Pekin Park District’s

Soldwedel Program Center

Winter/Spring 2011 Soldwedel Program Center is located in the tranquil wooded area adjacent to McNaughton Park off of Route 98. The Park District recently purchased the three buildings and approximately 14 acres from the Girl Scouts of Central Il. Formerly known as Soldwedel Girl Scout Camp, named after Tim Soldwedel who was a Park Commissioner for 42 years. Soldwedel Program Center offers nature based environmental educational programs for all ages as well as a variety of other interesting classes and workshops. It also serves as a unique woodland meeting place and overnight lodging facility.

Winter & Spring 2011

What’s Inside... Children’s Activities

Adventure Clubs Archery Lessons Camp McNaughton Childrens’ Garden Cooking Classes Cross Country Ski Workshop Doodle Art Nutty About Nature School Field Trips Spring Break Camp Star Party

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Archery Lessons Animal Communications Camp McNaughton Cooking Classes Cross Country Ski Workshop D.I.Y. Doodle Art Eco Crafting Friends of McNaughton Star Party Trail Building Workshop Winter Bird Watch

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Teens

Adult Events

Archery Lessons Animal Communications Cross Country Ski Workshop D.I.Y. Doodle Art Eco Crafting Friends of McNaughton Star Party Teacher Workshops Trail Building Workshop Winter Bird Watch

Family

Adventure Clubs Animal Communications Archery Lessons Cross Country Ski Workshop D.I.Y. Doodle Art Eco Crafting Friends of McNaughton Star Party Trail Building Workshop Winter Bird Watch

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Registration Information Rental Information

309-347-PARK(7275)

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5 6 7 8 8 8 9 4 7 12 4 3 15 www.pekinparkdistrict.org

A Center for Outdoor Education and Recreation .......A Woodland Meeting Place and Lodging Facility

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Soldwedel Program Center consists of three buildings with showy vaulted pine interiors, lots of windows to view the prairie habitat, woods and meadows, and large stone fireplaces. The larger of the buildings is the 1,700 square foot lodge, which is complete with a kitchen. There are two cabins which are, approximately 1,300 square feet with lofts for classes or indoor overnight camping. Both allow natural lighting and majestic views of the outdoors. A large wooden deck encompasses all three facilities. Below the lodge building is a covered sitting area with a fireplace. Outside the complex is a large fire pit and grassy meadow areas surrounded by woodlands. Adjacent to the 800 acre McNaughton Park, this land supports approximately 15 species of animals, 80 species of birds and a wide spectrum of plant life. McNaughton Park hosts an 18 hole frisbee golf course, Potawatami trail (maps available at pekinpark district.org), Rockin’ P Public Horse Riding Stables, 3 lakes, and Delwood tent camping area. Roughly 400 acres of McNaughton Park is within the Land and Water Reserves of the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission. Directions: 207 McNaughton Park Road, Pekin, Il 61554 Located on the North side of Pekin, just off Rt. 98, adjacent to McNaughton Park From the center of Pekin: (about 10 minutes), follow Parkway Drive until it ends at Route 98. Turn right, go approximately one mile and turn right on McNaughton Park Road. Soldwedel Program Center is on your right.

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Soldwedel Program Center McNaughton Park

Pekin 4 Ways to Register for Programs! Class sizes are limited so register early. (1) Call us 309-347-PARK (7275) or (2) Fax the Registration Form to 309-347-3970 or (3) Mail it 1701 Court St. Pekin Il 61554 or (4) Stop in the Recreation Reception Office located in the Memorial Arena, at 1701 Court ......St. Pekin, Monday.thru Friday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. ...... Visit us on the web at pekinparkdistrict.org, left column click on Soldwedel Program Center www.pekinparkdistrict.org

309-347-PARK(7275)

