Cover Spotlight
A guide to...
Virginia Field Trips INCLUDES DC Homeschool Edition Summer 2013 Volume 13
Living
VIRGINIA
museum
Number 2 1
see story on page 10
Inside this issue... Upcoming Homeschool Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 3 Travel Tips from www.homeschool.com . . . . . . . page 4 Hampton - 400 Years of History. . . . . . . . . . . . . page 6
Centerfold Locator Map. . . . . . . . . . . . page 8-9 Virginia State Parks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 13 Resources for Homeschoolers . . . . . . . . page 15
www.VirginiaFieldTrips.com
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Virginia Field Trips – Homeschool - Summer 2013
The Frontier Culture Museum The Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton, Virginia offers homeschool families the opportunity to learn history in the way that homeschoolers learn best - through active involvement in the dayto-day activities of the past. Students are encouraged to participate in cooking, gardening, wool and flax processing and animal care. Special events can also be found throughout the year, just for homeschool families. On May 3, 2013 and October 4, 2013 the Museum will host a Homeschool Day with reduced rates offered for early registration and on the day of the events. Winter Workshops are also available January
through February and are designed with homeschoolers in mind. Classes include blacksmithing, cooking, woodworking and much more. For groups of 15 or more interested in setting up a specific program, the Museum’s Group Reservationist will work with you to create a memorable experience! For additional information contact the Interim Education Director: Andrew Richardson at andrew.richardson@frontiermuseum.org. To book field trips or group tours please contact Support Services Coordinator: Sarah Puckett at sarah.puckett@frontiermuseum.org. Contact the museum at (540) 332-7850 or visit www.frontiermuseum.org.
Madame Tussauds Washington D.C – Home of the Presidents Gallery
In our nation’s capital, where there are a million things to do and see, there is only one place where you can take an interactive, immersive journey through American history, meet all 44 Presidents, shake hands with influential leaders, get photographed with sports icons, and rub shoulders with Hollywood stars! That’s Madame Tussauds Washington, D.C! Madame Tussauds Washington, D.C. is a museum unlike any other in Washington, D.C. Gone is the glass and red rope. At Madame Tussauds you get to touch and feel American History. Whether you’re sailing across the Delaware River with George Washington or meeting Obama in the Oval Office, you’ll feel like you’re a part history at our attraction. Your interactive experience will take you on a journey through our nation’s history. You’ll meet everyone from our founding father, George Washington, to the current president of the United States, Barack Obama. From there, you’ll make your way to our Glamour room, where JLo, Beyonce and many more will be waiting for you to join them on the dance floor!
Our educational seminars offer the perfect platform for a fun-filled learning experience. Seminar topics include; Behind-The Scenes: The Wax-Making, The Presidents and Their Hobbies or our Marketing and Tourism Seminar. Plus, with our new VIP dinning space, you can sit back and enjoy lunch. We offer a wide variety of meal options, including pizza party, boxed lunches, sandwich bar, pasta party or baked potato lunch with all the fixings! Our experienced staff are happy to assist with all of your requirements. So, if you want an interactive experience that your student will never forget, book your next field trip at Madame Tussauds Washington, D.C. For more information email GroupSales@MadameTussaudsDC.com/fieldtrips@madametussaudsdc.com or call (866) 8239569. Residents of Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia save more on Madame Tussauds tickets by booking online at www.madametussauds.com/Washington!
VIRGINIA FIELD TRIPS GUIDE is published twice a year by EC Publishing, Inc, located in Abingdon, Virginia. We welcome Homeschooler letters, story ideas and photos from all over Virginia and Washington, DC
Homeschool Summer 2013 Issue Keith Robinson
Angela Lisk
Publisher
Editor editor@virginiafieldtrips.com
publisher@virginiafieldtrips.com
Teresa Christian Art Director Forward all correspondence to: Echo Charlie Publishing, Inc. P.O. Box 845, Abingdon, Virginia 24212 Phone: 1-800-357-0121 • Fax (276) 739-0015
www.virginiafieldtrips.com
Virginia Field Trips – Homeschool - Summer 2013
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The Leesburg Animal Park The season for Leesburg Animal Park in Leesburg, Virginia officially opens on March 16, 2013! The 21 acre zoo is home to a variety of animals but also offers fun park activities to highlight each trip. Discover something exotic at the park! Unique animals including Lemurs African Serval Cats, White-Handed Gibbons, Giant Aldabra Tortoises, Zebras, Macaws & Lorikeet Parrots, Patagonian Cavy and an AfricanCrested Porcupine. Kids always want to know what can they touch? At Leesburg Animal Park kids are encouraged to interact with a variety of animals in the petting and feeding area such as Llamas, Alpacas, Donkeys, Cows, Bunnies, Ducks, Goats, Sheep, Lambs, Pigs, Nilgai, Deer & Camels. For a truly memorable experience ride a pony, camel or the Explorer Wagon and feed passing creatures! Families may also feed the lorikeet parrots in the walk-through aviary or join the LIVE Animal Encounters to meet special animals such as a porcupine, giant Aldabra tortoise or a piglet. Additionally the Habitat Hut will teach kids about their own backyard habitat. Have lunch at one of the picnic areas and let the kids exercise on the playground complete with a Moon Bounce and play train! Want to celebrate at the park - no problem the animals would love to have you! Enjoy birthday parties or group celebrations! Additionally Zoo-To-You, DC area's premier petting zoo service, can bring the excitement to you! Fully insured and USDA licensed, Zoo-To-You has been in business for 30 years and continues to highlight some of the largest fairs and festivals in the region, school events and birthday parties. Choose from a variety of packages including a Full Zoo, Mini Zoo, Baby Zoo, Exotic Zoo, Pony Rides and customized animal packages to suit your needs. Each package includes at least one animal handler, fencing and cleanup. Find your favorite creature at the Leesburg Animal Park! For inclement weather call (703) 433-0002 before your visit and the recording will indicate if the park is closed. For additional information email LeesburgAnimalPark@gmail.com or visit www.leesburganimalpark.com. See you at the Zoo!
