Welcome to Spirit of the Woods

🍂 Fall Program Overview (September–November)

Start Date: September 1, 2023
Weeks Active: 11 (excluding Thanksgiving week)

This Program Is an Example Program and the official Program, which should be similar, will be posted once the details have been worked out.

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📅 Weekly Breakdown

Week 1 – Sept 1

Activity: Leaf & Tree ID Scavenger Hunt

• Description: Identify and collect different types of leaves and trees.
• Materials: Leaf ID guide, bags for collection
• Steps: Walk through the forest → Collect leaves → Identify using guide
• Safety Tips: Avoid poisonous plants, stay on trails
• Learning Goals: Botany, observation skills

Week 2 – Sept 8

Activity: Shelter Building

• Description: Build a shelter using fallen branches and leaves.
• Materials: Branches, leaves, twine
• Steps: Gather materials → Construct shelter → Test stability
• Safety Tips: Ensure shelter is safe, avoid heavy branches
• Learning Goals: Engineering, teamwork

Week 3 – Sept 15

Activity: Nature Journaling

• Description: Observe and journal about nature.
• Materials: Journals, pens
• Steps: Find a quiet spot → Observe surroundings → Write observations
• Safety Tips: Respect wildlife, stay quiet
• Learning Goals: Writing skills, observation

Week 4 – Sept 22

Activity: Measuring Tree Height

• Description: Measure the height of trees using shadows.
• Materials: Tape measure, protractor
• Steps: Find a sunny spot → Measure shadow length → Calculate height
• Safety Tips: Avoid direct sunlight, use tools safely
• Learning Goals: Geometry, math skills

Week 5 – Sept 29

Activity: Building Bug Hotels

• Description: Create habitats for insects.
• Materials: Wood, drill, nails
• Steps: Gather materials → Construct hotel → Place in forest
• Safety Tips: Use tools safely, avoid disturbing insects
• Learning Goals: Ecology, engineering

Week 6 – Oct 6

Activity: Fire Building & Safety

• Description: Learn how to build and maintain a safe fire.
• Materials: Matches, kindling, firewood
• Steps: Gather materials → Build fire → Maintain safety
• Safety Tips: Keep water nearby, supervise closely
• Learning Goals: Survival skills, safety

Week 7 – Oct 13

Activity: Animal Tracking

• Description: Track and identify animal footprints.
• Materials: Tracking guide, notebook
• Steps: Walk through forest → Find tracks → Identify using guide
• Safety Tips: Avoid disturbing animals, stay on trails
• Learning Goals: Ecology, observation

Week 8 – Oct 20

Activity: Winter Poetry & Storytelling

• Description: Create winter-themed poems and stories.
• Materials: Paper, pens
• Steps: Find inspiration in nature → Write poems → Share stories
• Safety Tips: Respect others’ work, stay warm
• Learning Goals: Creative writing, expression

Week 9 – Oct 27

Activity: Planting Native Seeds

• Description: Plant seeds native to the area.
• Materials: Seeds, shovel, watering can
• Steps: Prepare soil → Plant seeds → Water regularly
• Safety Tips: Use tools safely, avoid overwatering
• Learning Goals: Botany, responsibility

Week 10 – Nov 3

Activity: Pond Dipping & Aquatic Insect ID

• Description: Explore pond life and identify insects.
• Materials: Net, ID guide, containers
• Steps: Dip net in pond → Collect samples → Identify insects
• Safety Tips: Avoid disturbing pond life, use tools safely
• Learning Goals: Ecology, observation

Week 11 – Nov 10

• Activity: Solar Oven Cooking
• Learning Goals: Solar science, cooking skills
• Description: Cook food using a solar oven.
• Materials: Solar oven, food items
• Steps: Set up oven → Place food inside → Monitor cooking
• Safety Tips: Avoid direct sunlight, use oven safely

❄️ Winter Program Overview (December–February)

Start Date: December 6, 2025
Weeks Active: 11 (excluding winter holiday weeks)

This Program Is an Example Program and the official Program, which should be similar, will be posted once the details have been worked out.

