Tompkins Bank Donation to Aid Outdoor Education

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust

Tompkins VIST Bank in Boyertown has contributed $5000 to the Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust to expand outdoor classroom through PA DCED’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC).

The COVID-19 global pandemic has wreaked havoc on all of our lives, but perhaps most profoundly, our children’s education. Kids are stuck at home, isolated from friends and their ‘normal’ daily routines.  

Addressing this seemingly impossible crisis – the Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust, with the generous support of key businesses like Tompkins VIST Bank, is joining a national movement to respond and offer an antidote: outdoor classrooms. 

Together with strong, established allies who bring more than 155 years of experience to outdoor recreation and education, equity and service to underserved and disadvantaged students, the Colebrookdale Railroad is expanding their core curriculum and educational outreach to meet the needs of the community. 

Contributions like this from Tompkins VIST Bank will enable the CRPT to respond more quickly to preparing and building out the site to serve more children at this hour of need.

“I am so proud to be a member of the VIST team that is so supportive of our community. This was very important to me as I love the town and the people. We are so pleased to support the [Trust] and the Boyertown School students from where my children and grandchildren have graduated,” said Lori Carnes, Assistant Vice President, Boyertown Branch Manager, Tompkins VIST Bank.

The Children’s Education Grove will be accessible by rail bikes – allowing teachers, parents, and students to safely distance even when traveling to the outdoor classroom space. “Rails of Revolution” is the state-aligned and approved curriculum addressing core standards in history, math, science, engineering, technology, arts, culture, literature, and languages.

The following conditions are threatened by COVID-19 and can be addressed by using outdoor spaces:

• Equity. This health crisis is exacerbating existing inequalities across America. There are vast disparities in students’ access to online learning, adequate food, stable housing, medical care, and access to nature.
• Learning. Despite best efforts by school districts to provide distance learning, students are experiencing significant academic disruptions and loss.
• Mental Health. This crisis is causing substantial adverse experiences for children and adults. Students will return to school with a mental health burden caused by social isolation, uncertainty, trauma, and stress.
• Physical Health. Most children and youth are spending their time indoors on electronic devices. It is likely that many will return to school at a reduced fitness level. Some may also have suffered from COVID-19.
• Economic Health. Our country’s economic strength and security are threatened when much of the workforce stays home and businesses close. Many school and childcare programs that allow parents to return to work are closed.
• Education Workforce. The non-formal education sector is facing large scale job loss. If these skilled, professional outdoor educators, naturalists, and museum staff leave the field, schools will lose vital academic program partners.”