Upcoming Homeschool Events March 29, 2013 HAMPTON Flight of the Butterflies 3D in IMAX at the Virginia Air and Space Center (757) 727-0900 March 30-31, 2013 Easter Egg Hunt at the Zoo! Leesburg Animal Park (703) 433-0002 April 5, 2013 HAMPTON Asphalt Orchestra at The American Theatre (757) 722-2787 April 11-13 & May 9-11 & September 12-14, 2013 WALLOPS ISLAND Homeschoolers Marine Science Adventure at the Marine Science Consortium (757) 824-5636 April 12, 2013 HAMPTON Performance by pianist Phillipe Bianconi at The American Theatre (757) 722-2787
April 19, 2013 SMITHFIELD Isle of Wight Homeschool Day (757) 356-1223 (HEAV-Sponsored Event) April 20, 2013 BEDFORD Living History and Scout Day at the National D-Day Memorial (800) 351-DDAY April 20, 2013 HAMPTON International Children’s Festival (757) 727-8311 April 22, 2013 NEWPORT NEWS The Mariners’ Museum Homeschool Day (757) 591-7743 (HEAV-Sponsored Event)
contined on page 10
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Virginia Field Trips – Homeschool - Summer 2013
New Exhibits in 2013 at the Newseum ARTS CENTER 9601 Ox Road, Lorton VA 22079
Spring & Summer Camps, Classes & Workshops
Spring Classes start on April 1
Another world of learning awaits as students explore 15 galleries, 15 theaters and dozens of displays and interactive spaces at the Newseum. Make the Newseum your next stop in Washington, DC and learn about the history of journalism in all aspects as well as the importance of the First Amendment. Visit the Newseum hands-on laboratory and classroom where educators can select various learning experiences and pick the lessons that suit their students’ needs and interests. Learning Center classes meet national standards of learning and are taught by educators with experience in history and journalism. Many resources are available on location and online that include video lessons, trivia, games, resources for students and teachers, posters and much more. Students are also invited to participate in the Newseum Student Advisory Team. This year will mark the milestone anniversaries of several key events in U.S. history, and the Newseum will debut new exhibits to highlight them. Now open - ‘Jailed in Birmingham’ exhibit featuring a casting of the original jail cell door in Birmingham, Ala., behind which Martin Luther King Jr. was confined after his arrest for leading nonviolent protests, and where he penned his famous "Letter from Birmingham Jail." Upcoming exhibits include ‘Marching for Women's Rights’ coming in March, ‘JFK’ exhibit with are artifacts, intimate photographs and historic news coverage in April and ‘Make Some Noise: Civil Rights at 50’ in August. Don't miss out on special events and priority seating at all Newseum programs, become a Press Pass member today. Contact Crystal Andrews, Field Trip Coordinator at (202) 292-6650 or email your group reservation today at educationprograms@newseum.org. For registration, prices/discounts, digital classroom activities, policies and procedures visit www.newseum.org.
Travel Tips for Homeschoolers We found a great list of travel tips! Some that you may have never thought about - provided by mothers and fathers at www.homeschool.com.
Summer Classes start on June 17
1) Try a Campground 2) Keep a daily journal of your adventure 3) Collect postcards along the way. Hole punch the corner and attach the postcard to a key ring. After the trip go through the postcards and write a memory on the back.
Summer Camp starts on June 24
4) Travel in the off season such as September and October for discounted hotel prices and other great deals.
View classes & register online!
www.WorkhouseArts.org or register by phone
703-584-2900 Mention this ad to recieve member pricing on classes!* *Discount not applicable to summer camps.
