Junior Naturalist Programs

 

Junior Naturalist

Junior Naturalist Programs

Summer is a busy time of year for critters, plants and children alike. This summer Chimney Rock Park will host its first Junior Naturalist Program. This program is set up to accommodate both families who live in the area and those who are here on vacation. The program, designed to give kids a better understanding of the world around them, will be offered one day per specified age group per session. Pick one session or take all three – each one offers a different, fun learning experience.

*Each session of the Junior Naturalist Program will include a craft appropriate to the subject and the option of “free time” on the Park’s 32-foot climbing tower. Participants should bring their own bag lunch and a snack. All Junior Naturalists will get their very own Chimney Rock Park patch to take home!


Session One               Bugs, Slugs and Other Unlikely Suspects*

Let’s face it! The grosser it is, the more fun! This session will introduce students to some of the creepy, crawly inhabitants of our forest while teaching them about the benefits of their lives among us. From salamanders to spiders, we’ll be on the hunt to discover the amazing traits of our busy friends.

Dates & Age Groups:

Monday, June 25              – students entering grades 1 & 2 in fall of 2007 (6-8 year olds)      

Tuesday, June 26             – students entering grades 3 & 4 in fall of 2007 (8-10 year olds)    

Wednesday, June 27        – students entering grades 5 & 6 in fall of 2007 (10-11 year olds)  

Times:

Drop-off:       8:30 to 9am

Pick-up:        3:30 to 4pm

 

Session Two                Detectives of the Wild*

Investigating the natural world is a fun and important job. This session will help students realize that just because you may not see it, doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Through animal tracks and basic bone identification, your kids will be searching the neighborhood for clues. What really lives in your backyard?

Dates & Age Groups:

Wednesday, July 11          – students entering grades 1 & 2 in fall of 2007 (6-8 year olds)      

Thursday, July 12              – students entering grades 3 & 4 in fall of 2007 (8-10 year olds)    

Friday, July 13                   – students entering grades 5 & 6 in fall of 2007 (10-11 year olds)  

Times:

Drop-off:       8:30 to 9am

Pick-up:        3:30 to 4pm

 

Session Three                  What’s All the Bark About?*

Did you know Chimney Rock Park is home to some of the largest trees in the state of North Carolina? Kids will be introduced to some of the most common trees in the area to help them have a better understanding of why trees are so important. The young Naturalist will get the rare opportunity to walk in the Old Growth Forest section of the Park which is not generally opened to the public. Don’t let your child miss this opportunity to plant their roots!

Dates & Age Groups:

Tuesday, August 7            – students entering grades 1 & 2 in fall of 2007 (6-8 year olds)      

Wednesday, August 8       – students entering grades 3 & 4 in fall of 2007 (8-10 year olds)    

Thursday, August 9           – students entering grades 5 & 6 in fall of 2007 (10-11 year olds)  

Times:

Drop-off:       8:30 to 9am

Pick-up:        3:30 to 4pm

Costs:

Grady’s Kids Club Members: $42 per day

Non-members:  $50 per day

*If your child is not currently a member of Grady’s Kids Club, he/she will receive a membership as part of the registration fee. This membership includes free admission to the Park for one year from registration date, a Grady’s Kids Club pin and discounts at the Old Rock Café & gift shops.

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