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Winter Bird Watch

Do you feed birds in your yard? Studies show most people do. Did you know bird watching is ranked the most popular recreational activity in the United States? Come, learn more from expert Tom Lerczak in the beautiful forest and shrublands of McNaughton Park. Tom Lerczak, Administrator Natural Areas Preservation Specialist for the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, an expert on wildlife in their habitats (and wonderfully interesting gentleman!), will lead the venture beginning at Soldwedel Program Center with some coffee and a short orientation. Then we’ll hike into McNaughton Park where we’ll observe birds in their forest and shrubland habitats, with hopes of catching a glimpse of soaring bald eagles and hawks over the Illinois River Valley. Tom has identified 80 species of birds in their homes at McNaughton Park. We’ll end our trip back to Soldwedel Program Center for a discussion on the birds we saw, questions and answers. Bring binoculars if you have them. Dress warm. Please call 2 hours prior to program start time in case of inclement weather, 309-4773535. Day: Date: Time: Fee:

Saturday February 12 10:00 am to approx. noon $5

Friends of McNaughton Park

Are you interested in promoting the enjoyment and use of McNaughton Park? A group of liked-minded individuals have formed this new “Friends” group. They will meet quarterly at Soldwedel Program Center to discuss and formulate projects to take place at McNaughton Park. Since the first gathering in September, the group conducted clean up days where they collected dozens of bags of garbage, which was a great awareness to park users. Tom Lerczak, Natural Areas Preserve Specialist with the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission spoke to the group about the Land and Water reserve, which entails approximately 400 acres of McNaughton, and they have been compiling a “projects” list. Included on the agenda for the next meeting are identification areas that need erosion remediation, establishing clean-up days, forest management control of black locust and honeysuckle, and bridge repairs. Your ideas and input are important. Friends of McNaughton Park’s leaders are park enthusiasts Marvin Doyle and Bob Mosiman . Comments or questions may be directed to Terri Gambetti, Supt of Recreation, 309-353-4319 or [email protected] Dates: Tuesday, February 22 Tuesday, May 24 Tuesday, August 30 Tuesday, November 29 Marv Doyle, Rex Thorpe, Bob Mosiman Time: 7:00 pm “On a very rainy clean up day”

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309-347-PARK(7275)

www.pekinparkdistrict.org

Adventure Clubs

A grandparent or special friend are encouraged to accompany the child as they share in learning how to learn - developing curiosity, observation and joy in nature. Beth Wegner, Nature Specialist, has years of experience instructing little ones the value of nature based studies.

Dear Children of the Earth

Mother Earth is in danger and she needs your help. Come and explore our beautiful planet and our only home. Enjoy stories, puppets and crafts and learn how to become superheroes for Mother Nature! Day: Date:

Saturday Feb. 5 or

Ages. Time:

5-7 yrs 9:30 am to 10:30 am

Ages: Time: Fee:

3-5 yrs 11:00 am to 12:00 pm $10

Feb. 19

How the Forest Grew

If You Could Talk Like the Animals

Let's investigate how animals talk to each other and live together in Nature. I spy with my little eye--we'll search for evidence of animal activity as Nature Explorers! Hide and seek—we'll learn how animals use camouflage and other tricks to fool their prey—now you see me, now you don't! We'll learn about the special meaning of animal totems—take a walk on the wild side! Day: Date:

Saturday April 2 or

Ages: Time:

5-7 yrs 9:30 am to 10:30 am

Ages: Time: Fee:

3-5 yrs 11:00 am to 12:00 pm $10

April 16

Flower Power

Once upon a time, there was a farm. When the farmer moved away, the wind and the birds planted the seeds that would grow into the 800-acre woods over time. Let's take a nature walk and go back in time to see how McNaughton's forest grew. We'll go on a scavenger hunt to find the plants and animals that live in the forest community. Who, who, who will you see?

Let's discover the enchanting world of flowers and pollinators. Did you know there's a secret language of flowers and each flower has a special fairy? Did you know that bees talk by dancing and that caterpillars magically transform into butterflies that dance with joy? Let's go hunting wildflowers and search for flower fairies and gather pixie dust—make a wish!!! We'll dance with the bees and butterflies and plant a rainbow of flower seeds to welcome Spring! It's better than a pot of gold!

