Microscopic Explorations!
Ages 8+
Dr. Megan Jaskowiak
This class provides an introduction to a fascinating world that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Children will learn how to use several different types of microscopes. They will learn to sample, identify, and develop microscopy skills while studying the samples brought back from different sites.
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Motion Maps and Mayhem
Ages 7-12
Dellvenna Hambling
Spend the week learning about the physics of motion, moving your body through the woods using maps and magnets (compasses), and enjoying the general mayhem of camp! Campers will learn some bite sized physics lessons and be introduced to the art of land navigation with map and compasses. If you have a compass, please bring it.
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Mural, Mural, Mural!
Ages 8+
Adam Maas
In this class we will work on and complete a LARGE mural as a group. We will draw our inspiration from nature and the life around us using bright colors and vivid expressions that capture the artist/explorer in each of us. Get ready to get messy and creative and leave this class with the knowledge to make a painting of any size.
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Mythological Forest Creatures
Ages 7–11
Gretchen Fitzpatrick
Have you ever wondered if fairies, gnomes, Bigfoot or other mythological creatures really exist? In this class we believe! Campers will spend the week exploring the many mythological creatures that live deep in the forest. Students will make art in clay, painting and found objects. They will also learn basic skills of tracking, camouflage and wild edible herbs through games and stories. Of course, camp wouldn’t be complete without some games, songs and creating a mythological creature of their own.
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Nature Writing
Ages 13+
Annie Kelvie
First, we will make our own nature journals using a simple bookmaking technique. Then we will be off hiking into the various habitats of camp to explore and observe, using nature as inspiration for our own creative writing. We'll try out a variety of different prompts for poetry, stories, and creative non-fiction, all based on what we are seeing in the woods. Students will also have the opportunity to share their work at the end of the week!
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Small Wonders, Big Adventures
Pee Wee • Ages 5–7
Jessica Laughlin
The youngest among us often notice the WONDER-full details of the natural world. This major is for those who love to make amazing discoveries right before their eyes! Join us as we explore the forest, marsh, grassland and creek. We’ll draw big inspiration from small wonders, like a caterpillar’s stripes or water flowing over pebbles – to sketch, paint and sculpt artistic treasures. There’ll be lots of games too. Come play and create with us!
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Treasure Hunt for the Past
Ages 10+
Steve Hambling
Hike the creek bed with Steve searching for clues to the past as you learn about geology and collect fossils and different kinds of rocks. After you study and display your collection, it's yours to keep.
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Wild Wooly Wilderness
Ages 7-12
Laurel Huston
Fish, Birds, Bugs, Beads and Creek Exploration! Every day is an adventure. Spend Monday watching, drawing, and observing bird banding. Tuesday is all about bugs and beads. We’ll learn about the microecosystems around us as well as work on beaded designs of our observations. Wednesday is a day of fishing with guest instructor Brian “Fox” Ellis as Louis Agassiz. Thursday we will track animals and explore the habitat of Crow Creek. Friday we will put it all together publishing our findings in an instant book that celebrates the wildlife of the Sun Foundation as well as end the week with Native American Fun & Games!
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Ancestral Survival Arts Program - Way of the Woods Protectors
All Day major - Ages 13-18
Shannon Thomas, Pam MacDonald
This class is for students who have participated in the basic Ancestral Survival Arts Program and want to fine tune old skills and develop advanced skills based on their interests. Each day will comprise part of the day working on hard skills based on group interest, with options such as tracking (cluster tracking, drawing tracks), fire build(bowdrill, etc), shelter creation, cordage and advanced textile arts (quadbraid, finger weaving), traps, edible and medicinal plants, and advanced camouflage. The second part of the day will be immersive practice in applying multiple skills simultaneously, such as awareness practices and games, stalking through the woods while in camouflage and practicing ancestral weaponry OR tracking and trailing in temas while blindfolded. The fun and flow of this class will be dictated by student interest and initiative!
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