Promega also partnered with the organizer of a local learning community to provide a small, safe “pod” in a large unused meeting space on the Madison campus. Camp Ideation allows school-aged children of employees to “attend” their own school district’s virtual learning classes under the supervision of in-person teachers. Students are also provided opportunities for outdoor education, enrichment activities, and programming that supports mindfulness, creativity, and social and emotional well-being.
For production scientist Paula Sequeira, who needs to work on-site in the lab, the learning community has been a lifesaver for her family, as well as a much-needed creative outlet for daughter Giuliana and son Ethan.
“Camp Ideation has lots of cool art supplies that I use to make different crafts,” says Giuliana. “My favorite craft was when we made natural dyes and used them to color cheese cloth.”
“I love our hikes,” says Ethan. “My favorite one is when I found the snapping turtle.”
Paula simply appreciates the continuity and sense of normalcy. “As a household with two working parents, it has allowed us to continue working our regular hours and without much disruption to our schedule.”