Homeschool Series at Blandford
Hands-on, outdoor learning in our beautiful forests and meadows!
Homeschool field trips at Blandford immerse students in nature while engaging their curiosity and connection to the natural world. All of our programs are taught by our highly experienced and educated staff and are designed with modern science education standards in mind.
Programs are open for children ages 5-12, divided into small groups for age-appropriate content. We welcome up to five parent chaperones per group, especially for our youngest students who may need some extra assistance. Chaperones will be admitted on a first come, first served basis. Registration for chaperones is required, but there is no additional fee. For parents with multiple children who wish to chaperone, we strongly suggest registering with your youngest child, if space allows.
Each registration is sold as a package of three programs on the dates and times below. Please note that we have a minimum number of participants required for each age group. If we do not meet this minimum, that age group may be cancelled or merged with another age group.
Age Groups:
Acorns: 5-7
Seedlings: 8-9
Oaks: 10-12
Program Dates and Topics:
- September 18 | Farm Explorers - Explore the Blandford Farm during harvest season! Students will meet the farm animals and explore what it takes to run a working farm. Younger students will discover what a seed needs to grow into a plant, while older students will play games to learn what kinds of strategies a farmer needs to employ to yield plenty of delicious food. Students may even get to taste a bit of our farm’s own produce!
- October 16 | Ecosystem Energy - Follow the circular flow of energy through our environment., from the sun to the soil, into plants, animals, fungi and back to the earth. Students will explore this cycle through the lens of producers, consumers and decomposers.
- November 20 | Wildlife with a Backbone - Many animals have a backbone, while so do not! Students will learn the differences between vertebrates and invertebrates, and older students will learn about the five vertebrate groups, including their unique physical characteristics and behaviors. We'll use live animals, investigative activities, and games to highlight adaptations that different vertebrates use for protection, warmth, and gathering food.
All programs are scheduled from 1:00 - 2:30pm. Check-in takes place 10 minutes before the program starts in the Environmental Education Center on the main campus at 1715 Hillburn Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, except the first program which takes place at the Blandford Farm at 3145 Milo St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534.
Registration Information:
Registration is $30.40/student for Members and $38/student for Non-Members and includes all three programs for the dates listed. A health questionnaire must be submitted during registration. Missed sessions will not be refunded. Sessions cancelled due to weather will be rescheduled if possible or a partial refund will be issued. Chaperones who register are required to attend all three session dates. Registration for Homeschool begins August 1, 2024 for both Members and Non-Members and will close on September 13, 2024. A minimum capacity must be reached for Homeschool programs to proceed.
Please Note: This program will take place mainly outdoors, even in rain and snow, but may also include indoor components.
COVID-19 Information: As of March 14, 2022, Blandford Nature Center no longer requires masks indoors or outdoors for staff, general visitors, or program participants. We monitor local COVID rates and may reinstate masking requirements when community health concerns rise. If you have any questions about our COVID policies and procedures for programs, please contact our Director of Programs at 616-735-6240 or email registrar@blandfordnaturecenter.org.
