“Our son, has been attending Roots for several years and its impact on his development is apparent. At 4 years old he demonstrates effective skills in cooperating with others, exploring and understanding connections in the natural world, and taking care of his needs in all seasons and types of weather. Perhaps, the best indicator of the effectiveness of the Roots program is his attitude. He is already asking when he gets to start the next season of Roots and if he had it his way, he would go to Roots every day. Roots curriculum and its incredible instructors provide him with an outstanding developmental experience.”  – Gary Thompson, Leadership Coordinator, U of I College of Natural Sciences, parent of alumni students