PVAS Homeschool Adventures programs are designed to introduce homeschool students to specific nature-based themes with the goal of helping students better understand the natural world and their connection to it.
Programs for Ages 5-10
Programs are held at our Cool Spring Preserve twice a month (usually on Tuesdays) from 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM and are $10/child/session.
To accommodate families with siblings, different sessions for 5-7 year olds and 8-10 year olds will be offered at the same time.
Programs include time outside for nature exploration, so wear clothes and shoes that are comfortable for hiking and suitable for the weather.
Programs By Request
Want to schedule a homeschool program for your group? We offer 2-hour programs by request for groups of 6 or more homeschoolers. Some programs can be held at our other Preserves upon request. You can choose one of the following programs:
| Skulls and Bones | Ages 5 & up | $10/child |
| Animal Signs | Ages 5 & up | $10/child |
| Decomposition Detectives | Ages 5 & up | $10/child |
| Birding Basics | Ages 8 & up | $10/child |
| Invasive Plants | Ages 8 & up | $10/child |
| Watershed Program (2 sessions) | Ages 8 & up | $20/child |
If you would like to schedule a program, e-mail Amy Moore at amy@potomacaudubon.org
Registration Information
- Pre-registration for each program is required.
- Registration for each program and child is done individually
- A minimum of six participants is needed to conduct the program. The instructor will cancel the program if the minimum is not reached.
- Fees are refundable if the program is cancelled by instructor or cancelled by parent more than one week in advance.
Program Policies
We know that many parents often need to bring their younger children to the program. While younger siblings will not be allowed to participate in any program activities, we have a “Kid Corner” in our nature center that parents and young children can enjoy during the program. Parents must supervise any children not participating in the program at all times.
Parents are welcome to stay for the duration of the program, but are not required to do so. However, if your child is disruptive or distressed during your absence, you may be asked to stay for future sessions.
Parents must register their child for the appropriate age group. If you feel that your child would be better suited to an older group, please understand an assessment of your child’s capabilities must be made by an instructor before a switch is possible. There is no guarantee that your request will be accommodated, as we need to ensure that the switch does not impact the experience for other students.
Inclement Weather
If inclement weather is in the forecast, you will be notified by e-mail either the day before the program or by 8:30 am on the day of the program.
September 2018
Homeschool Adventures: Monarch Migration- Ages 8-10
Ages: 8-10 Join us at Cool Spring Preserve as learn about the amazing journey of the Monarch Butterfly! Part of the program will be spent catching monarchs in the meadow and tagging them! This program will be science-based and includes exploring, observing, discovering, and reflecting on a specific nature-based theme. Registration Information Pre-registration for this program is required. A minimum of six participants is needed to conduct the program. The instructor will cancel the program if the minimum is not reached.…
Find out more »Homeschool Adventures: Monarch Migration- Ages 5-7
Ages: 5-7 Join us at Cool Spring Preserve as learn about the amazing journey of the Monarch Butterfly! Part of the program will be spent catching monarchs in the meadow and tagging them! This program will be science-based and includes exploring, observing, discovering, and reflecting on a specific nature-based theme. Registration Information Pre-registration for this program is required. A minimum of six participants is needed to conduct the program. The instructor will cancel the program if the minimum is not reached.…
Find out more »Homeschool Adventures: Monarch Migration (Afternoon Session)
Join us at Cool Spring Preserve as learn about the amazing journey of the Monarch Butterfly! Part of the program will be spent catching monarchs in the meadow and tagging them!
Find out more »October 2018
Homeschool Adventures: Wetlands and Marshes- Ages 8-10
Ages: 8-10 Join us at Cool Spring Preserve as we learn about the characteristics of wetlands and marshes and the animals that call them home. This program will be science-based and includes exploring, observing, discovering, and reflecting on a specific nature-based theme. Registration Information Pre-registration for this program is required. A minimum of six participants is needed to conduct the program. The instructor will cancel the program if the minimum is not reached. Fees are refundable if the program is…
Find out more »Homeschool Adventures: Wetlands and Marshes- Ages 5-7
Ages: 5-7 Join us at Cool Spring Preserve as we learn about the characteristics of wetlands and marshes and the animals that call them home. This program will be science-based and includes exploring, observing, discovering, and reflecting on a specific nature-based theme. Registration Information Pre-registration for this program is required. A minimum of six participants is needed to conduct the program. The instructor will cancel the program if the minimum is not reached. Fees are refundable if the program is…
Find out more »Homeschool Adventures: Tree Detectives- Ages 8-10
Ages: 8-10 In this program we'll investigate leaves, the parts of a tree and their functions, and practice some tree ID. This program will be science-based and includes exploring, observing, discovering, and reflecting on a specific nature-based theme. Registration Information Pre-registration for this program is required. A minimum of six participants is needed to conduct the program. The instructor will cancel the program if the minimum is not reached. Fees are refundable if the program is cancelled by instructor or…
Find out more »Homeschool Adventures: Tree Detectives- Ages 5-7
Ages: 5-7 In this program we'll investigate leaves, the parts of a tree and their functions, and practice some tree ID. This program will be science-based and includes exploring, observing, discovering, and reflecting on the program theme. Registration Information Pre-registration for this program is required. A minimum of six participants is needed to conduct the program. The instructor will cancel the program if the minimum is not reached. Fees are refundable if the program is cancelled by instructor or cancelled…
Find out more »November 2018
Homeschool Adventures: Native Americans- Ages 8-10
Ages: 8-10 In this program we’ll explore how native people of West Virginia lived hundreds of years ago. This program will be science-based and includes exploring, observing, discovering, and reflecting on the program theme. Registration Information Pre-registration for this program is required. A minimum of six participants is needed to conduct the program. The instructor will cancel the program if the minimum is not reached. Fees are refundable if the program is cancelled by instructor or cancelled by parent more…
Find out more »Homeschool Adventures: Native Americans- Ages 5-7
Ages: 5-7 In this program we’ll explore how native people of West Virginia lived hundreds of years ago. This program will be science-based and includes exploring, observing, discovering, and reflecting on the program theme. Registration Information Pre-registration for this program is required. A minimum of six participants is needed to conduct the program. The instructor will cancel the program if the minimum is not reached. Fees are refundable if the program is cancelled by instructor or cancelled by parent more…
Find out more »Homeschool Adventures: What Rots?- Ages 5-7
Ages: 5-7 In this program we'll be exploring compost, fungi, worms and decomposers. This program will be science-based and includes exploring, observing, discovering, and reflecting on the program theme. Registration Information Pre-registration for this program is required. A minimum of six participants is needed to conduct the program. The instructor will cancel the program if the minimum is not reached. Fees are refundable if the program is cancelled by instructor or cancelled by parent more than one week in advance.…
Find out more »