Homeschool Park Day/Camps/& More

Homeschool Park Day

This event is open to anyone! If you have friends interested in homeschooling and want to find out more about it, please invite them!

PLEASE BRING:

Lots of water

Picnic lunch if you’d like

Footballs, soccer balls, Kick balls and good shoes for hiking

WHEN: Monday, May 13th

TIME: 1-3:30 pm (come and go as your schedule allows)

WHERE: Freedom Playground – 9000 Parkview Dr., Haverford, PA 19041

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Canoe & Conservation

What: Over 130 species of birds have visited the Strawberry Mansion Reservoir since it was decommissioned. Now that nature has taken over the space, we’ll be going out in the canoes to find out exactly what draws them to this special place. We will be fitting everyone with paddles, Personal Floatation Device (PFD), and binoculars. Join us for a paddle as we search for flora and fauna that call the reservoir home.

No canoeing experience or bird/ plant knowledge required! Just bring a buddy and enjoy your time on the reservoir. Participants will learn tips and proper canoe technique from our Outward Bound Instructors.

WHEN: Saturday, May 18th & June 8th

TIME: 10 am – 4 pm

WHERE: The Discovery Center – 3401 Reservoir Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19121

COST: FREE!!!

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Click HERE

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Homeschool Out of School Teen Birding

What: Bring your teens for a guided bird walk by birding expert Tony Croasdale during spring migration.

WHEN: May 21st

TIME: 10 am – 11:30 pm

WHERE: Wissahickon Valley Park Philadelphia, PA 19128

AGES: 13 – 17

COST: $5

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Click HERE

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Urban Conservation Crew Program

Summer applications are open for MobilizeGreen’s Urban Conservation Corp in partnership with the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum. This is a paid internship where students ages 15-18 can gain hands- on experience in completing conservation related projects and gain knowledge of career options. Programs also include some environmental lessons/education, and the potential for recreational trips.

Summer Crews: meet Monday through Friday during the summer break. Program Hours are 8:30 – 3:30. Students selected to participate will receive a $350/week stipend for the summer.  Complete an application.

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GLENCAIRN MUSEUM SUMMER CAMP

What: Get ready for the best week of summer at Glencairn Museum’s Summer Camp! Join us at the castle for a week of fun, exploration, curiosity, discovery, friendship, and learning. Each week includes artmaking, outdoor adventures, baking and cooking delicious treats, time-traveling through history, and so much more. Led by experienced and passionate instructors and set in a unique museum, Glencairn’s Summer Camp is designed to spark creativity, build new connections, and invite campers to see art and culture in a new way!

WHEN: Four sessions June 17th – July 19th

TIME: 8:30 am – 1 pm

COST: $150/session: Click HERE

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 James McLane Family Challenge Course

What: ARE YOU READY FOR A CHALLENGE? The Philadelphia Outward Bound School (POBS) change lives through challenge & discovery, and is hosting friends, family, and neighbors on the James McLane Family Challenge Course at The Discovery Center. The entire event runs from 10am-4pm, but the participants can expect the experience to last around 1 hour. This is a group activity where participants support each other through the challenges.

WHEN: Saturday, July 27th

TIME: 10 am – 4 pm

WHERE: The Discovery Center – 3401 Reservoir Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19121

COST: FREE!!!

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Click HERE

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Junior Bowhunter Camp at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge

WHAT: Junior Bowhunter camp activities will include archery, hiking, and activities and discussions related to bowhunting. We would love for you to join us, but spots are limited and do fill up quickly. If interested, campers will receive priority registration for the refuge’s mentored youth hunt.

WHEN: Thursday, August 8th – Friday, 9th

TIME: 9:00 am – 3 pm

WHERE: John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge 8601 Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19153

AGES: 12 – 15

TO REGISTER: Now registering! Please email Ranger Haley at halphillip@pa.gov and include the following information:

• Child’s full name
• Child’s age & birthdate
• Child’s address
• Parent or guardian’s name
• Parent or guardian’s contact information

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Theatre/ASL/Art Contests and Classes

Happy New Year! ‘2024’

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Website: https://actors.bible/about

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Website: https://www.fws.gov/program/junior-duck-stamp/junior-duck-stamp-contest-information

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PAFA (Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts)

Pre-College, Youth, and Family Art Programs                 Classes start soon!                           Members get a 10% discount! 

Become a PAFA Member today!

Pre-College Merit- and Need-based Scholarships are still available for High School students! APPLY NOW!