Day: Date:

Saturday March 5 or

Day: Date:

Saturday May 7 or

Ages: Time:

5-7 yrs 9:30 am to 10:30 am

Ages: Time:

5-7 yrs 9:30 am to 10:30 am

Ages: Time: Fee:

3-5 yrs 11:00 am to 12:00 pm $10

Ages: Time: Fee:

3-5 yrs 11:00 am to 12:00 pm $10

March 12

www.pekinparkdistrict.org

May 14

309-347-PARK(7275)

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Animal Communications Communicate with Animals - An Introduction Most of us who love animals experience a unique and special connection with the animals in our lives. Learn how to become aware and open to understanding them at a deeper level. This class will teach you about the nature of intuition, the elements of telepathic animal communication, and key steps you can practice at home. Learn how nurturing a heart-centered connection can enhance your relationships with your animal companions, bringing clearer understanding about their needs, behaviors, wishes, humor, wisdom and purpose in our lives. Experience what it is like to expand into an entirely new level of communicating with your animal friends. We invite you to open your heart and mind to this natural and intuitive connection. Dates: Saturday, February 26 or Sunday, March 13 Time: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Fee: $20. Animal Communication Workshop Part 1: Introduction to the essentials on how to get in touch with animals telepathically. Discover your blocks to communications with animals and the levels of communications possible. Learn how to experience animals’ perspectives, how you may have already communicated telepathically with animals, and how to expand on it. Enjoy exercises that open your heart; increase your awareness and understanding of animals and your receptivity to telepathic communication. Deepen your communion with all of life. Part 2: Learn how to quietly focus your attention when being with animals. Practice opening the channel to get across to animals and to receive what they communicate telepathically in thoughts, images, impressions, feelings and messages. Please bring photographs of your animal companions. Dates: Saturday, April 2 and Sunday, April 3 Times: 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm Fee: $120

Carol Schultz has been a professional Animal Communicator since 2000, serving clients both locally and nationally. She founded Animal Spirit Healing & Education Network in 2006, an online community and university which offers educational classes and certificate programs in holistic animal care and intuitive healing arts. Private practice animal communication consultations with Carol support all concerns, including behavior, performance, health, life changes, end of life, insprit, and lost animals. Her desire to assist animals and their human companions is inspired by her feline companion, Panda a graceful, wise, and playful friend, who passed into spirt when Carol’s journey on this path began. Carol Schultz is a U. of I. graduate, received her MBA from the Lake Forest Graduate School of Business. She resides in her hometown of Pekin.

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309-347-PARK(7275)

www.pekinparkdistrict.org

Star Party!!

Archery Lessons

Boys, Girls, Ladies, and Gentlemen……. Archery is a great sport and hobby. Pekin Archery Club members will teach all aspects of archery including proper safety, terminology, the parts of a bow and arrow and targets. You will actually shoot into targets along the woodlands behind Soldwedel Program Center. For participants less than 16 years old, please bring along your mom or dad. All archery equipment is provided. Spring Session: Day: Tuesdays Dates: May 3rd – 24th Time: 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm Fee: $12 Summer Session: Day: Tuesdays Dates: July 5th – 26th Time: 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm Fee: $12 Fall Session: Day: Tuesdays Dates: Sept. 5th – 26th Time: 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm Fee: $12 www.pekinparkdistrict.org

Come explore Astronomy at the fascinating dark night sky at Soldwedel Program Center. Gentlemen from the Peoria Astronomical Society will share their expertise and hobby with you as you look into the sky at the moon, stars, planets, comets and deep sky objects. Bring binoculars if you have them. Please call 2 hours prior to program start time in case of inclement weather, 309-477-3535. Date: Sunday, April 10 Time: 6:30 pm Date: Thursday, May 12 Time: 7:00 pm Fee: $5 per family

Children’s Garden

Kids, bring your green thumbs, curiosity and creativity to this 6-week garden class in which we'll learn all the steps to design and create a children's garden. You will dissect seeds and plant seeds, create a mini-rainforest, visit a worm farm, get the buzz on why bees dance and learn the language of flowers. Your class will design and plant a garden at the Soldwedel Program Center. Beth Wegner is a Master Gardner and experienced in teaching little ones the importance of nutrition and skill of gardening. Tuesdays Day: April 12 - May 17 Date: Ages: K - 6th grades Times: 3:45 pm to 4:45 pm $25 Fee: 309-347-PARK(7275)

