Nature Fun for Kids: Make a Journey Stick

Nature Fun For Kids is back for an exciting new program. The free event for kids ages 4-7 is Saturday, April 19, 2:00-3:30 p.m. at the Scio Woods Preserve (Scio Church Rd, Lakewood, MI 48103). Kids will create a Journey Stick of their own while learning about the colors of spring. Specifically, what color is the sound of a Robin singing?

In many countries, native people have developed the idea of creating a journey stick to help tell the story of their travels to others. In this kids hiking program, participants will tie objects and colors to a stick to represent different experiences, feelings or parts of the journey.

Pre-registration for this free event is required and programs tend to fill quickly. To register, email Shawn at severances@ewashtenaw.org or call 971-6337 x335.

Birdwatching for Beginners with Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation

Are your kids interested in nature? Do you look for outdoor activities and events? Do feathered friends intrigue you? Do you know a scout that might be interested in this fun, free program? Then grab your binoculars, a bottle of water and plan to have some fun as Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation and Naturalist Faye Stoner introduce the family to Birdwatching for Beginners.

Birdwatching for Beginners gets the entire family outdoors together.
Check out this free event on April 5 at Independence Lake at 9:00 a.m.

On Saturday, April 5, 9:00-11:00 a.m. at Independence Lake (3200 Jennings Rd, Whitmore Lake, MI 48189), families will enjoy an hour of slides and discussion about bird identification using field marks, habitat, behavior, and songs, followed by an hour spent outdoors practicing birdwatching skills. If you have them please bring binoculars and a field guide. This free program is suitable for kids ages 8+ and the entire family. Once in the park, plan to meet at the Beach Center Classroom. A vehicle entry fee may be required to enter the park.


For more information, visit parks.ewashtenaw.org, call 971- 6337 or email Faye.







photo credit: Daniele Zanni via photopin cc

A.L.I.C.E. Initiative for Parents

Even though this is not a program for children I felt it was an important one to share with area parents. Tomorrow night, March 27 at 6:00 p.m.at the Ypsilanti District Library (5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti 48197), Ann Arbor area parents and teachers can learn about the A.L.I.C.E. Initiative. The program provides active shooter training and awareness in the event of a school shooting.

It would be nice to think that "this will never happen" in fact it likely never will, but the scouter in me thinks it is important to "be prepared" too. Parents are encouraged to attend one of the free sessions.

The decision to provide active shooter training to all school personnel was precipitated by the Sandy Hook tragedy of 2012, other acts of school violence and school shootings across the nation. Local law enforcement professionals worked with WISD and Ann Arbor area school districts to select and implement a response method. The group adopted the Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate or "A.L.I.C.E. program". Adopting this will provide tactical advantages to teachers and students to use in the event an intruder enters a school. To learn more, please attend the program tomorrow night at the Ypsilanti District Library.

For more information on the A.L.I.C.E. Initiative, contact Dr. Sarena Shivers at sshivers (at) wash.k12.mi.us.

LEGO® KidsFest in Michigan

Have you ever taken your kids to experience the LEGO® KidsFest? I hear that ticket sales are rocking and it is quite the place to be. The LEGO® KidsFest comes to Michigan April 25–27 at Novi's Suburban Collection Showplace.

The event is filled with interactive, creative and educational LEGO activities for the whole family. Stop in for hands-on educational fun for all ages with LEGO & DUPLO® Construction Zones, dozens of large-scale and miniature LEGO models and displays, LEGO Games, group builds, LEGO Master Builders, and much more!

Buy tickets today for the Michigan LEGO KidsFest. Kids 2 and under are free, Ages 2-17 and seniors $20, adult $22.

Hike at the Eddy Discovery Center This Saturday

Explore the Eddy Discovery Center (17030 Bush Rd., Chelsea, MI 48118) trails during the Harbinger Hike on Saturday March 29, 2:00-3:30 p.m. It would be an excellent way for the kids to find early signs of spring. Who knows you may even see  animal awakenings, early sprouts, and perhaps a few unorthodox blooms during this free event!