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Week 1 – Dec 6

Activity: Snowflake Science

• Description: Study the structure of snowflakes and create paper models.
• Materials: Magnifying glass, paper, scissors
• Steps:
  • Observe real snowflakes (Deepending On Weather)
  • Learn about symmetry, geometry, and states of energy
  • Make paper snowflakes
• Safety Tips: Dress warmly, avoid frostbite
• Learning Goals: Crystallography, symmetry

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Week 2 – Dec 13

Activity: Animal Winter Survival

• Description: Explore how animals adapt to winter.
• Materials: Animal adaptation cards, books
• Steps:
  • Read about adaptations
  • Match animals to strategies
  • Discuss findings
• Safety Tips: Stay in groups, avoid icy areas
• Learning Goals: Biology, critical thinking

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Week 3 – Dec 20

Activity: Winter Solstice Celebration

• Description: Learn about and celebrate the shortest day of the year.
• Materials: Candles (LED), craft supplies
• Steps:
  • Discuss solstice
  • Make lanterns
  • Share stories
• Safety Tips: Use safe lighting, supervise crafts
• Learning Goals: Astronomy, cultural awareness

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Week 4 – Jan 3

Activity: Ice Experiments

• Description: Conduct experiments with ice and salt.
• Materials: Ice blocks, salt, food coloring
• Steps:
  • Sprinkle salt
  • Observe melting patterns
  • Add color
• Safety Tips: Handle ice carefully, avoid ingestion
• Learning Goals: Chemistry, observation

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Week 5 – Jan 10

Activity: Winter Tracking

• Description: Identify animal tracks in snow.
• Materials: Tracking guide, camera
• Steps:
  • Walk in snow
  • Find tracks
  • Identify and document
• Safety Tips: Stay on trails, avoid deep snow
• Learning Goals: Ecology, observation

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Week 6 – Jan 17

Activity: Snow Shelter Building

• Description: Build a quinzee or snow fort.
• Materials: Snow shovels, gloves
• Steps:
  • Pile snow
  • Hollow out shelter
  • Test stability
• Safety Tips: Supervise closely, avoid collapse
• Learning Goals: Engineering, teamwork

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Week 7 – Jan 24

Activity: Winter Bird Watching

• Description: Observe and identify winter birds.
• Materials: Binoculars, bird ID guide
• Steps:
  • Find a quiet spot
  • Watch birds
  • Record observations
• Safety Tips: Stay warm, avoid disturbing birds
• Learning Goals: Ornithology, patience

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Week 8 – Jan 31

Activity: Frozen Bubbles

• Description: Blow bubbles in freezing temperatures and observe patterns.
• Materials: Bubble solution, straws
• Steps:
  • Blow bubbles
  • Watch them freeze
  • Take photos
• Safety Tips: Avoid windburn, supervise closely
• Learning Goals: Physics, observation

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Week 9 – Feb 7

Activity: Winter Art in Nature

• Description: Create art using natural materials and snow.
• Materials: Twigs, berries, snow, food coloring
• Steps:
  • Gather materials
  • Design art
  • Photograph creations
• Safety Tips: Use non-toxic materials, stay warm
• Learning Goals: Creativity, environmental appreciation

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Week 10 – Feb 14

Activity: Tracking Local Wildlife with Trail Cameras

• Learning Goals: Wildlife monitoring, patience, technology use
• Description: Learn how to set up trail cameras to observe wildlife activity.
• Materials: Trail camera, batteries, SD card
• Steps:
  • Choose a good location (near water or trails)
  • Set up and secure the camera
  • Review footage after a few days
• Safety Tips: Avoid disturbing wildlife, secure equipment properly

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Week 11 – Feb 21

Activity: Winter Campfire & Storytelling

• Learning Goals: Community, communication
• Description: Gather around a fire to share stories and reflect.
• Materials: Firewood, matches, seating
• Steps:
  • Build fire
  • Share stories
  • Reflect on season
• Safety Tips: Supervise fire, keep water nearby

🌱 Spring Program Overview (March–May)

Start Date: March 7, 2026
Weeks Active: 11 (excluding Spring Break week)

This Program Is an Example Program and the official Program, which should be similar, will be posted once the details have been worked out.

