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.

Each registration is sold as a package of three programs on the dates and times below.

Program Dates and Topics:

• September 23 | Seeds & Plants - A focus on seed movement has students exploring forest and meadows and uncovering the secrets of plant and animal interdependence.

• October 21 | 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.

• November 18 | Anishinabek Lifeways - The cultural heritage of West Michigan comes alive through hands‐on experiences with traditional tools and artifacts. Investigate how the seasons and resources of this area influenced the lives of Anishinaabe people over 400 years ago.

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.

This program is available for children ages 5-12. You must register your child for the age group corresponding to their current age. For parents with multiple children who wish them to be together in the same group, please email us at registrar@blandfordnaturecenter.org after registering to request this. We are usually able to accommodate this, but it is not guaranteed, and we will usually place older children in the younger group rather than the other way around. For children who wish to be placed with a friend in another age group, you must also email us to request this. Switching age groups is not guaranteed and is based on total registration numbers in each group.

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 group in order to assist our Educators to make this program successful, especailly for our youngest children who may need a little extra assistance. If you wish to chaperone, you must also register yourself for the program, but there is no additional fee. We recommend registering to chaperone for the group your youngest child will be in. 

Cost:
Non-Members: $40/student
Members (20% discount): $32/student
*Registration includes all three programs for the dates listed above. Registration for individual sessions is not available. Registration will close on September 21st at 5:00 pm. Because children may be dropped off for this program, 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. You are not required to chaperone, but adult chaperones are welcome! Chaperones who register are asked to attend all three session dates. Registration for the Fall 2026 Homeschool series will close on March 11th. A minimum capacity (including minimum number of chaperones) must be reached for Homeschool programs to proceed. Follow the links below to register for this year's homeschool series.

Note: This program will take place mainly outdoors, even in rain and snow, but may also include indoor components.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellation requests received at least 7 days before the scheduled program are eligible for a 50% refund of the total registration cost, not including the credit card processing fee. Due to administration costs, full refunds are not available. Cancellation requests received within 7 days of a program are not eligible for a refund.