mom: I enjoy that they get to go outside. After one year of class my child is more confident and doesn’t not rely on her sister as much to talk for her. I love the staff. Nature Nuts gets my kids energy out. My child learned about edible and inedible plants.

Anonymous: Outdoor atmosphere, they get to run around. NN exposes my children to more. There’s less screen time and more outside time. He more creative and I’ve seen tremendous change.

Debbie Ducks mom: She learns several life skills amazing educationNature Nut Duck: “I like to explore and learn more”

Carly Hanks mom: He can get dirty. He knows a lot about plants. He’d rather be outside rather than inside. He’s more creative. NN is a wonderful program.

Chris Aiden’s dad: He get to be outside and make friends. On family hikes he can name edible plants and name birds. Milo’s Mom: My son is on the spectrum so it’s a goof environment. I like the class size and the time spent out side because if he was at home he’d be playing electronics.

Joel Sayers dad: He more interested in nature and knows more about edible plants and animals.

Aiden’s mom: All outdoors not trapped in a classroom. He can identify plants. He’s learned how to be responsible for his belongings.

Rocks mom: Outside creative helps to think critically. My child gets to enjoy fresh air and build trust with adults. We love Nature Nuts!

Malachi’s mom: He gets to run off a ton of energy. He is calmer at night and has been proud to teach what he knows.

Jacksons mother: My two-year-old son is more talkative!

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Appendix B

Weekly JournalsWeek 1 Jun. 20, -Jun. 25

Created a SWOT analysis with client Brenda Running and discussed objectives and goals.

Discussed social media campaign #NatureNutsOfTheDay Launched #NatureNutsOfTheDay campaign with Friday June 24 continues for weeks.

Had meeting about fundraiser and what it would entail Week 2 Jun. 27, -Jul. 2

Celebrated and promoted National Mud Day Used Canva to create FB and Instagram plug (We passed these cards out to families

every week) Had a brainstorming meeting about sponsors to reach out to for fundraiser #NatureNutOfTheDay campaign continues.

Week 3 Jul. 3- Jul. 9 Gathered feedback on nature nuts from families Created a Pinterest board for fundraiser food ideas Created Sponsor letter template #NatureNutOfTheDay campaign continues.

Week 4 Jul. 10- Jul. 16 Had a logistic meeting about the fundraiser

o Talked about budget, food, venue, fundraiser goal, and order of events Created “Save the Date” invitation for fundraiser #NatureNutOfTheDay campaign continues.

Week 5 Jul. 17 -Jul. 23 Gathered feedback on nature nuts from families #NatureNutOfTheDay campaign continues.

Week 6 Jul. 24-Jul. 30 Typed up all the feedback collected. Last #NatureNutOfTheDay post are done.

Week 7 Jul. 31-Aug. 6 Gathered feedback on nature nuts from families. Gathered research from Facebook analytics.

Week 8 Aug. 7- Aug. 13 Created Infographic based on Facebook analytics Outlined final report

Week 9 Aug. 14- Aug. 22Report and all materials due turned in by this week.

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Link to my

Facebook Infographic

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Nature Nuts Internship- Final Report 15

https://magic.piktochart.com/editor/piktochart/15460711

final report summer internship 2016

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