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Week 1 – Mar 7

Activity: Signs of Spring Scavenger Hunt

• Description: Search for early signs of spring in nature.
• Materials: Scavenger hunt checklist, pencils
• Steps:
  • Walk through the area
  • Look for listed signs (buds, insects, birds)
  • Check off findings
• Safety Tips: Stay on trails, watch for mud
• Learning Goals: Seasonal awareness, observation

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Week 2 – Mar 14

Activity: Wildflower Identification

• Description: Identify native spring wildflowers.
• Materials: Wildflower guide, camera or sketchbook
• Steps:
  • Explore meadows or trails
  • Find and identify flowers
  • Document findings
• Safety Tips: Don’t pick flowers, avoid allergens
• Learning Goals: Botany, local ecology

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Week 3 – Mar 21

Activity: Bird Nest Building Challenge

• Description: Build model bird nests using natural materials.
• Materials: Twigs, grass, mud, string
• Steps:
  • Gather materials
  • Construct nest
  • Test for strength and realism
• Safety Tips: Wash hands after handling materials
• Learning Goals: Animal behavior, engineering

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Week 4 – Mar 28

Activity: Nature Mapping

• Description: Create a map of a local natural area.
• Materials: Paper, pencils, compass
• Steps:
  • Walk the area
  • Sketch landmarks and features
  • Add labels and directions
• Safety Tips: Stay in groups, bring water
• Learning Goals: Geography, spatial awareness

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Week 5 – Apr 4

Activity: Insect Safari

• Description: Search for and observe spring insects.
• Materials: Bug boxes, magnifying glass, ID guide
• Steps:
  • Look under logs and leaves
  • Gently collect and observe
  • Identify and release
• Safety Tips: Handle insects gently, avoid stings
• Learning Goals: Entomology, respect for life

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Week 6 – Apr 11

Activity: Stream Exploration

• Description: Investigate life in a local stream.
• Materials: Nets, containers, ID guides
• Steps:
  • Scoop gently in shallow water
  • Observe aquatic life
  • Record findings
• Safety Tips: Wear water shoes, avoid slippery rocks
• Learning Goals: Aquatic ecology, observation

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Week 7 – Apr 18

Activity: Nature Photography

• Description: Capture spring scenes through photography.
• Materials: Cameras or phones
• Steps:
  • Explore with a focus on beauty
  • Take photos of plants, animals, landscapes
  • Share and discuss
• Safety Tips: Be mindful of surroundings, don’t disturb wildlife
• Learning Goals: Art, appreciation of nature

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Week 8 – Apr 25

Activity: Garden Planning & Planting

• Description: Design and plant a small garden.
• Materials: Seeds, soil, tools, garden bed
• Steps:
  • Plan layout
  • Prepare soil
  • Plant and water
• Safety Tips: Use tools safely, wear gloves
• Learning Goals: Gardening, responsibility

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Week 9 – May 2

Activity: Cloud Watching & Weather Science

• Description: Learn about clouds and weather patterns.
• Materials: Cloud ID chart, notebook
• Steps:
  • Observe sky
  • Identify cloud types
  • Record weather changes
• Safety Tips: Avoid sun exposure, stay hydrated
• Learning Goals: Meteorology, observation

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Week 10 – May 9

Activity: Nature-Inspired Art

• Description: Create art using natural materials and themes.
• Materials: Leaves, twigs, clay, paint
• Steps:
  • Collect materials
  • Create sculptures or paintings
  • Display and discuss
• Safety Tips: Use non-toxic materials, supervise tools
• Learning Goals: Creativity, environmental connection

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Week 11 – May 16

Activity: Spring Celebration & Reflection

• Description: Celebrate the season and reflect on learning.
• Materials: Journals, snacks, decorations
• Steps:
  • Share favorite moments
  • Write reflections
  • Enjoy a group celebration
• Safety Tips: Be inclusive, manage food allergies
• Learning Goals: Community, reflection

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🌞 Summer Program Overview (June–August)

Start Date: June 6, 2026
Weeks Active: 11 (excluding Independence Day week)

This Program Is an Example Program and the official Program, which should be similar, will be posted once the details have been worked out.

