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 5-12
Programs are usually held at our Cool Spring Preserve twice a month (usually on Thursdays) from 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM.
Pricing:
Single child: $15 for members and $20 for non-members.
Additional children: $10 for members and $15 for non-members
(If you are not a member and would like to become one and receive the member discount and other member perks, click here.)
To accommodate families with siblings, different sessions for 5-7 year olds and 8-12 year olds will be offered at the same time.
NEW! Along with our monthly programs, we are also some program series options.
Programs include time outside for nature exploration, so wear clothes and shoes that are comfortable for hiking and suitable for the weather.
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.
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 and the instructor decides to cancel or reschedule a program, you will be notified by e-mail either the day before the program or by 8:30 am on the day of the program.
Cancelations
Fees are refundable if the program is cancelled by instructor or cancelled by parent more than one week in advance. If you need to cancel for a program session, please notify the lead instructor, Amy Moore (amy@potomacaudubon.org) , as soon as possible.
October 2019
Homeschool Adventures: Habitat Detectives
This programs has sessions available for ages 5-7 and 8-12 Single child: $15 members/$20 non-members. Additional children: $10 members/$15 non-members. In this program we'll learn to identify the basic components of a habitat, and then explore Cool Spring Preserve in search of different habitats and the animals that live in them. 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…
Find out more »Homeschool Adventures: Trees are Terrific Series
This program series is available for ages 5-7 and 8-12; you may also register your child(ren) for individual sessions. 3 sessions, $45 members / $60 non-members Additional Children: $30 members / $45 non-members Individual session pricing: $15 members/$20 non-members; additional children: $10 members/$15 non-members. 10/31: Session 1: Leaves, Buds, and Seeds 11/7: Session 2: Be a Forester! (This session will take place at the Claymont Society's property. There is a great diversity of trees at this site and an 300…
Find out more »November 2019
Homeschool Adventures: Trees are Terrific Series
This program series is available for ages 5-7 and 8-12; you may also register your child(ren) for individual sessions. 3 sessions, $45 members / $60 non-members Additional Children: $30 members / $45 non-members Individual session pricing: $15 members/$20 non-members; additional children: $10 members/$15 non-members. 10/31: Session 1: Leaves, Buds, and Seeds 11/7: Session 2: Be a Forester! (This session will take place at the Claymont Society's property. There is a great diversity of trees at this site and an 300…
Find out more »Homeschool Adventures: Trees are Terrific Series
This program series is available for ages 5-7 and 8-12; you may also register your child(ren) for individual sessions. 3 sessions, $45 members / $60 non-members Additional Children: $30 members / $45 non-members Individual session pricing: $15 members/$20 non-members; additional children: $10 members/$15 non-members. 10/31: Session 1: Leaves, Buds, and Seeds 11/7: Session 2: Be a Forester! (This session will take place at the Claymont Society's property. There is a great diversity of trees at this site and an 300…
Find out more »Homeschool Adventures: Ecosystems
This programs has sessions available for ages 5-7 and 8-12 Single child: $15 members/ $20 non-members. Additional children: $10 members/ $15 non-members In this program we'll learn to identify characteristic life forms in ecosystems, learn the importance of adaptations of animals and learn about animals and their ecological niches. 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…
Find out more »December 2019
Homeschool Adventures: Sustainable Energy: Ages 5-12
Ages 5-12 2 sessions, $30 members / $40 non-members; you may also register your child(ren) for individual sessions. Additional children: $20 members/ $ 30 non-members Individual session pricing: $15 members/$20 non-members; additional children: $10 members/$15 non-members. 12/5: Session 1: Sun and Wind 12/13: Session 2: Kinetic Energy 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…
Find out more »Homeschool Adventures: Sustainable Energy: Ages 5-12
Ages 5-12 2 sessions, $30 members / $40 non-members; you may also register your child(ren) for individual sessions. Additional children: $20 members/ $ 30 non-members Individual session pricing: $15 members/$20 non-members; additional children: $10 members/$15 non-members. 12/5: Session 1: Sun and Wind 12/13: Session 2: Kinetic Energy 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…
Find out more »Homeschool Adventures: Dirt Dwellers
Sessions available for ages 5-7 and 8-12 $15 members / $20 non-members 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…
Find out more »Please register each child individually.
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