School's out for summer: Sov's highlights from 2024-25 classroom partnerships

Each year, our classroom partnerships bring FMR youth program staff directly into schools across the Twin Cities, helping young people connect with the river, the natural world and their own sense of curiosity and care. This work is led by Youth Program Manager Sovatha Oum.

Sov brings decades of experience in outdoor education and youth mentorship — and a deep, personal commitment to environmental justice. He has a rare gift for connecting with young people of all ages and helping them feel seen, valued and empowered. Whether guiding a quiet moment of wilderness meditation or teaching about how erosion has sculpted the landscape, the goal is to create inclusive, joyful spaces where students can build confidence and deepen their connection to the natural world. 

This year, we reached schools across the Twin Cities. We also focused on building deeper relationships with three schools in particular in Minneapolis and St. Paul, where repeated visits totalled more than 75 hours. That consistency made a real difference, and the river became a catalyst for curiosity, healing and belonging. 

We asked Sov to share some of his favorite stories from FMR's time with those schools. 

Five questions for FMR Youth Program Manager Sovatha Oum

What was new or different this school year for FMR's education program?

This academic year has been a good year for re-establishing and strengthening partnerships. For example, FMR used to work with Dowling Elementary School for one-and-done programming activities. But this year, we established repeated, monthly programming with two third-grade classes. Due to the popularity of our curriculum and experiential learning approach, the school has asked us to expand our programming to three third-grade classes next year.

What kinds of lessons did you get to do with students in classrooms and outdoors this year?

I had the opportunity to deliver many experiential learning lessons this year with students, including things like nature journaling, hands-on erosion experiments and stewardship activities. I'll never forget one particular nature hike and wilderness meditation session that I did with Dowling Elementary School students. The teacher and parents on that hike teared up at what they saw on the hilltop that day: The students were calm and in their zones, fully immersed in the experience.

Another fun lesson was my last at Dowling for the year: a Cambodian kite-making activity, something I like to share from my own background. As the students made their kites, they inquired about the history and asked questions about the process. Once the kites were all finished, the students got the chance to fly them on the playground. The sound of laughter, the smiles on their faces, and the cheering from parents and volunteers made their last programming a very special experience for me and all who were involved.

What will stay with you?

One of my favorite memories was seeing students (at all three schools) laughing and having fun being themselves and being with each other while they were outside in nature, even in the winter. 

Well-planned outdoor activities and experiential learning are powerful ways to learn and can be important tools for mental health and well-being. I saw that firsthand this year, as FMR programming provided students with a much-needed reprieve from social isolation and pressure.  

I'm grateful for the opportunity to be a part of all three schools this year, and I'm especially thankful to all the teachers who trusted me and invited me to their classrooms to work with their students.

What are your hopes for the young people you've worked with? What would you write in their yearbooks?

I hope these young people understand that nature is not only a place to enjoy but also a place to heal, physically, emotionally and mentally. They can do that on their own if they want to, beyond our work together.

I would write the following message in their yearbooks: "Life is too short to be inside!"

This year you've also had the opportunity to work closely with Kass, FMR's Climate Impact Corps member, on classroom education. Tell us about their impact.

Having Kass as a member of the Stewardship & Education team has been AMAZING! They bring so much knowledge, both soft and hard skills, that they're a force to be reckoned with. They have contributed so much to the program and were always willing to assist in any way they could — a true team player. 

I have watched them grow in their comfort in front of groups to have fun sharing their passion and expertise with the audience. And they showed consistent dedication to their work. Whether doing research or putting a PowerPoint project together, they always put in their best effort. In addition to their amazing work ethic, they have created a thorough outline of the education program for the next person. Their forward-thinking approach has been invaluable to the team and the program.

Thank you, educators!

We've loved working with so many schools during the 2024-2025 school year. Thanks to Dowling Elementary School, the High School of Recording Arts and Harding High School for partnering with us for ongoing water education.

We help educators and outing leaders connect students or youth groups with the metro Mississippi River. You can find downloadable curriculum as well as an overview of our in-person offerings on our education webpage.