5) Search before traveling and find out if a “City Pass” is available which allows families to receive discounts to the area’s museums and attractions. Additionally discounts may
also be available through AAA memberships to certain locations.
few days give that older child a chance to have a day off without that responsibility.
6) Adopt a Pre-Trip Planning Process. Engage children in videos, maps and books about the proposed destination. Invest in the adventure!
9) Often coolers are brought along the trip. Find a square cooler that can fit conveniently behind the drivers seat so that it can be easily reached by the passenger. It also doubles as a foot rest for kids in booster seats - preventing their little legs from falling asleep.
7) Give each child a backpack which they can fill with toys, games etc. They are responsible for keeping track of their belongings and can easily clean up after the trip rather than leaving a messy car for Mom. 8) Try a seating rotation. When traveling with younger and older children it is usually the older child who caters to the younger children. After a
10) Many parents recommend surprise bags! Include travel games, small hand toys etc. Wrap them up and reward good behavior as needed. Even if the toy only costs 50 cents, it will be a treasure to them. It keeps their hands and minds busy.
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Virginia Field Trips – Homeschool - Summer 2013
2013 Virginia Homeschool Convention “Home Education: A Bountiful Harvest” HEAV - Serving the homeschoolers of Virginia through information, legislation, and resources for almost 30 years. Take advantage of the opportunities all in one place at the Home Educators Association of Virginia (HEAV) - 2013 Virginia Homeschool Convention. This awesome family-event will be held on June 6-8, 2013, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, Virginia. This years theme “Home Education: A Bountiful Harvest” will help celebrate 30 years of helping families and home educators! Special guests include Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar (19 Kids and Counting) and keynote speakers Jeff Myers (Summit Ministries) and Michael J. Farris (HSLDA). Many of last years favorite features are back and include one low price for the entire family, children of any age may attend workshops with parents, hands-on science and technology demonstrations, Robotics Expo, Young Entrepreneurs, demonstrations in the Exhibit Hall, Instrument “Petting Zoo”, more than 140 workshops, Graduation Ceremony, expanded Chess Championships and movie previews. The Virginia Homeschool Convention will also feature brand new kids programs, largest Exhibit Hall ever and a huge Used Curriculum Sale with faster checkout. Even if you can’t attend the convention, sign up for HEAV - Home Educators Association of Virginia that committed to promote, protect and support homeschooling throughout the state of Virginia. Take advantage of the services offered including a free quarterly magazine, ever-expanding website, which is a treasure trove of information and experienced knowledgeable staff to help answer any questions you may have. Visit www.heav.org, call (804) 278-9200 or email office@heav.org for additional information.
Virginia Air & Space Center
P E O PL E H A VE
Explored H E R E FOR OVER 400 YEARS. COME HAVE AN ADVENTURE. Contact Bruce Newton at 800.487.8778 VisitHampton.com
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Virginia Field Trips – Homeschool - Summer 2013
Over 400 years of history awaiting you in Hampton, Virginia Hampton, Virginia welcomes families and educators to discover a treasure trove of fascinating sites spanning a timeline that begins with the arrival of three sailing vessels in 1607 and discoveries have been integral to Hampton since it was founded in 1610, making it the oldest continuously occupied English settlement in the United States. No matter what your interests, you are sure to find it in Hampton. Begin your journey with the Civil War, a significant chapter in Hamptons history, and explore historic military forts, the Battle of Big Bethel, the Peninsula Campaign and the famous "Battle of the Ironclads". Take the Miss Hampton II harbor tour and get a glimpse of Fort Wool - an island fortress dating to 1819. A short trip down the road allows visitors to stand on the 1619 landing of Fort Monroe, a Union-held fortification where thousands of slaves sought shelter during the Civil War. Then view a living symbol of freedom for African-Americans and a National Historic Landmark at the entrance to Hampton University. The expansive Emancipation Oak grows ninety-eight feet in diameter and is designated as one of the "Ten Great Trees of the World" by the National Geographic Society, it continues to be a source of inspiration for all Hamptonians. For additional Civil War sites and information visit www.visithampton.com/discover/civilwar/ and download a Civil War brochure. Hampton is the original home of NASA and continues the exploration of outer space at the Virginia Air & Space Center. Get a handson look at the innovations of flight as well as a thrilling Digital 3D
IMAXÂŽ theater experience. International Space Day will be held at the center on May 4, 2013 and features liquid nitrogen demonstrations, make-n-take activities and a Space Quest gallery. Additionally the Virginia Air & Space Center offers numerous events and programs throughout the year including Science Camps, the Mindbender Mansion Traveling Exhibit on May 25, 2013 and many more. For additional information call (757) 727-0900 or visit www.vasc.org. Nature fans will be delighted with a narrated cruise or explore Grandview Nature Preserve's ecosystem by kayak through the serene Chesapeake Bay estuary. Spend a few hours among the paintings, sculpture and photography on exhibit at The Charles H. Taylor Arts Center or take in a show at The American Theatre. On April 5, 2013, New York City's Asphalt Orchestra redefines and re-contextualizes music at the American Theatre and a special recital will be held by Phillipe Bianconi, pianist on April 12, 2013. Visit www.hamptonarts.net or call (757) 722-2787 for a complete schedule. Additionally among the Hampton History Museum, Hampton Roads Convention Center, stunning Hampton Coliseum, Aberdeen Gardens Historic Museum, Bluebird Gap Farm (with over 150 domestic and wild animals), BMX Super Track, Grandview Nature Preserve, Langley Speedway and many more - it is clear that all members of the family will come home with a deeper understanding of history, admiration for art and music, knowledge of space exploration and perhaps even a new appreciation for life as we now know it.
