Kits & Cubs

by Elena Santos, Education Coordinator

This winter, the Kits and Cubs group has learned about animal tracks, maple syrup, animals that live in trees, and snow, to name a few things. Activities have included making art on the ground with snow and nature objects found on the ground, playing in the snow kitchen, sitting quietly to listen for the sound of ravens, red squirrels and woodpeckers, tasting sap and maple syrup, finding nests in trees, following animal tracks in the snow, looking at logs up close that had been lived in by bugs, and using our imagination to pretend we are different plants and animals. The energy and curiosity that these little learners bring to the VC each week is invigorating and infectious and we love playing with them on the trails, in the woods, around the farm and in the Map Room!!

Introducing: Explorer’s Program

Introducing the Explorer’s Program! The Pathfinder Quest is the first installment in our two part Explorer’s Program. Designed for ages 5-12, the Pathfinder Quest will take participants on a hike around Merck Forest, following clues to hidden boxes. Each box has a stamp in it, artfully designed by our farm manager, Hadley Stock. When all of the stamps have been found and stamped into the book, participants can take the booklet to the Visitor Center to earn a sticker as a completion prize. The Pathfinder Quest is designed to be completed during one visit.