Coming Together, Like Bees Among Flowers

We invited Nedith Farias, Concentric Coordinator, to reflect on this year's Concentric Picnic.

"The Concentric Picnic has been one of my favorite events at Treetops. This year’s picnic theme reflects the heart of what we do: like bees gathering among flowers, we come together as immigrants, refugees, and Americans to build friendships, celebrate and share our cultures, learn from one another, and support each other. Every person brings something unique, and together we create a welcoming community where everyone can grow, connect, and belong.

This was my third picnic, and every year I love seeing the cross-cultural connections that happen between everyone involved — staff, volunteers, leaders, members, cross-cultural partners, and guests.

One of my favorite moments was seeing each leader share a cultural song and watching everyone enjoy the music, the movements, and the stories behind them. People joined in, learned new dance moves, and celebrated together. Seeing members enjoying food and having fun playing games together were also meaningful moments that truly show what makes Treetops so special.

These experiences remind us that we don’t need to speak the same language to connect with each other. We can share who we are, learn from one another, and create meaningful relationships through simple and beautiful moments. Every person brings something unique, and when we make space for everyone to share their culture and their story, we create a community where everyone feels welcomed and supported, and has a sense of belonging. The Picnic is always a reminder of how diverse and beautiful our community is, and how powerful it is when we come together with openness, curiosity, and joy."

Nedith Farias, 

Treetops Collective Concentric Coordinator