DIY Nature Club or Nature Camp

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This summer my kids wanted to host a Nature Club play group for all their friends.  We had such a great time that I thought I would share our plans here with all of you!  You could use the ideas to host your own Nature Club, Nature Camp, or even just a Nature Theme or unit!  It's a great way to get some outside learning while you're still playing and exploring the outdoors!



The basic plan for each week's "club meeting" included a short themed "lesson," 1-2 activities, a snack, and a little play time.  Here are the details on each week's activities:

Week 1:  Worms! 

Worm Anatomy (exterior anatomy...we didn't dissect any worms!)
Build a Wormery!

Week 2: Seeds!

Dissect a Bean Seed Lab! (and learn the parts inside a seed!)
Plant Seeds in DIY Biodegradable Planters!

Week 3: Bugs!

{FREE} Printable Bug Scavenger Hunt!
Rock Bugs Craft!

Week 4:  Leaves & Trees!

Awesome Leaf Prints!

Week 5: Snakes & Turtles!

This was a "field trip" week to a local nature preserve that was hosting a Snake Open House.  They let us hold and pet snakes and turtles.  Then we walked to one of their ponds and fed more turtles!

Week 6: Butterflies!

This was also a "field trip" week.  The Houston Museum of Natural Science has a Butterfly House with lots of insect exhibits, so we spent a couple hours in their "rainforest" and eating lunch afterwards!

And, here are a few more resources that you might find helpful:

Backyard Bugs
Leaf Print Paintings
Botany Lessons




I may share at any of these parties!



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