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Cross-Country Ski Workshop

Join Pat Sullivan from Peace of Earth Lodge and Environmental Learning Center and enjoy the pleasure of skiing … take your mind off the stresses of the daily grind. Whether you seek the solitude of solo skiing or are spending quality time with family and friends, it’s a great aerobic activity, enabling you to burn hundreds of calories per hour without straining joints such as knees and ankles. Cross country skiing can seem daunting to newcomers. Novices can be baffled by the variety of equipment and unfamiliar words. Pat will put you at ease and give you the basic information that will help you get started the right way… with plenty of time for you to test out/improve your skills on some prepared trails..(no matter your ability or experience). Dress for the weather (including several layers, hats, gloves, warm socks, warm boots,etc)…as skiers need to adjust their clothing with the varied levels of activity of the day. All equipment including skis, poles and boots are provided. Register early, as there are some limits for shoe sizes. Shoe size and height is necessary upon registration. If you are under the age of 13, please bring mom or dad with you! If there is not enough snow or the conditions for skiing are not right, Pat will lead everyone on a Winter Exploration Hike, searching for tracks and other signs of animals in winter. Lots of fun and plenty of discoveries will be a part of this great day!! Inclement Weather Line, 477-3535. Please register 2 weeks in advance, by Friday, Feb. 11 Day: Date: Times:

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Ages: Fee:

Sunday February 27 10:00 am to 1:00 pm or 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm 3rd grade thru Adult $20

309-347-PARK(7275)

Doodle Art

We all have the ability to be creative. Doodling is such a free expression. Everyone can do it. There are no rules! There are no wrongs! Just fun and certainly a stress reliever. Relax and enjoy yourself as we learn how to doodle. Doodling is a great way to learn to draw well. We'll explore your doodles and transform them into works of art. Instructor; Dan Dingerson, skilled artist of 30 years. Dates: Tuesdays, March 8 and 15 or Mondays, April 4 and 11 Time: 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm Ages: 8 years thru seniors Fee: $14

D.I.Y

Designer walls without the price tag We will explore painting techniques, color tips, texture tricks and creative ideas to make the rooms of your home POP. Bring a photo of the room you’d most like to change in your home. Guaranteed motivation to get started on that project when you leave this workshop! Instructor; Dan Dingerson. Dates: Wednesday, March 16 or Tuesday, April 5 Ages: Pre-teen thru Seniors Time: 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm Fee: $12 www.pekinparkdistrict.org

Eco-Crafting with Recycled Objects

If you love crafting and seek new ideas join us for this series of workshops that explore how common discarded household items can find a new purpose. “Eco-crafting” is all the buzz as people ponder ways to live in more “green” and environmentally friendly ways. You will be surprised at these out-of-the ordinary attractive recycling craft projects. For teens through seniors. Julie Lerczak, Instructor, is the Coordinator of Arts and Nature Based Education Programs at Soldwedel Program Center.

Eco-Crafting with Ceramics and Glass Eco-Crafting with Paper

Part 1: We will learn how to make paper bows, woven and folded boxes, and beaded jewelry. Participants should bring 2 to 3 old magazines (particularly those with colorful pages), a pair of scissors, double stick tape, a ruler and a pencil. Day: Saturday Date: February 5 Time: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Fee: $15 Part 2: The second part of our eco-crafting with paper workshop will focus on making paper. Participants will learn how to make a mold and deckle and paper pulp (from a variety of paper types as well as incorporating leaves and flowers) and form their own variety of hand-crafted papers to take home. Materials will be provided by instructor. Part 1 is not a prerequisite to part 2, take either one or both! Day: Saturday Date: February 19 Time: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Fee: $27

Eco-Crafting with Plastic

Discover imaginative way to reuse those plastic grocery bags that have a tendency to pile-up around the house. Participants will learn to crochet and fuse bags into new items, as well as fashion plastic soda bottles into bird feeders. Participants should bring lots of plastic grocery bags and a one liter plastic soda bottle (empty and cleaned) and an iron. All other materials will be provided Day: Saturday Date: March 5 Time: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Fee: $21 www.pekinparkdistrict.org