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Week 1 – Jun 6

Activity: Sun Safety & UV Experiments

• Description: Learn about sun protection and test UV-reactive materials.
• Materials: UV beads, sunscreen, black paper
• Steps:
  • Apply sunscreen to beads
  • Expose to sunlight
  • Observe color changes
• Safety Tips: Wear hats and sunscreen, avoid peak sun hours
• Learning Goals: Health science, observation

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Week 2 – Jun 13

Activity: Rock & Mineral Hunt

• Description: Explore local geology by collecting and identifying rocks.
• Materials: Rock ID guide, collection bags
• Steps:
  • Search for rocks
  • Compare with guide
  • Sort and label
• Safety Tips: Wear gloves, avoid unstable terrain
• Learning Goals: Geology, classification

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Week 3 – Jun 20

Activity: Solar Oven Cooking

• Description: Build and use a solar oven to cook simple foods.
• Materials: Pizza box, foil, plastic wrap, food items
• Steps:
  • Construct oven
  • Place food inside
  • Monitor cooking
• Safety Tips: Supervise closely, avoid burns
• Learning Goals: Solar energy, engineering

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Week 4 – Jun 27

Activity: Water Games & Hydrology

• Description: Play water-based games and learn about the water cycle.
• Materials: Buckets, sponges, water cycle diagram
• Steps:
  • Play relay games
  • Discuss evaporation and condensation
  • Observe puddle evaporation
• Safety Tips: Stay hydrated, avoid slipping
• Learning Goals: Physical activity, science

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Week 5 – Jul 11

Activity: Stargazing & Night Sky Navigation

• Description: Learn constellations and use star maps.
• Materials: Star charts, flashlights with red filters
• Steps:
  • Review constellations
  • Go outside at night
  • Identify stars and planets
• Safety Tips: Stay in groups, bring warm layers
• Learning Goals: Astronomy, navigation

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Week 6 – Jul 18

Activity: Nature Music & Sound Mapping

• Description: Explore natural sounds and create music.
• Materials: Recording device, natural objects
• Steps:
  • Listen quietly
  • Record or draw sound map
  • Make instruments from nature
• Safety Tips: Respect wildlife, avoid loud noises
• Learning Goals: Music, sensory awareness

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Week 7 – Jul 25

Activity: Orienteering Adventure

• Description: Use maps and compasses to navigate a course.
• Materials: Compasses, maps, markers
• Steps:
  • Learn basic navigation
  • Follow a course
  • Find checkpoints
• Safety Tips: Stay with a buddy, bring water
• Learning Goals: Geography, problem-solving

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Week 8 – Aug 1

Activity: Butterfly & Pollinator Study

• Description: Observe butterflies and learn about pollination.
• Materials: Butterfly nets, ID guide, notebooks
• Steps:
  • Observe pollinators
  • Identify species
  • Record behavior
• Safety Tips: Avoid stings, don’t touch bees
• Learning Goals: Ecology, biology

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Week 9 – Aug 8

Activity: Creekside Clean-Up

• Description: Help clean a local waterway and learn about conservation.
• Materials: Gloves, trash bags, tongs
• Steps:
  • Walk along creek
  • Collect litter
  • Sort recyclables
• Safety Tips: Wear gloves, avoid sharp objects
• Learning Goals: Stewardship, teamwork

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Week 10 – Aug 15

Activity: Nature Theater

• Description: Create and perform skits inspired by nature.
• Materials: Costumes, props, scripts
• Steps:
  • Brainstorm ideas
  • Rehearse skits
  • Perform for group
• Safety Tips: Be inclusive, supervise props
• Learning Goals: Creativity, collaboration

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Week 11 – Aug 22

Activity: Summer Reflection & Picnic

• Learning Goals: Community, gratitude
• Description: Reflect on the season and enjoy a group picnic.
• Materials: Journals, picnic supplies
• Steps:
  • Write reflections
  • Share highlights
  • Celebrate with food and games
• Safety Tips: Manage food allergies, stay cool