January Programs
Winter Tales
Wednesday, January 2 at 10 am
Indoor/Outdoor, interactive family program
Join Miss Kara to read “A Stranger in the Woods”. We will learn about being quiet visitors in the forest and then take a walk outside to catch a glimpse of the animals’ winter activities.
Winter Discovery Family Camp (F.U.N.)
Friday, January 4 from 1-4 pm
Being out in nature is great for families no matter what age the children are: there is something there for all. As a parent, you may feel there is more to know, or fears to dispel before you can make that time with family stress free and relaxing. Join us for a fun F.U.N.-Families United with Nature program. Discover how naturalists from the nature center use games, activities, stories and a bag full of tricks to make a walk into a wonderful hike of adventure. We will turn you into a confident nature guide for your family’s excursions in the great outdoors.
Fees: Family pricing (up to 4 people) $20 member/family; $30 non-member family ($5 for each extra person)
Animal Tracks
Sunday, January 6 at 2 pm
Outdoor, trail walking, family program
Hit the trail to decipher the clues that animals have left behind. Pick up tips from a naturalist on how to identify tracks and look for the less obvious clues animals leave.
Story Corner
Tuesday, January 8 from 10-11am
Indoor, Young children and their adults
Grab a carpet square and actively listen to stories about our natural world. Everyone will get involved with hand rhymes, sound effects, puppets or maybe a visit from an animal!
Students Acting and Volunteering for the Environment (SAVE)
Saturday, January 12 from 11am – 3pm
*Fee: Members: $25/year; Non-Members: $50/year (includes a student membership)
Pre-registration required: (269) 381-1574 ext. 24 or e-mail jmetz@naturecenter.org
Creative and motivated teens, indoor/outdoor
KNC Behind the Scenes! See what it takes to maintain and develop educational exhibits while helping to care for live animals. Gain insight into careers working with wildlife, nature education and biology. Come make a difference in the community, meet great new people and learn about the environment!
Knee High Naturalists: The Mitten
Saturday, January 12 OR Tuesday, January 15 from 9:30 - 11 am
Pre-registration required: (269) 381-1574 ext. 0
*Fee: $4/child with adult (in addition to regular admission rates, if applicable)
Hands-on, interactive, outdoor for Children ages 3-5, with a caregiver
Join Miss Kara for an amazing adventure with the animals of the forest from The Mitten by Jan Brett. Along the trail we’ll learn about how these animals survive the cold winter months. Bring your boots and winter clothes! We’ll warm up inside with a snack and craft.
Bears, Oh My!
Sunday, January 13 at 2 pm
Interactive, indoor, family program
Michigan is home to the black bear, learn about its behavior along with grizzlies and polar bears. Participate in activities to learn what is necessary to survive as a bear!
Winter Sports Demo Day
Sunday, January 20 from 1-3 pm
Outdoor activities for all ages
Get outside and play in the snow! Lee’s Adventure Sports will be on hand with lots of cross country skis and snowshoes for you and your family to try out!
Owls Up-Close
Sunday, January 27 at 2 pm
Indoor, live animals
Owls are amazing birds of the night! Learn about the amazing adaptations that make them efficient hunters and beautiful Michigan residents. Live owls will be part of this interactive program!
Owl Prowl
Monday, January 28, Friday, February 8 OR Thursday, February 14 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. – Evening Program!
**Meet: Interpretive Center Parking Lot
*Fee: Members-free; Non-members-$4 adult/$3 senior/$2 child
Outdoor, evening hike
Owls are busy selecting mates and setting up territory this time of year, so it’s the ideal time to explore the woods after dark and listen for owlish activity! Dress to be warm and walk quietly. No flashlights, please!
Boomers and Beyond: Animal Tracking
Tuesday, January 29 from 11-12:30 pm
Fee: Members-free; Non-members-regular KNC admission
Adults, ages 55+, Interactive, Outdoor, Social
We’ll take a winter walk to discover what animals have been active on the trails overnight! Please bring a lunch, we’ll eat together to conclude the program. Kara will provide drinks and goodies!
6 to 8-years old:
Science of Superheros—Battle of the Winter Chill– (Code: WIN4)
9:00am to 5:00pm; Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Take the amazing super heroes of comic book fame and discover the science behind there far-out stories. We will look at winter and all the creatures that use their own superpowers to battle the winter’s frozen chill. Join us for a camp that is filled with activities that are just SUPER!
Fees: $40 member; $45 non-member
6 to 8-years old:
Surviving Winter – (Code: WIN5)
9:00am to 5:00pm; Thursday, January 3, 2008
Your expedition to the North is halted by a snowstorm, how will you and your team survive? All you must focus on your outdoor skills to make it to your destination. Take some tips from nature and wildlife to help you make the best choices that will help you survive winter.
Fees: $40 member; $45 non-member
4 to 5-years old:
Deer Tracks in Snow– (Code: WIN6)
9:00am to 12:00 noon; Friday, January 4, 2008
Are you following me? Where did the deer go, and why? In this camp we will discover the secretive life of the winter deer. So get out of your rut, we have fun and winter activities waiting for you.
Fees: $20 member; $25 non-member
For the Family:
Winter Discovery Family Camp – (Code: FUN)
1:00pm to 4:00pm; Friday, January 4, 2008
Being out in nature is great for families to do together no matter what age the children are; there is something there for all. As a parent you may feel there is more to know, or fears to dispel before you can make that time with family stress free and relaxing. Join us for a fun F.U.N.—Families United with Nature program. Discover how naturalists from the nature center use games, activities, stories and a bag full of tricks to make their walks and yours into a wonderful hike of adventure. We will make you a confident nature guide for your family’s excursions in the outdoors.
Fees: Family pricing (up to 4 people) $20 member/family; $30 non-member family ($5 for each extra person)
To Register for a Winter Break Camp call 269 381-1574 ext. 24 or go to Camp Registration