The Girls Club of Greenfield has rebranded as The Learning Knoll to better align with its offerings while incorporating each of its locations and identities in Greenfield and Shelburne Falls.

The Learning Knoll, which also operates The Valley Play School on Water Street in Shelburne Falls and Camp Lion Knoll on Oak Hill Road in Greenfield, unveiled its new name in a Facebook post in June. The Learning Knoll is a private nonprofit that offers programming and day care services for children starting at 8 months old.

Executive Director Steven Rickman said the Shelburne Falls location has about 20 children enrolled; the Pierce Street location in Greenfield, meanwhile, has between 50 and 60 children. Camp Lion Knoll also has between 50 and 60 children enrolled.

“We wanted people to know we’re not just one location; we have multiple locations,” Rickman explained. “We wanted our name to reflect what we do and where we are.”

The names of the three locations haven’t aligned with their offerings. Boys are welcome to participate at The Girls Club of Greenfield on Pierce Street, for example, and the Valley Play School is more focused on education than playing. The organization did, however, want to incorporate Camp Lion Knoll without changing its name.

“We have been The Girls Club of Greenfield for a very long time, and that name was perfect for what our mission used to be,” the Facebook post announcing the change reads. “Nowadays we offer early education to a wide range of children in this beautiful area.”

Rickman said the new name was selected in part through a community survey.

“We will have celebrations throughout the year to announce our name change,” he said, “and for people to come in and see our programs.”

Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne.

]]>