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Virginia Field Trips – Homeschool - Summer 2013
Fun Facts About Music Legend has it Franz Schubert composed his music on a guitar hung from a hook over his bed, as he couldn't afford a piano. Berlioz also did his composing on a guitar! Warner Communications paid $28 million for the copyright to the song "Happy Birthday".
The National D-Day Memorial Located in Bedford, Virginia the The National D-Day Memorial is a powerful permanent tribute to the valor, fidelity and sacrifice of D-Day participants. The Memorial honors the Allied forces that participated in the invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944 during World War II. Features of the Memorial include a stylized English Garden, haunting invasion tableau and striking Victory Plaza. On May 9, 2013 homeschooled families are invited to attend the Homeschool Event Day and experience World War II history through interactive stations and living history. Activities are geared for homeschool students nine years old and up, but all ages are welcome. Registration is required before April 30 and fees are $4 per person. Contact the National D-Day Memorial’s Education Department at (540) 587-3617 to register. Also don’t miss other exciting events including Living History and Scout Day on April 20, Patriotic Concert on May 25, Memorial Day Ceremony on May 27 and Family Day - 40’s Festival on July 20, 2013. For more information call (540) 586-DDAY or visit www.dday.org.
Fun Facts about Music Compact Discs (CDs) were first introduced in 1983 - how long will they last with technology?
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Virginia Field Trips – Homeschool - Summer 2013
Virginia Field Trip Destinations The numbers inside the indicate a Virginia State Park. Locate any park by using the Map Legend on Page 12. Mt. Jac Quicksburg New Marke Harrisonburg Shenandoah
The National D-Day Memorial Foundation
Massanutten
Staunton
Riverton, West Virginia
7
Fun Facts about Music
Natural Bridge
3
Most toilets flush in E flat.
Lynchburg Bedford Roanoke Huddleston
29
Saltville Abingdon
Termites eat wood twice as fast when listening to heavy metal music.
Statewide Bedford Hampton Leesburg Lorton Massanutten Newport News Newport News Palmyra
35
Duffield Ewing
ATTRACTION Virginia State Parks National D-Day Memorial Hampton CVB Leesburg Animal Park Workhouse Arts Center Massanutten Resort Visit Newport News Virginia Living Museum Camp Friendship
20
15
Gladstone
13
Appomattox
28
Breaks
6 Big Stone Gap
LOCATION
Millboro
Dublin
31 Randolph
Max Meadows Wytheville Marion Austinville
14 26 21 Foster Falls 11
Independence
8
Stuart
Mouth of Wilson
WEBSITE www.dcr.virginia.gov/parks www.dday.org www.visithampton.com www.LeesburgAnimalPark.com/ www.workhousearts.org www.massresort.com www.newport-news.org www.thevlm.org www.campfriendship.com
30
Scottsburg
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Virginia Field Trips – Homeschool - Summer 2013
The Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum The Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum in Winchester, Virginia is not a typical museum, as a matter of fact children are encouraged to touch the exhibits! The museum ignites creativity, sparks curiosity and inspires learning in patrons of all ages by providing a rich variety of interactive, handson exhibits and programs which focus on the sciences and mathematics, the humanities and the arts. Explore life along the Moccasin Trail in the Native American exhibit or learn about simple machines while playing in an apple shed. Experience the laws of physics while racing balls over ramps and through loops or test your agility while scaling a climbing wall. Get attracted to magnets, dive into atoms, wrap yourself up in the weather or gaze at the stars. To touch is to explore, to explore is to discover, to discover is to learn. Additionally the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum was recently named a ‘Favorite Homeschool Field Trip’ by www.homeschoolbuyerscoop.org. Special events this year include Wacky Wednesday- ‘Wear your Boots Day!’ on April 24, 2013. Fly into fun on May 12, 2013 for Parachute Man with Jon Gemmell and enjoy Head to Toe - Drawing People with Jim Moyer (part of Visiting Artist Series) on July 14, 2013! Call (540) 722-2020 or visit www.discoverymuseum.net for group rates.