Beat the winter blues by crafting cheerful items for a spring or summer garden party. In this class participants will craft luminaries, cake stands, bird feeders, and mosaic flower pots! Materials will be provided by instructor. Day: Saturday Date: March 19 Time: 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm Fee: $35

For the Birds

If you are a bird lover you won’t want to miss this craft workshop where participants will create a hanging screen feeder, suet feeder, assorted bird treats, and a humming bird feeder. Guaranteed to be fun and draw birds to your backyard! Day: Saturday Date: February 12 Time: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Fee: $22

Flower Power Crafts

Pounding, pressing and printing flowers can yield amazing results. Put on your creative hat and blossom in this workshop that explores ways to create one-of-a-kind art from your garden. Day: Saturday Date: April 30 Time: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Fee: $22 309-347-PARK(7275)

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Cookin’ Classes 5 to 7 year olds:

Stone Soup

Start with one clean stone, put it in a pot, cover with water and you have the most delicious soup ever-the only way to make it better is to cook it together! We will read and re-enact this story that emphasizes the gifts of sharing. “Bring what you've got and we'll put it in the pot!” Enjoy the story and a soup pot as we share Stone Soup stories from around the world! Day: Tuesday Date: March 22 Age: 5 - 7 yrs Time: 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm Fee: $12

Peter Rabbit Tea Party!

We'll play Carrot, Carrot, Who's got the Carrot, Dance the Bunny Pokey and prepare Mrs. Josephine Rabbit's Chamomile Tea Punch, Flopsie, Mopsie & Cottontail's Blackberry Pudding, Squirrel Nutkin's Snack Mix and Peter's Famous Herbed Cucumber Sandwiches. Hop on over and share tea and stories of Peter Rabbit and friends—shh--Don't tell Mr. McGregor! Day: Wednesday Date: April 13 Ages: 5 - 7 yrs Time: 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm Fee: $12

Chicks and Salsa

Join our favorite farmyard friends as we celebrate Cinco de Mayo by sharing the story Chicks and Salsa and preparing some of their favorite snacks from South of the Border, dance around the sombrero and sing and play games. Come to the fiesta, Ole! Day: Thursday Date: May 5 Ages: 5 - 7 yrs Time: 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm Fee: $12

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309-347-PARK(7275)

Instructor Beth Wegner, has her degree in Early Childhood Education, Master Gardener, and is currently developing her own website titled Nature’s Schoolyard. Beth has years of experience teaching nature-based programs including cooking, children’s gardens, and nutrition to children of all ages.

8 to 10 year olds:

11 to 14 year olds:

Little House in the Big Woods

Ni hao

Calling all pioneer spirits to explore frontier life with Laura Ingalls Wilder. In our Little House in the Big Woods, adventurers will learn to make Johnny Cakes with Maple Syrup, create a nature craft and explore the great outdoors! Day: Wednesday Date: March 23 Ages: 8 - 10 yrs Time: 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm Fee: $12

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

What amazing foods will fall from the skies for us to use to cook up a storm? Will it rain peas or pancakes or will there be a mash potato sunset? Come and help prepare and share a meal inspired by one of our favorite tall tales. Day: Thursday Date: April 14 Ages: 8 - 10 yrs Time: 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm Fee: $12

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta!

Hola Amigos! Let's celebrate Mexican Independence Day through cooking favorite foods from south of the border—muy delicioso, learning a favorite Mexican song—De Colores, crafts and finishing with a pinata-Ole! Day: Tuesday Date: May 3 Ages: 8 - 10 yrs Time: 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm Fee: $12

Let's Celebrate the Year of the Metal Rabbit and explore Chinese New Year customs and cuisine. We will explore the exotic ingredients of the Orient as we work our way down the Silk Road. Day: Thursday Date: March 24 Ages: 11 - 14 yrs Time: 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm Fee: $12

Ciao Amicos!

Let's journey to sunny Italy and savor the fruits of the olive trees, cheeses, pasta and other cosas deliziosas! Explore the culture that created Leonardo da Vinci and Michaelangelo (Cowabunga, dude) as we create culinary masterpieces with ingredients from the Mediterranean region. Buon Appetito! Day: Tuesday Date: April 12 Ages: 11 - 14 yrs Time: 6:00 pm to7:30 pm Fee: $12

Ola Amigos!

