Mural, Mural, Mural!

Ages 10+

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.

Read More
Mythological Forest Creatures - CLASS FULL

CLASS FULL

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.

Read More
Nature Writing and Ecological Exploration

Ages 10+

Annie Kelvie and Katy Everett

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 (wetland, woods, creek, pond, and/or prairie) to explore and observe. Dr. Katy Everett will teach you about the ecosystems and organisms we interact with along the way and Dr. Annie Kelvie will guide you in using nature as inspiration for our own creative writing process. 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, water, and other landscapes. Students will also have the opportunity to share their work at the end of the week!

Read More
Art, NatureSharon OberyMajor
Sculpting Animals - CLASS FULL

CLASS FULL

Ages 8+

Connie Andrews

The first 2 days Connie will guide the class in sculpting animals from dogs or cats, to birds and elephants. Then you’ll get to choose any animal in the world to create. She will help you come up with a pose and a way to create it so you’ll have a 3 dimensional piece of art to take home. There will be paper and paints available as well for those that would like to also create on paper. And of course, we will take time to explore the Sun Foundaiton grounds.

Read More
ArtSharon OberyMajor
Small Wonders, Big Adventures - CLASS FULL

CLASS FULL

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!

Read More
Wild Wooly Wilderness - CLASS FULL

CLASS FULL

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!

Read More
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!

Read More
Nature, SurvivalSharon Obery