Our Summer Programs

Summer at Discovery Schoolhouse, now entering its twenty seventh year, is an amazing kaleidoscope of adventure, with shifting patterns of tree,water,sun and sand. This true "hands on" science and nature program utilizes the environments surrounding the school - creek, woods, pond and meadow - to fully immerse the child in the natural world of learning and discovery. Building strong bodies and developing curious minds as well as building self sufficiency are the goals of all our programs. This is especially true of our summer nature adventure!

 Our programs are divided by ages:

LEAPFROGS:
This program, for children ages 4-11, focuses heavily on nature crafts and collections, outdoor campfire cooking, Indian games and legends, sun and water play, wet and dry hikes, animal yoga and good old fashioned summertime fun as we learn from the life in each of our four ecosystems. Long summer days are spent swimming,picnicing, hiking in the woods and creek,playing cooperative games and listening to stories from Mrs. Mary's story bag.

TURTLES:
Mr.Dan utilizes his lifetime accumulation of woods and water knowledge to focus the talents and interests of children ages 7-11 on their natural environment. Named after the ancient Indian symbol for the earth, this program offers a once in a lifetime adventure in field and stream, lake and woods under the guidance of a truly gifted naturalist. Camp cooking, natural treasure hunts, fossil and snake hunting, nature crafts, mud engineering and dam construction as well as the serendipidy examination of the lives of plants and animals are all part of this wonderful program. Cliff climbing and daily hikes as well as tests of strength and endurance build that "I can do it" attitude and cooperative spirit in each tribe member. If your child loves nature, vigorous activity and learning how to interact and survive in the natural world, this program is for you!

RACCOONS:
Specifically designed as an enrichment program for children enrolled in the TURTLE and LEAPFROG programs who are 6-11 years old, raccoon sessions are from 2 to 4 p.m. each day. It is a club of crafty enthusiasts with quick minds and nimble fingers. The group reads exciting chapter books and thenengages in art and language activities that are directly related to the reading material. For example, after reading The Hobbit, the club created a five person paper mache dragon costume. After reading The Borrowers, we staged a mock trial and video taped the proceedings. A medival fair and model castle making followed the reading of The Adventures of Robin Hood. If your child could use help with reading skills or is already a great reader, but needs some inspiration, this program is sure to meet your highest expectations. Raccoons is free to participants in the LEAPFROG and TURTLE programs.

 
PROGRAM COSTS AND DATES:
All programs run from July 5, 2011 to August 19, 2011
Tuition is $42 per day; $205 per week. There is a 10% discount off total tuition for siblings.
Discovery Schoolhouse is open from 7:15 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Monday through Friday with 90 minutes of free play and group guided activities before and after the programs begin. Children should be present at 9 a.m.
LEAPFROGS register for Mon.Wed.Fri. (ages 4-7); Tues.Thurs. (ages 4 -11)
TURTLES register for Mon.Wed.Fri. ONLY (ages 7-11)

Call 627 - 2007 for more information and to register!