We're inviting the 3 Sisters (corn, beans and squash) to be the stars of the show as we celebrate Mexican Independence Day (Cinco de Mayo) with a Fiesta! They've invited the red hot chile peppers along to liven things up. We'll create a feast using native american foods—que delicioso! Day: Wednesday Date: May 4 Ages: 11 - 14 yrs Time: 6:00 pm to 7:30pm Fee: $12 www.pekinparkdistrict.org

Spring Break Camp Let's go out and play! Exploration of nature is essential for a child’s healthy physical and emotional development. This camp offers our children a chance to get unplugged from electronic diversions and connect to the natural world. The activities we explore will draw from your child’s own interests, discoveries, and observations – in the natural setting of Soldwedel Program Center and McNaughton Park, providing a treasure trove of opportunities and adventure. Kids will look for animal tracks in the woods, explore the creek, take hikes, makes crafts and take a few field trips to other fun locations. The camp’s itinerary creates all kinds of activities and provides a staff of positive role models who monitor the “friendship making” process for campers. Bring a sack lunch. Daily breakfast, snacks, drinks, busing and admission to field trips included in fee. Dates: March 28, 29, 30, 31 & April 1 Ages: In Kindergarten – Age 13 Times: Drop off between the hours of 6:30 am and 9:00 am at Soldwedel Program Center Pick up between the hours of 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm at Soldwedel Program Center Fees: $ 28 per day $105 for 5 all days Non-residents add $7 *to ensure proper staffing and supplies, please register by Fri., March 18.

Camp McNaughton

Hey pre-teens..wanna have a blast this summer? This camp is designed for an adventurous summer full of sunshine and the great outdoors..without your mom and dad bugging you to get off the computer. In the natural woodsy setting of Soldwedel Program Center and McNaughton Park, you’ll love this treasure trove of opportunities and exploration. We will hike Potawatami Trail, build stuff in the woods, explore the creek and lakes, do some “Survival” stuff, see a lot of deer and other animals out there, climb some trees, build campfires and roast marshmallows. We’ll have a camp-out and sleepover too. Hey Mom and Dad…Cutting edge studies prove that direct exposure to nature is essential for a child’s healthy physical and emotional development. Our children need the opportunity to get unplugged from electronic diversions and connect to the natural world. Camp McNaughton provides exceptional support for the overall healthy growth and development of children. The daily explorations build valuable skills such as observation, experimentation, while allowing for both individual experiences and group sharing. Breakfast, snacks and drinks provided. Bring a sack lunch (some days we will prepare our own). We will venture out on a few field trips by bus which is included in the weekly fee. Dates: Days: Time: Ages: Fee:

Begins in accordance with District 108’s schedule Monday-Friday Drop off between 6:30 am and 9:00 am at Soldwedel Program Center Pick up between 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm at Soldwedel Program Center 10 - 13 years $105 per week (call for daily rates)

www.pekinparkdistrict.org

309-347-PARK(7275)

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Nutty About Nature!

For 3-5 year olds, beginning in September

Our moms were right when they told us to go outside and play. Cutting edge studies prove that direct exposure to nature is essential for a child’s healthy physical and emotional development. Research also shows evidence linking the lack of nature in children’s lives with the rise in obesity, attention disorders and depression. We give our children the chance to get unplugged from electronic diversions and connect to the natural world. The activities we explore will draw from your child’s own interests, discoveries, and observations – in the natural setting of Soldwedel Program Center and McNaughton Park, providing a treasure trove of opportunities and adventure. General themes will be followed, such as seasonal changes outside, growing a vegetable garden, animals that live in McNaughton Park. Each day's activities remain flexible to allow for the ever-changing delights and surprises of nature. This child-centered approach is a very good fit with current understandings of how young children best grow and develop. This pre-school age program creates a balanced curriculum that seeks to develop the “whole child” -- i.e., cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and creative development. which provides exceptional support for overall growth and development. The daily explorations build valuable skills such as observation, experimentation, and sorting, while allowing for both individual experiences and group sharing. The children's outdoor discoveries also provide great subjects for all manner of artistic and verbal expression, and the daily walks help to establish early habits of physical fitness. Perhaps most of all, students truly learn how to learn –- developing the curiosity and joy that should pervade all education, while practicing key social skills such as sharing, waiting one's turn, and following simple directions. Day: Dates: Time:

