The Schadler Family

For the Schadler family, the Bayou Town journey has been a life journey of learning and growing with the Lord, Jesus Christ. In 1990, with a history of experience in the arts, the Lord directed the Schadlers to begin producing educational productions, books, and products for children and families that would be fun, character-building, tools. They have produced programs for groups like The Friends of the Gulf Coast, The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, and the Mississippi Urban Forest Council. They have two published BAYOU TOWN books and a cassette with Pelican Publishing, Co., Gretna, Louisiana.

Their stories and puppet productions liken to a traveling classroom using songs, activities, and humor to help students learn important issues about faith, family, and good stewardship. They have performed for many thousands of children throughout the south, including Vacation Bible Schools, Conservation Field Days, elementary schools, public library Summer Reading programs, conferences, workshops, conventions, and special events.

Currently, the Schadlers are producing and performing a production they have written for the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality entitled, "WATERSHED HARMONY". (Please see the Watershed Harmony page.) This production is being performed throughout the state of Mississippi for the purpose of teaching students about water quality. To learn more about these programs and products, please read our BAYOU TOWN News or visit our GENERAL STORE.

Cherie Schader is author of a series of published children's books centered around a small town called BAYOU TOWN. Bayou Town provides the opportunity for helping children to grow in personal relationship skills and personal resourcefulness. Children of grades pre-school through grade 6 learn important skills about homesteading, which includes: small animal husbandry, gardening, preserving food, cooking, sewing, outdoor skills, craftsmanship, and a variety of skills needed for small farming. These opportunities give children the wonderful opportunity to build confidence and character.

BAYOU TOWN Productions is located in the heart of Kiln, Mississippi, on 7 acres of a pine and hardwood forest. On the Bayou Town homestead, school groups, homeschool groups, church youth groups, and youth clubs such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Boys and Girls Clubs experience the environment first hand through the outdoor classroom, which includes 5 acres of nature trails and camping area. Children ages 9 to 17 have the opportunity to experience the subject matter on-site through personal experience of environmental science (tree, plant, and animal identification and study), natural resource conservation, camping and outdoor skills, and homesteading skills. This resource camp is non-profit and is primarily funded through the Schadler family and donations of time and materials through private citizens, civic groups, and state and federal agencies.