Winchester
Leesburg
27Delaplane
25
Bentonville
ckson Luray
Manassas
et
Midland McGaheysville
18
Washington, D.C.
19Lorton Woodbridge Stafford
Fredericksburg
17
Spotsylvania
4
King George
Clifton
34
Montross
Stratford
2
Palmyra Ashland
1 12
Cumberland
RICHMOND
Greenbay Moseley
24 33 22
23
Chester Chesterfield
32 36 Williamsburg
Rice Green Bay
Lancaster
King William
5
Surry
Cape Charles
Jamestown Newport Hampton News Norfolk Virginia Beach
Clarksville
LOCATION Richmond Riverton, West Virginia Staunton Washington, DC Washington, DC Williamsburg Williamsburg Williamsburg Winchester
16
10
9
ATTRACTION
WEBSITE
Home Educators Association of Virginia (HEAV) Seneca Caverns Frontier Culture Museum The Newseum Madame Tussauds Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Jamestown Settlement Yorktown Victory Center Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum
www.heav.org www.senecacaverns.com www.frontiermuseum.org www.newseum.org www.madametussaudsdc.com www.colonialwilliamsburg.com www.historyisfun.org/jamestown-settlement.htm www.historyisfun.org/Yorktown-Victory-Center.htm www.discoverymuseum.net
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Virginia Field Trips – Homeschool - Summer 2013
Summer learning and fun go together at the Virginia Living Museum! Summer brings lots of opportunities for family FUN! But as Homeschool families know, valuable learning doesn’t end when the books are closed or the computers are off. The Virginia Living Museum in Newport News is your summer gateway to discovering the wonders and excitement of live animals presented in a variety of Virginia habitats combined with the thrill of soaring through the starry cosmos in our planetarium theater. The excitement of discovery and learning never stops – not even for the summer - at the Virginia Living Museum! There are a variety of ways to experience the Museum including the Virginia’s Coastal Plain Gallery where students will discover the shallow salty waters of the wondrous Chesapeake Bay to the gently sloping sandy beaches and muddy grassfringed marshes of our coastline. Learn how the simple wooden pilings under a pier can become an “apartment building” whose diverse occupants prefer different “floors” – from the basement to the penthouse. Heading west from the flat Coastal Plain, your student family begins to climb ever higher in elevation in the Virginia’s Piedmont and Mountains Gallery. Spotted turtles bask in a freshwater bog, chipmunks scurry and forage but the colorful corn snake coiled nearby may be looking for his own meal! This is a great place to piece together the connections between habitat, adaptation and survival. Darkness doesn’t just mean when the sun goes down – what about the inky twilight under deep water?Discover the Virginia’s World of Darkness Gallery where animals have no eyes! Find out about how amazing animal adaptations can be. Want to go “underground” without getting dirty? You can in the Virginia’s Underground Gallery! Walk through an amazingly accurate recreation of a Virginia limestone cave complete with dripping pools and bizarre geologic formations. The ancient fossils of shelled animals, fish and even mammals are preserved and displayed in this intriguing full-wall geology exhibit. Visit the two-story, glass-covered walk-through habitats of the Appalachian Cove & Cypress Swamp. The cool, moist Appalachian Cove features a waterfall, a swift-running mountain stream and lake filled with mountain fish, plus free-flying birds where the sounds, sights and communities of native plants and ani-
Upcoming Homeschool Events continued from page 3 April 26-27, 2013 WILLIAMSBURG Ramp Jam at Busch Gardens (800) 343-7946
May 4, 2013 HAMPTON International Space Day at the Virginia Air and Space Center (757) 727-0900
April 29, 2013 HAMPTON Hampton’s Annual Landing Day (757) 727-8311
May 4, 2013 HAMPTON Hunt for Hampton History at the Hampton History Museum (757) 727-1610 continued on page 12
mals is like taking an instant hike through our western mountains. The Cypress Swamp exhibit is an amazing recreation of a vital and endangered wetland habitat, complete with an entire community of living plants and swamp creatures, freshwater turtles … even an alligator! Adjacent to each gallery are different interactive Discovery Centers that await your hands-on exploration. These centers are brimming with specimens from the worlds of life science, space science and geology. From a visible bee hive “buzzing” with activity to our Chesapeake Bay Touch Tank, each center is sure to engage and delight your family of learners – of all ages! In the Abbitt Planetarium your intrepid family can blast off to visit the planets, learn the secrets of our solar system’s stars, observe spinning galaxies or study our Earth from space. Before you leave stop by the Coastal Plain Aviary & Outdoor Boardwalk. The museum's 3/4 mile, elevated boardwalk crosses Deer Park Lake and winds through a shady woodland and wetlands area, showcasing animals native to Virginia in naturalized habitats. Interpretive stations help explain the critical importance of wetlands in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, highlight different life forms in the pond and showcase native wetland plants. Wow... a visit to the Virginia Living Museum is quite an adventure of exploration, discovery, learning … and of course, summertime FUN! For more information visit thevlm.org or call 757-595-1900.