PRE-COLLEGE – Programs for high school students

High School Saturday Studio Classes                       Oil Painting Course                           February 3 – April 13, 2024                           10 Week Saturdays | 11am-2pm                        1.0 undergraduate credit available at no additional cost.               

Explore the vibrant possibilities of oil painting and deepen your understanding of the two-dimensional visual language through time honored methods taught at PAFA. Scholarship Application Registration Information

YOUNG ARTIST ACADEMY - Art classes for youth 10-14

Foundations of Art Series                       Drawing – ONLY 6 spots left!                        January 27 – March 16, 2024                          8 weeks Saturdays | 11am-1:30 pm 

Explore a variety of mark-making techniques and media while expanding your drawing skills through personal expression. 

Illustration and Comics                           April 6 – May 4, 2024                             5 weeks Saturdays | 11am-1:30 pm

Embrace out-of-the-box thinking and experimentation with traditional and innovative media, while improving your narrative drawing techniques 

Registration Information

FAMILY ARTS ACADEMY – FREE ART WORKSHOPS

Educational Opportunities

Single Class: Scientific Method – Pursuing a Science Fair Project: K-2nd grade

What: Students will learn details of what the Scientific Method is and how it came to be used as the standard for science experimentation. This single session will also address the required steps of the scientific method in preparation for a science fair.

When: December 13th & 14th, 1:00 p.m. – 1:55 p.m.

Where: Outschool

COST: $20 per class

AGE: K-2nd grade

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Click HERE

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Single Class: The Scientific Method-Pursuing a Science Fair Project: 3rd-5th grade

What: Students will learn details of what the Scientific Method is and how it came to be used as the standard for science experimentation. This single session will also address the required steps of the scientific method in preparation for a science fair.

When: December 13th & 14th, 2:00 p.m. – 2:55 p.m.

Where: Outschool

COST: $20 per class

AGE: 3rd-5th grade

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Click HERE

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Single Class: The Scientific Method-Pursuing a Science Fair Project: 6th-8th grade

What: Students will learn details of what the Scientific Method is and how it came to be used as the standard for science experimentation. This single session will also address the required steps of the scientific method in preparation for a science fair.

When: December 13th & 14th, 2:00 p.m. – 2:55 p.m. & January 8th, 7:00 – 7:55 p.m.

Where: Outschool

COST: $20 per class

AGE: 3rd-5th grade

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ASL Class

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“Imagine A Clean Energy Future”

What: Imagine a Clean Energy Future Student Contest hosted by the Philadelphia Solar Energy Association’s student contest. PSEA will award prizes for winners in each of the categories and will exhibit the student’s work in a public venue in the spring of 2024.

Deadline: February 29th, 2024

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Click Website Application

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Art of Math Challenge 2024

What: In the Art of Math Challenge, students use math strategies to design and build a 3-D scale model of a painting in the Barnes collection. They collaborate as a group to build the model and write a description of their mathematical process. The competition culminates with an exhibit of all submitted models at the Barnes’s PECO Free First Sunday Family Day

Deadline: Friday, February 23, 2024

AGE: K – 12

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Click HERE Application

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Science without Borders^® Challenge – International Student Art Contest

What: Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation presents the international student art contest Hidden Wonders of the Deep – Science Without Borders Challenge. It is an international contest that engages students and teachers in ocean conservation through art. This annual competition inspires students to be creative while promoting public awareness of the need to preserve, protect, and restore the world’s oceans and aquatic resources, contributing to the overarching goals of the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation. 

Deadline: deadline

AGE: 11 – 19

Prizes: 1st place: $500 2nd place: $350 3rd place: $200

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Click HERE Theme

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Power to Explore Student Challenge

What: This exciting Power to Explore Challenge calls on students to learn about Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS), and then design a new RPS-powered space mission that would energize their space exploration dreams. Entries are limited to 250-words.

Deadline: January 26, 2024

AGE: K – 12

COST: FREE

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Click HERE

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NASA Aeronautics “Dream With Us!” Design Challenge

What: What will the future of aeronautics look like? Students in grades 6-12 are invited to help NASA envision a more sustainable commercial aircraft. Teams of 2-4 participants are challenged to build a marketing plan to help convince a team of NASA experts that their design for a commercial aircraft should be chosen as the best sustainable design.

Selected teams will have an opportunity to chat with a NASA expert about how they contribute to current aeronautics challenges. Selected designs may also be shared on NASA social media platforms and more.

