WAYNESBORO- The Institute is offering a series of six outdoor adventure programs in June and July. Designed for kids in grades K to 5, EXPLORE! programs will run on six consecutive Thursdays: June 22, 29, and July 6, 13 and 20, from 10–11:30 a.m. at Pine Hill Recreation Area in Waynesboro, Pa.
All program activities are outside, and each week features a different theme.
Taught by Institute educators, the 90-minute programs include educational activities related to the season and theme. Students may attend any or all sessions.
The programs are:
June 22
Log Sweet Log
Students will get “up close with nature” as they explore life on, in, and under logs in the forest at Pine Hill. Magnifiers, hands, and cameras can all be used in this exploration of how this “forest trash” is really a forest treasure. Participants will be investigating what makes fallen trees so important to so many forms of life in the forest, including living trees and soon-to-be trees—seeds!
June 29
Fairy Houses
Kids will listen to an enchanting story book and then take a hike in the woods, collecting treasures from nature along the way—leaves, rocks, sticks, vines and more—to build a fairy house in the woods. Fairy houses can be created in any season and in any outdoor setting.
July 6
Fluttering Butterflies
Students learn about the life cycle of a butterfly, and enjoy listening to a story book on the subject. Kids will discover what makes Monarch butterflies unique—their life cycle, migration patterns and food. A fun “butterfly parade” invites kids to dress up in their favorite butterfly-themed clothing, and a guided craft helps each child make their own flower-crown for the parade.
July 13
Trees Are Terrific!
Students will embark on an adventure hike through the woods on Fox Crossing Trail and learn to identify several trees that are common at Pine Hill Park. Each student will create their own booklet with drawings and words describing what they like best about trees and forests. Activities also include painting leaf art, listening to a famous poem about trees, and playing forest-themed games.
July 20
What’s the Buzz?
Students go on a scavenger hunt to learn about the life of a honey bee, including the elusive Queen Bee. In a make-and-take craft, they create a ‘Bee a Kind Human’ card. Activities include a ‘Proboscis Relay’—kids become a worker or forager bee to make honey for the hive. Kids take home a packet of pollinator-friendly seed mix.
July 27
World of Turtles
Kids learn all about turtles, including what they eat, where they live, why they have a shell, and what it means to be a cold-blooded reptile. With a focus on turtles native to Pennsylvania, kids will try to answer the question, “Why did the turtle cross the road?” They will explore the world from a “turtle’s eye view,” make their own turtle for a turtle race, and enjoy a poem about turtles.
Pre-registration and payment in advance are required. Fee per session: $8 for Institute members, $10 general public. Attendance is limited.
Register online at www.NatureAndCultureInstitute.org. For more information, email to info@NatureAndCultureInstitute.org or call 717-762-0373.