Virginia Field Trips – Homeschool - Summer 2013
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Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Virginia Learn why art is important at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Virginia this summer! The Workhouse Arts Center believes that an Arts Education is basic to an individual’s perception and understanding of the world in which we live. The Workhouse Arts Center provides art instruction that helps develop basic arts skills, encourage visual awareness and are fundamental to intellectual growth and creative self-expression. At the center, explore everything from ceramics, creative writing, culinary arts, fiber arts, glass, music, photography, art of movement, jewelry, theatre & technique, dance and other various forms of art. This year the Workhouse Arts Center is excited to announce five unique summer camp experiences for young people. Budding artists, actors, painters, dancer sculptor or musicians (or all of the above!) look no further for an immersive and memorable summer guided by professional artists and art educators. The summer of 2013 will be an exciting season as it marks the 8th anniversary of the ArtStar Theatre camp (with a twist this year!) and the 5th anniversary of Visual Arts Explorers Camp! Make plans to attend one of the summer programs in which students learn to increase positive attitudes towards self, others,
and the environment through creative experiences. Choose from Kindergarten Creations, Drawing For Teens, Traditional Quilting for Kids, "And I helped!" Parents and Kids Cooking, Steppin' Out! Dance Camp, Project: Animation and many more. In addition to an immersive arts experience, time is built into each day for physical activity, lunch and a few surprises! The Workhouse is also proud to present the Summer Game Institute (SGI) with George Mason University! The SGI Camp is a computer game design camp that incorporates technology, visual arts, storytelling and music with creative and critical thinking and problem solving skills. All skill levels welcome for kids ages 6-8. Two sessions will be held on July 8-19, 2013 and July 22-August 2, 2013. Registration and additional details for all programs are available online. Scholarships are available! Call (703) 584-2900 to inquire or email the education department at registrar@workhousearts.org. Multiple child discount available by phone only. Visit www.workhousearts.org for additional information.To find the most up-to-date information on classes and workshops including classroom changes, time changes or date changes please check back to this site often!
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Virginia Field Trips – Homeschool - Summer 2013
Upcoming Homeschool Events
Virginia State Parks
continued from page 10
May 9, 2013 BEDFORD Homeschool Event Day at the National D-Day Memorial (800) 351-DDAY May 10, 2013 EWING Raid at Martin's Station at Wilderness Road State Park (276) 445-3065 May 18, 2013 Discovery Story Theater at the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum (540) 722-2020 May 25, 2013 HAMPTON Mindbender Mansion Traveling Exhibit at the Virginia Air and Space Center (757) 727-0900 June 14, 2013 HAMPTON FREE Admission for Dad! (757) 727-0900 June 22, 2013 LORTON Workhouse Community Arts Festival (703) 584-2900 June 22, 2013 STUART Family Summer Fun Day at Fairy Stone State Park (276) 930-2424 June 24-July 12, 2013 LORTON ArtStar Performing Arts Camp at the Workhouse Arts Center (703) 584-2900 June 25-July 4/July 8-19/ July 22-August 2, 2013 LORTON Visual Arts Explorers Camp at the Workhouse Arts Center (703) 584-2900 June 26, 2013 Wacky Wednesday- ‘Come as a Space Alien Day’ at the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum (540) 722-2020 July 8-19/July 22-August 2, 2013 LORTON Summer Game Institute at the Workhouse Arts Center (703) 584-2900 July 15-26, 2013 LORTON Steppin' Out! Dance Camp at the Workhouse Arts Center (703) 584-2900
Name
Location
Phone
1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) 11) 12) 13) 14) 15) 16) 17) 18) 19) 20) 21) 22) 23) 24) 25)
Cumberland Lancaster Breaks,Virginia King George Surry,Virginia Dublin,Virginia Millboro,Virginia Stuart Virginia Beach Virginia Beach Mouth of Wilson Green Bay Appomattox Marion Gladstone Cape Charles Spotsylvania Woodbridge Lorton Duffield Fosters Falls Clarksville Chesterfield Rice
(804) 492-4410 (804) 462-5030 (276) 865-4413 (540) 663-3861 (757) 294-3625 (540) 643-2500 (540) 862-8100 (276) 930-2424 (757) 426-7128 (757) 412-2300 (276) 579-7092 (434) 315-0457 (434) 248-6308 (276) 781-7400 (434) 933-4355 (757) 331-2267 (540) 854-5503 (703) 730-8205 (703) 339-2385 (276) 940-2674 (276) 699-6778 (434) 374-2210 (804) 796-4255 (434) 315-0349
Bentonville Austinville Delaplane Huddleston Big Stone Gap Scottsburg Randolph Amelia Green Bay Montross Ewing Williamsburg
(540) 622-6840 (276) 699-1791 (540) 592-3556 (540) 297-6066 (276) 523-1322 (434) 572-4623 (434) 454-4312 (800) 933-PARK (434) 392-3435 (804) 493-8821 (276) 445-3065 (757) 566-3036
26) 27) 28) 29) 30) 31) 32) 33) 34) 35) 36)
