I am pleased to announce the following classes for the week of Feb.15th-18th. Please preregister via email and include which days you would like to attend and your phone number.
The Free Range School Class Description and Schedule for Feb.15-18th
Introductory Pricing: For the next two weeks classes will be offered at a special introductory rate of $10 per parent(s)/child team and $5 per extra sibling, and $10 for one child who is 9 or older.
Monday, Feb. 15th from 10-2pm: Outdoor Art: Constructing a Model Watershed
Location: Cornwall Park. We will meet at the picnic shelter near the playground at the Meridian St. park entrance. If the weather is too horrible the location will change to 1317Commercial St. All ages will meet at 10am for a morning circle activity. We will then begin our project: building a model watershed out of clay. We will use clay to sculpt a mountainous watershed and use natural materials, such as moss and twigs to create “forests” and other features. We will then experiment with what happens when water rushes down through our model watershed. We will also play around a bit with adding baking soda and vinegar to our creation to watch how it races through our model. When we grow tired of playing with clay we will have time to sketch, paint, make nature collages and play games. Families and students will not be required to stay the entire time. Parents must be present for those 8 years old and younger unless pre-approval has been granted. Bring a lunch and dress in layers.
Tuesday, Feb. 16th from 10-2pm: Watershed Day Adventure
Location: We will meet at 10am at Maritime Heritage Park. Look for the large canvas tent. Students 8 and younger will have parents present while those 9 and older will be dropped off and picked up again at 2pm at Whatcom Falls Park, where we will end our hike. We will begin with an all ages morning circle of sharing, songs and activities before splitting off into age groups. Those families with young ones 0-4years old will be encouraged to go at their own pace. Generally speaking, a child can walk about one mile per year of age. When they get tired, these families will be welcome to return to the Adventure Haven tent and take part in various activities. The 5-8 year old group will be lead by Josh Parrish and the 9 and up group will be lead by Crystal Scheer. The 9 & up group will hike all the way to Whatcom Falls while the other groups may turn back at any time. We will explore the Whatcom Creek Watershed and learn about the restoration efforts and historical background of the area while completing various fun activities along the way. Bring a lunch, water-bottle and dress in layers. Students who are 9 and up are asked to bring a journal and pen/pencil and emergency rain gear as well.
Wednesday, Feb. 17th from 10-2pm: Sense Education: Sight: Exploring the World Up-Close
Location: All ages will meet at 10am for a morning circle activity at Cornwall Park. We will meet at the picnic shelter near the playground at the Meridian St. park entance. We will then play some games designed to bring students’ awareness to the intricate patterns and details of their environment. We will explore with magnifying glasses and share our discoveries. We will then find a spot to construct our own little village for the fairy-folk. We will also share stories and play games. It will be a very fun day! Bring a sack lunch and water bottle. Once again, students 8 and younger must be accompanied by an adult unless prearrangements have been made.
Thursday, Feb. 18th from 11-3pm: Riparian Restoration
All ages will meet at the NSEA Office located at 2445 E. Bakerview Rd. at 11am where we will be treated to a presentation about riparian restoration. We will have a lunch break from 12-1pm and then get started on some restoration work ourselves. We will learn how to identify invasive plants, how to remove invasive plants effectively, how to select native species for planting, planting techniques, as well as tubing and caging methods. The goal will be to get prepared, so we’ll be ready to go as soon as we find a permanent restoration location for us to adopt on Squalicum Parkway.
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