2 or 3 days per week September thru May TBA

Trail Building Workshop

This one-day workshop is free of charge to people interested in helping to build and maintain trails at McNaughton Park. The workshop will begin with classroom work followed by field work in the afternoon on constructing a new section of trail. It will cover all the basics from trail planning and design to trail construction techniques. The class will be taught by Tony Thaller, Mike Staub, and Randy Reliford, International Mountain Bike Association trained trail builders with many years of experience. Participants are asked to wear old clothes and heavy boots to participate in the field work. Day: Sunday Date: April 17 Time: Noon to 4:00 pm Fee: Free to members of Friends of McNaughton / $25 for nonmembers

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309-347-PARK(7275)

www.pekinparkdistrict.org

School Field Trips Instructor Julie Lerczak, Coordinator of Arts and Nature Based Education Programs at Soldwedel, has over 20 years of experience in programming exceptional experiences for children. Julie will lead your students through one inspiring hour of action packed environmental study. Dial 309-347-PARK (7275) to arrange a convenient day and time to bring your class(es). Fee is $4 per student. Teachers... You earn ISBE CDPU Credits for field trips at Soldwedel Program Center. Wild or Not? (Pre K - First Grade) To a little person, it isn’t always clear that some animals are wild and others are not. In this workshop students will learn about the differences between wild and domesticated animals; compare and contrast natural environments with man-made environments; and consider appropriate interactions between humans and wildlife. Concepts are presented through discussion, a felt-board picture activity, story readings, and a craft activity. Nature All Around (Kindergarten - 3rd Grade) Sometimes it’s easy to overlook the abundance of wildlife around us. In this workshop children will learn that through careful observation and knowing what clues to look for, one can quickly discover a great diversity of living things. Using our senses, examining clues animals leave behind (tracks, scats, egg shells, bones, cracked seeds & nuts, etc.) and understanding the concept of "habitats" and what they provide will be presented through stories, show & tell items, and hands-on activities. Who Lives Here? (1st - 3rd Grade) Animal homes are diverse in their construction, placement, and use of natural resources. Each is a reflection of the special adaptations wild creatures make in order to survive in their habitats. Participants in this workshop will become aware of the basic needs of survival (food, shelter, water, and space), and examine how different animals use resources to meet these needs. Discussion, show & tell items, a game on "intrusion" and the need for space, and a collage activity will be used to reinforce concepts. Feasts, Famines, & Food Webs (4th - 7th Grade) Examine the relationships between predators and prey; what happens when animal populations explode and crash; what makes animal food sources unstable; and the elements of an ideal balance in these interrelationships. Life-cycles, interdependence, and food webs will be presented through stories, displays and several lively games that involve students in role-playing and problem-solving. Timber Tales (4th - 7th Grade) If trees could talk, what tales they’d tell! Just imagine, some of the trees that provide us with shade, have been here since Abraham Lincoln’s time in Illinois. This workshop introduces students to the different types of tree communities in Illinois, the concept of succession, and awareness of threats to forests, such as invasive species, poor management, disease and other factors. Students will learn to read the life of a tree by examining "tree cookies" and develop skills for identifying tree species and health. Owl Pellet Discovery (5th - 8th Grade) Hoo, hoo, whoo-ever knew that the habits of owls could be learned in examining their pellets? In this class students will have the opportunity to dismantle owl pellets (dry regurgitated leftovers from owl meals) to discover what makes up an owl’s diet, and reconstruct the important elements of habitat that contribute to an owl’s survival. Viva La Difference! (5th - 8th Grade) Not all birds are created equally. All are designed for flight, but each is unique in so many ways. Participants in this workshop will discover how a variety of Illinois bird species are specially adapted for their individual lifestyles. Students will describe the advantages of these adaptations and evaluate their importance and conclude this workshop with a claysculpting activity in which they create their own specially adapted bird. www.pekinparkdistrict.org