Bear Creek Lake State Park Belle Isle State Park Breaks Interstate State Park Caledon State Park Chippokes Plantation State Park Claytor Lake State Park Douthat State Park Fairy Stone State Park False Cape State Park First Landing State Park Grayson Highlands State Park High Bridge Trail State Park Holliday Lake State Park Hungry Mother State Park James River State Park Kiptopeke State Park Lake Anna State Park Leesylvania State Park Mason Neck State Park Natural Tunnel State Park New River Trail State Park Occoneechee State Park Pocahontas State Park Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historic State Park Shenandoah River Raymond R. "Andy" Guest Jr. State Park Shot Tower State Park Sky Meadows State Park Smith Mountain Lake State Park Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park Staunton River State Park Staunton River Battlefield State Park Tabb Monument State Park Twin Lakes State Park Westmoreland State Park Wilderness Road State Park York River State Park
Find locations on centerfold map pages 8 and 9
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Virginia Field Trips – Homeschool - Summer 2013
Let nature be the teacher in a Virginia State Park... Lake Anna State Park Visitor Center offers new exhibits for 2013
Nature and History Programs at First Landing State Park
Virginia Association for Parks and the Friends of Lake Anna State Park partnered with Imperial Multimedia to bring new and exciting exhibits to the park in Spotsylvania, Virginia. The idea was to create technology based exhibits using resources and techniques available to reduce costs. Touch screen displays, a 3D theater room, huge 70" flat screen TVs showing educational footage and nature scenes, animals, colorful murals and much more will enhance the visitor's experience. In today's multi-media world you need a lot more to capture the attention of young people and adults alike. These exhibits combine nature and technology to highlight all the things that can be learned at a Virginia State Park and and entice kids to get outdoors! For additional information visit www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks or call (540) 854-5503.
The First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach, Virginia welcomes families and educators to absorb history and nature through a variety of settings. Situated on 2,888 acres, the park offers various self-guided and guided programs that cover crabbing, junior rangers, beach walks, nature hikes and structured environmental education programs. Camp or stay in a cabin at one of Virginia’s most visited parks and take advantage of the amphitheater, courtyard with gazebo, luxurious cabins, camp sites, Bay Store, Trail Center and gift shop and much more. The First Landing Chesapeake Bay Center features educational displays that focus on the First Landing by English settlers in 1607. A visitor information center at the park also has information on area tours and attractions. For details call (757) 412-2306 or visit www.dcr.virginia.gov.
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Virginia Field Trips – Homeschool - Summer 2013
“When can I come to camp?”
Camp Friendship in Palmyra, Virginia has so many programs and facilities that the number one question asked by parents is “When can I come to camp?” So they answered with Family Camp! Enjoy a great family vacation with fun recreational activities that meet the interests of all ages! The program for Family Camp is organized so that families may choose to attend scheduled activities, participate in free choice activities (where you show up if you want to), or do nothing at all. Some activities are instructional, where you can learn or improve skills, and other activities are simply “hang out and enjoy”. Activities include tennis, archery, canoeing, kayaking, riflery, fishing, river canoe trips, pottery, river tubing, arts & crafts, biking, fencing, mountain boarding, high ropes & low ropes, African drumming and much more. Most of the camp activities and supplies are included in the program fee. We do have an additional nominal charge to participate in the following horseback riding and pony rides, waterskiing trips - off-site to Lake Anna, cooking classes, private tennis lessons, golf, and a caving trip -off-site to West Virginia. Families may also take a break from one another with special organized time in camp just for kids and time for parents without them! There has been no complaint about the food at Camp Friendship either - with plenty of options served buffet style including entrée selections for lunch and dinner. Additionally a large salad bar, fresh fruit, beverages, soups and vegetarian alternatives will keep everyone full of energy throughout the day. Besides all the great programs, Camp Friendship also rounds out each night with traditional campfires, talent shows, dances, theme nights, games and much more! So pack up the kids and teens and make a memorable vacation at Camp Friendship! For details call (800) 873-3223, email info@campfriendship.com or visit www.campfriendship.com.
Fun Facts about Music At age 4, Mozart composed a concerto for the clavier.
