June 28, 2012. This July at Grandfather Mountain, Kindergarten-age kids through 3rd graders can enjoy special programming, geared toward further exposing young children to the environment. Child participants in these events will enjoy reading books, singing songs, playing games and exploring, all in an effort to connect their young minds with the beauty and majesty of Mother Nature. Each Saturday in the month of July offers a different discovery.
First up, on July 7, is the “Clouds!” program. In this activity, kids will read a book called “It Looked Like Spilt Milk” by Charles G. Shaw. Participants will then look at clouds and talk about their favorite kinds of weather. After making their very own clouds and a cloud viewer, the group will observe different types and discuss how understanding clouds can give clues about future weather.
July 14 is the “Feathers, Flight and Fun!” program. After discussing the types of birds children observe in their own backyard, the group will read, “Our Yard is Full of Birds” by Anne Rockwell. Participants will then decorate and design their own set of wings. With their new set of wings in hand, kids will be ready to explore the area and look at certain birds that call Grandfather Mountain home. All “birds” will flock together to conclude the program by playing and dancing together, demonstrating different ways birds move.
“Habitat Discovery!” on July 21 is Grandfather’s next special July event. This program is designed to teach kids that the things animals need to survive are not so different from what we, as people, require. Kids will play a fun interactive activity that encourages children to “think like a deer.” The group will then explore, discover, and discuss some of the different needs other animals may have to survive in their habitats.
Concluding the month’s children’s programming is the “Wonders of Bees!” program on July 28. This activity will introduce children to the importance of pollinators through games, crafts, songs and exploration. The group will read “Bee & Me” by Elle J. McGuinness and discuss why bees are so important not only to flowers but to humans as well. Kids will dance and sing to the “Bee Waggle Dance” to better understand the complex lives and roles bees have inside their hives.
The four children’s programs will be offered at 10:30 a.m. They are included in the price of regular admission and led by Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation Naturalists.
The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation established to preserve Grandfather Mountain, operate the nature park sustainably in the public interest, provide an exceptional experience for guests, and inspire them to be good stewards of the earth’s resources. For more information, visit www.grandfather.com or call 800-468-7325.
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