309-347-PARK(7275)

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Teacher Workshops

Teaching About the Natural World Around Us: Educator’s Workshop Integrating Nature-based Education into School Curriculum Grades 3rd - 6th Don’t miss this day-long, action-packed environmental education retreat designed to inspire you with activities that teach students to explore and experience nature in personally meaningful ways. Join host, Terri Gambetti (Pekin Park District Superintendent of Recreation) and guest environmental educators, Pat Sullivan (Peace of Earth Environmental Learning Center, Rushville, IL), Tom Lerczak (Illinois Nature Preserves Commission) and Julie Lerczak (Coordinator of Arts and Nature-based Education Programs) who will introduce you to the natural resources and teaching opportunities at Soldwedel and McNaughton Park. Workshop participants will: w Experience an interpretive guided hike of McNaughton’s upland forest (weather permitting.) w Discover innovative activities and lesson plans that teach key concepts such as bio-diversity, interdependence, food web/predator-prey relationships, adaptation, succession, and help to motivate students toward good steward ship. (All lesson plans will be coordinated with Illinois Learning Standards.) w Learn how to teach/or enhance your lessons in an outdoor setting, utilizing an awesome local natural resource. w Receive educational resources for the classroom. w Enjoy a great lunch! w Network with area educators. w Earn 7 ISBE CPDU credits! This workshop will be held at the newly acquired Soldwedel Program Center (the former Soldwedel Girl Scout Camp), adjacent to McNaughton Park. The park’s 800 acres of beautiful woodlands and meadows supports 15 species of animals, 80 species of birds and a wide spectrum of plant life. A large portion of this park is designated in the Land and Water Reserve of the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission. Workshop Dates: Time: Fee:

Thursday, April 7 or Friday, April 8 or Saturday, April 9 9:00 am to 4:00 pm $50

Registration Deadline: Friday, March 25, 2011 Register early; Limited slots available.

Bios: Pat Sullivan, is an environmental educator and Director of the Peace of Earth Lodge

and Environmental Learning Center, in Rushville, Illinois. She has 22 years of experience including student field trips, event planning and professional development. In 2009 the Environmental Education Association of Illinois (EEAI) presented Pat with the Nonformal Educator of the Year Award. This award is presented for exhibiting innovative and exemplary effort in providing environmental education opportunities for general audiences. Thomas V. Lerczak, is a Nature Preserves Specialist for the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. He works toward the protection and management of over 100 natural areas (9000+ acres), in 21 counties of our state. His area of expertise is in managing plant communities and bird habitats. He is author of numerous publications including a soon to be released book entitled, "Side Channels: A Collection of Nature Writing and Memoir."

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Julie Lerczak, is a Freelance Art and Nature Education consultant with over 20 years of experience in planning programs and events for park districts, arts councils and museums. 309-347-PARK(7275)

www.pekinparkdistrict.org

Kitchen in Lodge

Loft view from one of the two Cabins

Interior of Lodge

Soldwedel Program Center Rental Information This natural woodland setting is a wonderful location for community activities, meetings, receptions, weddings, banquets, anniversary and birthday parties. You can check available dates and take a virtual tour of facilities at pekinparkdistrict.org , click on Soldwedel Program Center on the left column. The Lodge comfortably accommodates approximately 40, has tables and chairs, a kitchen with refrigerator, stove, microwave, dishes, pots and pans. The two cabins with baseboard heat can sleep approximately 20 each. Beds are not provided in the cabin...bring sleeping bags / air mattresses. Fees for day use:

lodge lodge and one cabin lodge and both cabins

$35 per hour $60 per hour $80 per hour

Fees for overnite:

lodge and one cabin lodge and both cabins

$160 $180

Note: $100 deposit is required upon reservation. To rent any of the facilities at Soldwedel dial 347-PARK (7275). Carrie Smith is happy to assist you. www.pekinparkdistrict.org

309-347-PARK(7275)

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A Center for Outdoor Education and Recreation A Woodland Meeting Place and Lodging Facility

Soldwedel Program Center 207 McNaughton Park Road Pekin, Il 61554

347-PARK