When thinking about my daughter’s transition to Aurora, I knew that I wanted to volunteer in ways that would allow me to participate with the community, witness my daughter’s environment, and, generally speaking, contribute to the positive energy at the school. However, volunteering during the day presented challenges due to my schedule; I would not be able to commit a consistent block of time each week.

Fortunately, there are many ways to volunteer at Aurora! This year, I jumped at the opportunity to participate on the Tinker Faire planning committee. I craved an experience that would allow me to engage with the community at Aurora in a way that would have a lasting impact. Tinker Faire intrigued me because of my prior experience working with an art gallery in Los Angeles, which programmed daylong events. I grew excited to bring that experience to the Aurora’s Tinker Faire.

Despite the challenges that come with planning any inaugural event, the Aurora community embraced the challenge and made our aspirations a reality. I was blown away by the range of talent and interest of Aurora parents – they led activities in everything from rope making, sun prints, and LED experiments to crafting junk art and Gak balls. The parents’ passion became contagious as the kids darted between activities, consuming the experience.

Volunteering at Aurora provides many returns. It has allowed me to meet other parents and enjoy witnessing the way the Tinker Faire unlocked the passion of the parents and kids in our community. When parents volunteer, our time and effort supports the learning and inclusive sanctuary that the teachers, staff and others at Aurora work so hard to provide for our kids.