Deadline: March 31, 2023

AGE: 5th – 12th

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Click HERE

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Aviation Systems Division Concept Design Experience for High School Students

Aviation Systems Division Concept Design Experience for High School Students has 3 goals:

1. Learn about the exciting aerospace opportunities within the Aviation Systems Division at Ames Research Center in the heart of the Silicon Valley.

2. Develop and propose an aviation concept or application to help solve a current or future “wicked” real-world problem.

3. Gain experience and expand your NASA aerospace networks in a professional virtual team environment.

Deadline: Early February

AGE: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Click HERE

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The Junior Academy

The Junior Academy is a passionate community of problem solvers made up of talented students, STEM experts, and industry leaders from around the world. Junior Academy members are elite students and mentors who are dedicated to designing innovative solutions to society’s greatest challenges!

Each year, the New York Academy of Sciences selects an international cohort of passionate high school students to become part of The Junior Academy, who join a dynamic global network of like-minded peers and mentors. Students work together on Launchpad, the Academy’s unique, online platform. Launchpad enables students and STEM professionals to collaborate virtually as they compete in project-based challenges focused on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 

Deadline: December 18th

AGE: 13 – 17

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Click HERE Application

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Homeschool Open Gym

Families from around the area bring their own sports gear to enjoy 3 hours of play time in our 78,000 square foot facility. Turf Fields are always open with Basketball Courts open when available. Come join in on the fun and explore the sports and games XL has to offer.  

Deadline: Tuesdays 12 – 3 p.m. through March 28th

AGE: All ages

Cost: FREE for children under 2 and $10 Per Participant or $30 Per Family

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Click HERE

THIS WEEK’S HAPPENINGS

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School’s Out: Indigenous Peoples Day at Scott Arboretum

What: Bring the littles out to Scott Arboretum to make crafts, read up on Indigenous plants and learn about the culture of Philly’s original founding fathers (the Lenape nation).

When: October 9th, 9:30 p.m. – 12 p.m.

Where: Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College – 500 College Ave. Swarthmore, PA 19081

• This event will be held in the Cherry Border, which is across the street from the Scott Arboretum offices and Wister Center parking lot. 
• Activities will be held in the Wister Center in case of inclement weather. 

COST: FREE

AGE: Catered toward children 3-12 years old

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Click HERE

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7th Indigenous Peoples Day Philly

What: Break out the blankets and chairs for a family-friendly day of Indigenous art, culture and history. This year, Indigenous Peoples Day Philly features Native American and First Nations artists, talks by members of the Lenape tribes, and music and performances by the Sky Dancers (an Iroquois troupe hailing from Ontario).

When: October 9th, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Where: At Shackamaxon (Penn Treaty) Park – 1301 N Beach St, Philadelphia, PA 19125

COST: The event is pay as you wish, with $10 recommended donations for adults or $5 for children and seniors.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Click HERE

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Refreshing Mountain Family Celebration Days

WHAT:  Make memories with the whole family. Come join us on the Ascent Package ($56 $35 a person) on October 10th or the Basecamp Package ($45 $28 a person) on October 9th all day!

WHERE: REFRESHING MOUNTAIN 455 CAMP RD STEVENS, PA   17578

AGES: 5 + 

FOR MORE INFO: Click Here

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The Scientific Method – Mini Class

What: Pursuing a Science Fair Project

When: Three sections are being offered this week.

AGE: 12 – 16

COST: $10

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Click HERE

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Youth Bike Fridays

What: Come by for free bike rentals, simple repairs, tips, and snacks! Please register in advance.

When: October 13th, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Where: Bike container

COST: FREE

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Click HERE

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Kids’ Learn to Ride Biking Classes

What: This FREE two-hour Learn to Ride class teaches young participants how to ride a bicycle.  This class is perfect for those who have never ridden a bike or who may need a refresher.

When: October 14th, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Where: Bike container

AGE: 4 – 16

COST: FREE

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Click HERE

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Science/Homeschool Days

Here is the registration link : bit.ly/48d3Htn

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X-STEM ALL ACCESS

What: X-STEM All Access – presented by the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force – is a free on-demand series for middle and high schoolers designed to get students excited about STEM.

Students will get an inside look into the exciting careers and inspiring personal journeys of diverse STEM role models through a lively Q&A session with a fellow STEM professional.  The 30-minute max episodes will premiere throughout the school year and will be available on-demand to fit in your schedule.

WHEN: New episodes with NGSS and CASEL aligned lessons released throughout 2023

COST: FREE!!!