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Virginia Field Trips – Homeschool - Summer 2013
Music - an invaluable source for rich and detailed accounts of Virginia history Old-time-style music evolved from traditions brought by the first settlers from the Old World to North America. We can trace many modern genres of American music to the old-time string band. String bands formed when rural farming families called upon neighbors for assistance with labor-intensive tasks, such as harvests or barn-raisings. In exchange for help, the host family hired local musicians to provide an evening dance. Along with old-time string bands, bluegrass, and blues, Virginia's musical legacy includes ballad traditions, gospel, shoutbands, rock 'n' roll, and other types of music. While many famous musicians have hailed from all parts of the world - many were born and raised right here in Virginia. Dock Boggs, a white musician from West Norton, Virginia, played a banjo style and repertoire influenced by African American banjoists he met while working in the coal mines. Other well-known musicians include The Carter Family, Patsy Cline, The Stanley Brothers, Dave Matthews Band, Jason Mraz, Missy Elliott, Toby Mac and many more.
Young Musicians of Virginia (YMV) Sure, you can find private lessons for your homeschooled child throughout Virginia but they will not necessarily interact with other children during these lessons. Since 1991, the Young Musicians of Virginia (YMV) has served homeschoolers with exactly that purpose. Today, YMV serves home-school families and the community with a faculty and staff of over 40, dedicated to teaching and training students from Preschool through High School. In addition, YMV are dedicated to assisting the home-schooling parent to provide their children with extracurricular musical opportunities, such as summer classes, seminars, concert opportunities, performances and ministry outreach. Last year under the direction of Gary Garlic, a group named ‘The Staccents’ won the Music in the Park competition at Busch Gardens. The Young Musicians of Virginia (YMV) is located in Virginia Beach, Virginia and are now registering for the 2013 school year. Call (757) 420-1961 or visit www.ymv.org for additional information.
Find Activities and Adventures... in Newport News Give your student groups a special outdoor adventure in Newport News, complete with animals, activities and adventures! Get up-close-andpersonal with nature in our 8,000-acre park or take a stroll on an elevated boardwalk. Guests may try their hand at geocaching or plan your naval battle aboard a wooden “sailing ship.” Other activities include paddle boating, guided nature tours, biking, hiking, bird watching and disc golf. The five-mile Noland Trail at The Mariners' Museum, includes views of Lake Maury and the James River. The small-scale wooden replicas of the USS Monitor and a 19th-century sailing ship are perfect climbing and pretending. Visit the 276-seat Ella Fitzgerald Theater at the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center, acoustically-superb Ferguson Center for the Arts, the beautifully restored Peninsula Community Theatre and the ever-changing world of art at the Peninsula Fine Arts Center. For an indepth look at history, tour the James A. Fields House, Lee Hall Mansion, Endview Plantation, Newsome House Museum & Cultural Center, U.S. Army Transportation Museum (Shown Here) and the Virginia War Museum! To create a customized student itinerary, discuss accommodation needs and learn more about our student-friendly attractions, contact Trista Attoh at (757) 926-1442, (888) 493-7386, or email tattoh@nngov.com.
Resources for Homeschoolers ARTistic Pursuits - The Curriculum for Creativity The ARTistic Pursuits approach to teaching art is a welcome departure from typical art instruction books. The award winning homeschool art program meets the specific needs of homeschoolers at home. ARTistic Pursuits also offers books, art supplies and much more. www.artisticpursuits.com
scores with highly effective lessons that sharpen the mind as they teach standards-based reading, writing, mathematics, science, and history. We do not use drill and memorization or teach to the tests —we empower the mind! Find core curriculum, downloads, free printables, demos articles and much more. www.criticalthinking.com
StartWrite - The Handwriting Worksheet Wizard Handwriting is an art and a physical skill that is essential to communication, even in our electronic age. StartWrite offers parents handwriting software for Windows and Mac that allows you to create customized handwriting worksheets. Start with a free trial and you’ll be hooked! www.startwrite.com
Bagaduce Music Lending Library Bagaduce Music Lending Library was founded in 1983 to collect, preserve and lend printed music. Over 250,000 printed music titles are available for rent and a recent study by library professionals showed that nearly half of the documents in the collection are not found in anyof the four other major music libraries in the country. You are invited to search the holdings online, become a member and borrow music. If you have any questions, staff and volunteers are available five days a week. www.bagaducemusic.org
The Critical Thinking Co. - Empower the Mind For more than 50 years, our award-winning products have helped students of all ages and abilities achieve better grades and higher test
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Virginia Field Trips – Homeschool - Summer 2013
Hands On Learning
let nature be the teacher in a Virginia State Park
Give students the gift of connecting classroom knowledge with real world situations. Allow them to make new discoveries and understand their world on a whole new level. Explore nature, history and culture with a park ranger or on your own! Ranger led programs provide experiential learning for the whole family. Outreach programs are available in many locations.
Contact us to find a park near you and arrange a visit.
800-933-PARK (7275) | www.virginiastateparks.gov |