Virtual Summit — Caretakers of Wonder Toolkit

Caretakers of Wonder Virtual Summit
July 17–18, 2024, 10 am–1:30 pm (CST)

Attend a free, online event featuring experts in climate education, early childhood psychology, museum leadership, and equity. It’s a chance to learn about how museums can help foster resilient, caring, and hopeful young children in the age of climate change. You can attend as many—or few—sessions as you like.

You’ll want to attend if you and your organization...

Are a museum or other cultural institution
Work with children eight and under
Are concerned about climate change and want to work more sustainably
Like to meet a challenge with hope and joy
Are wondering where to start...

Register for the Virtual Summit

Summit Schedule

July 17–18, 2024, 10 am–1:30 pm (CST)

Day 1 Welcome

Wednesday, July 17, 10–10:10 am (CST)

Project Overview

Wednesday, July 17, 10:10–10:20 am (CST)

Go Green and Prosper: Climate Action in Museums

Wednesday, July 17, 10:20–11:10 am (CST)

Children’s museums have been at the forefront of climate action in the museum sector. Learn about how your organization can join this movement from Paul Fenton of the Discovery Museum, Jen Krester of The Wild Center, and Stephanie Aubert of Louisiana Children's Museum. Moderated by Sarah Sutton and Stephanie Shapiro of Environment & Culture Partners.

Climate Change & Children’s Health

Wednesday, July 17, 11:20 am–12:10 pm (CST)

Children are uniquely vulnerable to climate change and are disproportionately affected by its impacts due to a variety of physical, cognitive, behavioral, and social factors. Dr. Jonathan Patz of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and climate psychologist Jessica Kleczka will discuss ways that museums can help foster resilient children. Moderated by Brenda Baker of Madison Children’s Museum.

Climate Change & Equity

Wednesday, July 17, 12:30–1:20 pm (CST)

The intersection of climate change and equity is deeply complex. This session will outline some of the inherent tensions, explore how museums can engage with the issues, and highlight potential solutions. Jenni Martin of CCLI and the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose and Tifferney White of the Louisiana Children’s Museum will examine issues of access and inclusion related to climate change. Moderated by Katie Slivovsky and Jenni Martin of Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose.

Day 2 Welcome

Thursday, July 18, 10–10:10 am (CST)

Project Overview

Thursday, July 18, 10:10–10:20 am (CST)

Climate Leadership

Thursday, July 18, 10:20–11:10 am (CST)

Whatever your chosen climate path, getting the board, staff, and community to share your vision is critical. Stephanie Ratcliffe of The Wild Center, Sunny Spicer from the Children’s Museum of Southern Oregon, and Joe Cox of the Museum of Discovery and Science share their successes. Moderated by Neil Gordon.

Climate Action Playbook & Toolkit

Thursday July 18, 11:20 am–12:10 pm (CST)

Hear about the Climate Action Playbook, our innovative developmental framework that gives museums new tools to support children from birth to 8 (and their families) as they grow up in a warming world. The playbook is currently in development. Speakers include Natalie Bortoli and Peter Williams of the Chicago Children’s Museum, Nadia Niggli and Amanda Strobel of Madison Children’s Museum, and David Sobel, Professor Emeritus of Antioch University New England. Moderated by Andy Stoiber of the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Starting Where You Are

Thursday, July 18, 12:30–1:20 pm (CST)

Learn practical steps to building sustainability initiatives at your organization. Erik Smith of the National Children’s Museum, Keni Sturgeon of the Association of Children’s Museums, and Jamie Bonnett of KidsQuest Children's Museum share tips and insights so you can get started wherever you are. Moderated by Blake Wigdahl of Process Curiosity.