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Click HERE – Sign Up HERE

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Refreshing Mountain Homeschool Days

WHAT: Our Homeschool days are back in a whole new way and we’ve improved them with you in mind. We increased activities and hours you can be on-site while keeping it low cost for homeschool families without sacrificing education and fun!

Designed with families in mind we maintained our price cap and removed the rotating chaperone responsibilities so you can enjoy the day together as a family!

This is not a drop off event. Parents will be able to spend the day with their entire family

WHERE: REFRESHING MOUNTAIN   455 CAMP RD STEVENS, PA   17578

TIME: 9 am- 5:00 pm

WHEN: September 26th & 29th

AGES: 5 +

COST: A Child Cap on activities of $125 for child participants. Families spending more than $125 on children for activities, please call (717-985-7141) to get the Child Cap of $125 on activities. (NOTE: If parent’s register to participate they are not counted towards $125 Child Cap and pay full price.) Payment is due at time of registration. 

FOR MORE INFO: Click Here

Science Method/Nature/ASL/Fitness

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Internship

Applications have officially opened for MobilizeGreen’s Urban Conservation Corp in partnership with the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum. This is a paid internship where students ages 15-18 can gain hands- on experience in completing conservation related projects and gain knowledge of career options. Programs also include some environmental lessons/education, and the potential for recreational trips.

The program will run for 10 weeks from October 7th until December 16th every Saturday. Students selected to participate will receive a stipend of $65 a day paid biweekly. The program day will run from 9 am to 3:30 pm. Complete an application. We will be holding cohorts in the fall, spring, and summer.

FAFSA News/ASL/Literature/Music/Science

Click here to read more.

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https://outschool.com/teachers/Charity-2023

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Introduction to Literature

About the Instructor:

I’m Jason B. Esters. I’ve been an educator for over 25 years, I’m a Pennsylvania-certified teacher in English (7-12), and I have a Ph.D in English with a focus on Composition, Rhetoric, and African-American Literature. Over the years, I’ve taught a lot of literature classes and a whole lot of writing classes. I currently head the College Writing Unit at the Community College of Philadelphia. My wife and I have homeschooled our children for around 13 years.

About the Class:

Introduction to Literature: Readings from Africa to America explores literary forms, conventions, and techniques from the beginning of civilization to the present day. The course includes masterpieces of literature from not only the Western tradition, but also from Africa, Asia and the Global Community. This class will be rigorous (but fun!), will cover poetry, plays, and book-length works, and will require students to complete quizzes and annotations. Students will also do a fair amount of writing in this course and will receive writing support from me.   

This course is structured to fulfill one year of high school English and satisfy the PHAA writing requirements for high school English credit. Introduction to Literature: Readings from Africa to America also takes into account texts that have appeared on AP exams and standardized tests offered by the College Board in the last 20 years. 

Once a student is enrolled in the class, it’s easy to get started! I will provide students with either PDF or HTML-based copies of all the reading material. Each student will only need:

• A pen,
• A pencil
• A crayon or highlighter
• A notebook
• A gmail account (I will have reading materials in Google Classroom)

This course is being offered on a monthly subscription model ONLY. If you are interested in registering, you can register here. **On the registration page, click “Set Time Zone” to see the virtual class dates and the “Continue'” button. After you have completed the form, you can use this link to set up payment for your course subscription. 

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Join Lightlabetc Fall Workshops. We have them for all ages!

Workshops Fall 2023Suzanne Shera, M.S. — August 29, 2023Hello! Are still soaking up the last days of summer, beginning your school year, or are maybe doing both? I am in the middle of planning the two Physics classes I will teach after Labor day, while enjoying a few days in Cherry Springs, PA. The schedule and registration forms for Lightlabetc online workshops is completed are ready! Please register soon to help me with the planning. I look forward to see many of you there! This year’s selection is listed on Lightlabetc.com/for-teachers page, which include Lightlab workshops and special topics for older youth. Here is what you will find: Monthly Lightlab Teacher Workshops They are free if you own at least one book. Join us online or ask for recordings. Lightlab Forums connect with others, review, ask questions, and learn new things about light and God. They will be hosted by the author Suzanne Shera. You don’t have your book yet? Get it here Get information about Science Supplies and Free Book Supplements LIGHTLAB ETC FOR OLDER YOUTH Lightlab Extras These are extensions to each Lightlab chapter, for those who want to dig deeper and for older youth. I can guide you with these during the Lightlab Forums. Color Theory Tutorial and Workshop The pdf of this 8 page tutorial is available at Lightlab Products, where you can also order the RGBMCY filters. Register for the Color Theory Workshops Here. Light/Shadows/Sundials The pdf of this 11 page tutorial is available at Lightlab Products. Join a Sundial workshop here in September or March, and be ready by the Fall or Spring Equinoxes. We invite you to share lightlabetc.com with other homeschooled families, churches and Christian schools. All the while, please pray for all teachers as they equip the youth with knowledge and to be the Daniels of the future. Daniel 1:4 Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science,…

