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.
This program is available for children ages 5-12. After registration, we will divide students into small groups based on age. You will receive information about your child's group approximately 1 week prior to the first program of the season. This is a drop-off program where you are not required to stay with your child. However, we welcome and need parent chaperones for each small group in order to assist our Educators to make this program successful, especailly for our youngest children who may need a little extra assistance. Chaperones will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. If you wish to chaperone, you must also register yourself for the program, but there is no additional fee. For parents with multiple children, we cannot guarantee your children will be in the same small group since we make up groups based on age, and if you wish to chaperone, we will likely place you with your youngest child. If you wish for your child to be placed in the same group as a friend, please email us at registrar@blandfordnaturecenter.org after registration to arrange this. We cannot guarantee that friends will be placed together, but if they are close in age, this is usually possible.
Each registration is sold as a package of three programs on the dates and times below.
Program Dates and Topics:
- March 19 | Sugarbush - Experience the science of maple syrup production in the heart of Blandford’s sugarbush! Identify maple trees and learn the history of maple syrup production through the centuries. Students will experience various methods of tapping, collecting, and boiling using real tools and will taste the sweet results of all of this hard work!
- April 16 | Animal Adaptations - How do organisms survive and thrive in their environment? Students will learn about the special adaptations that help Michigan animals survive and interact with the world around them.
- May 21 | Aquatic Explorers - Explore Blandford’s aquatic habitats and the insects and animals that make their homes in the water. We will visit Blandford's creek and ponds, meet some of Blandford’s water-dwelling ambassador animals, and check out the tiny creatures who inhabit our waters as we discuss healthy waterways and what we can do to keep them clean.
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.
Registration Information:
Registration is $38/student for Non-Members and $30.40/student (20% discount) for Members and includes all three programs for the dates listed. Health information 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 the Spring 2025 Homeschool series begins February 1, 2025 for both Members and Non-Members and will close on March 14, 2025. A minimum capacity must be reached for Homeschool programs to proceed. Follow the links below to register for this year's homeschool series.
Please Note: This program will take place mainly outdoors, even in rain and snow, but may also include indoor components.