Free Educational Program for Ypsilanti Teens

Does your student need an educational challenge? Then The Wolverine Pathways program might be a great option. Teens (incoming 7th and 10th grade students) who live within the Ypsilanti public school district, qualify for this exceptional learning program, and it's FREE!

The University of Michigan’s Wolverine Pathways is a free, year-round program that partners with your family, school and community to provide learning experiences that will help you succeed in school, college and future careers. Selected students will receive academic support and enrichment as well as invitations to participate in cultural events and service opportunities. Students who successfully complete the program are also eligible for full tuition scholarships to the University of Michigan!

The application deadline to apply is May 31, 2016. For more information, please visit the Wolverine Pathways Program website.

Rockhounding Basics

Fun family event: Rockhounding 101 at the Eddy Discovery Center.

My children and I have really gotten into rock-hounding the past few years. So much so, that on any given beach you will find rocks in our pockets, in backpacks, wrapped in blankets and sometimes in our shoes! The goal is now to find the BEST rock of a specific kind. 

I have actually found a lot pleasure in collecting specimens and learning to identify them. Gliding my fingers across their rough surface or enjoying the cool smoothness. It is soothing and exhilarating.  I have gotten so good in fact that I now am a merit badge counselor for Boy Scouts and have several presentations that I have delivered to the school my children attend (sometimes not even to their classes!). It's a hobby I have really enjoyed and my son's principal has actually asked me to submit to be a substitute teacher after seeing one of the presentations. 

Certainly I have had this love since I was a small child. My grandpa had a huge rock tumbler in his basement and I will forever remember him showing me rocks fresh from the tumbler. My love of rocks was rekindled though when my kids and I attended a free event at the Eddy Discovery Center.

The next Rockhound Basics course will be held on Sunday, May 22, at 2:00 p.m. Families will discover what you can learn about ancient Michigan from looking at a rock, walk along the rock walk at the Eddy Discovery Center ( 17030 Bush Rd., Chelsea, MI 48118) and get to pick the brain of area geologist Larry Bean. You will even learn how to “read” the story told by rocks and help you to identify specimens at a local quarry. 

Meet at the Discovery Center before driving to the quarry to do some collecting. Advance registration is requested at 734-475-3170. Cost: $2 per person/$5 per family. 

Butterfly Festival at UM Museum of Natural History

On Saturday, May 14, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. families should plan to attend the Butterfly Festival and the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History. This free event will have live butterflies and teach kids about the life cycle and lifestyles of butterflies. Stay for this enjoyable spring event and help plant in the Museum’s Butterfly and Pollinator Garden, or make your very own butterfly wings to take home.

Sketching Nature for the Family

On Sunday, May 15 at 2:00 p.m., families who enjoy drawing will have the opportunity to develop their hidden artistic talent sketching nature at the Eddy Discovery Center (17030 Bush Rd., Chelsea, MI 48118). Participants will meet with scientific illustrator Jen Koppin, who will teach drawing techniques and observational skills. The class will then head outdoors to practice sketching and color exercises.

The cost for this event includes entry into the State Park and is $2/person or $5/family plus an additional $2 materials fee for supplies (unless you bring your own). Advance registration for this program is required at 734-475-3170.

Kids Bowl Free All Summer Long

For several years now my kids have participated in the Kids Bowl Free program during the summer months when they are out of school. It is the perfect afternoon activity when the summer weather isn't cooperating, and the best part is that my children get to enjoy free bowling!

Let your kids can bowl FREE
all summer long!

Starting May 1, Ann Arbor families can take their children for free bowling at Bel-Mark Lanes. This is the only Ann Arbor bowling alley hosting the Kids Bowl Free program this year. I have been told too, that the bowling alley is under renovation, so be sure to stop in and check them out!

Bel-Mark Lanes, Ann Arbor
May 1-Sept 1
3530 Jackson Rd. | (734) 994-8433
Mon-Thurs until 6:00 p.m.
Fri-Sun until 5:00 p.m.

Looking for other convenient bowling alleys? Here are two more nearby:

Lodge Lanes, Belleville
May 1-Sept 30
46255 I-94 S Service Dr, Belleville | (734) 697-9178

Chelsea Lanes, Chelsea
April 15 1-Oct 31
1180 S. Main Street, Chelsea | (734) 475-8141

Super Bowl, Canton
May 2-Aug 31
45100 Ford Rd. | (734) 459-6070

There are many participating bowling alley's in Michigan to choose from, so check out their available times and choose wisely. Parents will only be able to register for one bowling alley per e-mail account.

In past years, if you register early, you will most likely also be offered the family pass for just $24.95 per family.  This pass is good for up to 4 adult family members (Mom, Dad, Older Siblings, Grandma, Grandpa or an Adult Babysitter) to bowl 2 games of free bowling every day during the summer along along with the children that have registered in the family.

So sign up today for this amazing summer deal.