Introduction to Literature

Introduction to Literature

About the Instructor:

I’m Jason B. Esters. I’ve been an educator for over 25 years, I’m a Pennsylvania-certified teacher in English (7-12), and I have a Ph.D in English with a focus on Composition, Rhetoric, and African-American Literature. Over the years, I’ve taught a lot of literature classes and a whole lot of writing classes. I currently head the College Writing Unit at the Community College of Philadelphia. My wife and I have homeschooled our children for around 13 years.

About the Class:

Introduction to Literature: Readings from Africa to America explores literary forms, conventions, and techniques from the beginning of civilization to the present day. The course includes masterpieces of literature from not only the Western tradition, but also from Africa, Asia and the Global Community. This class will be rigorous (but fun!), will cover poetry, plays, and book-length works, and will require students to complete quizzes and annotations. Students will also do a fair amount of writing in this course and will receive writing support from me.   

This course is structured to fulfill one year of high school English and satisfy the PHAA writing requirements for high school English credit. Introduction to Literature: Readings from Africa to America also takes into account texts that have appeared on AP exams and standardized tests offered by the College Board in the last 20 years. 

Once a student is enrolled in the class, it’s easy to get started! I will provide students with either PDF or HTML-based copies of all the reading material. Each student will only need:

• A pen,
• A pencil
• A crayon or highlighter
• A notebook
• A gmail account (I will have reading materials in Google Classroom)

This course is being offered on a monthly subscription model ONLY. If you are interested in registering, you can register here. **On the registration page, click “Set Time Zone” to see the virtual class dates and the “Continue'” button. After you have completed the form, you can use this link to set up payment for your course subscription. 

Language-Sports-Outdoor Activites

Homeschool Park Day

This event is open to anyone! If you have friends interested in homeschooling and want to find out more about it, please invite them!

PLEASE BRING:

Lots of water

Picnic lunch if you’d like

Footballs, soccer balls, Kick balls and good shoes for hiking

Whatever your kids like to do!

WHEN: Friday, September 1st

TIME: 10:30am-1:30 PM (come and go as your schedule allows)

WHERE: Freedom Playground – 9000 Parkview Dr., Haverford, PA 19041

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Every Kid Outdoors

What: Fourth graders! See America’s natural wonders and historic sites for free. Parents, your child can take you amazing places! With the pass, fourth graders can bring family and friends on adventures free for a full year.

WHEN: Plan your trip

WHERE: Hundreds of national parks, lands, and waters

COST: FREE!!!

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Click HERE

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The Discovery Center Programs and Events

What: The Discovery Center is free and open 6 days a week. Stop by our Visitor Center to borrow a pair of binoculars, chat with staff about the birds of the Strawberry Mansion reservoir and use the restroom before you head out to discover yourself in nature while walking our out and back trail partway around the reservoir. Discover native plants in our pollinator garden and learn about freshwater mussels on our water walk. Take your time, bring your friends and family and relax in nature- all without leaving Philadelphia!

Over 130 species of birds have visited the Strawberry Mansion Reservoir since it was decommissioned. Now that nature has taken over the space, we’ll be going out in the canoes to find out exactly what draws them to this special place. We will be fitting everyone with paddles, Personal Floatation Device (PFD), and binoculars. Join us for a sunset paddle as we search for flora and fauna that call the reservoir home. No canoeing experience or bird/ plant knowledge required! Just bring a buddy and enjoy an evening on the reservoir. Participants will learn tips and proper canoe technique from our Outward Bound Instructors. Ages 8 – Adult. However, participants 8-12 years of age must be in the canoe with a responsible adult. This event REQUIRES PRE-REGISTRATION.

WHEN: September 15th

TIME: 5:30 – 8:30 PM

WHERE: The Discovery Center – 3401 Reservoir Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19121

COST: FREE!!!

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Click HERE

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https://outschool.com/teachers/Charity-2023

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https://kids.ccphilly.org/wp-content/uploads/2023-League-Info-1.pdf

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https://www.phillyalc.org/rootsatawbury

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https://cairn.edu/kidsport/