Each season, we offer a four week series of programs for children (the critters) aged 3-6, and their caregivers (the company), to explore nature together. Experience the topic of the day through discovery hikes, stories, games, songs, nature art projects, and puppet shows.  The programs will be led by Nancy McIntyre, CCEP Volunteer Naturalist.

Program Fee

The series fee is $20 per family (a caregiver and up to three children of appropriate age).  This includes instruction for the seasonal series (four programs), take home discovery pages, nature art materials, and loads of fun. Babies and older siblings are welcome to come with their caregiver.

Note: Only one ticket is needed per family.

Winter 2013 Topics and Dates

Winter topics we will study are: Snug in the Snow│Bugs and Bugsicles│Owls in the Winter│Naked Trees and Winter Twigs.

Critters and Company is offered on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, in the morning (10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.) or afternoon (1-2:30 p.m.). 

Our Tuesday classes are on February 5, 12, 19 & 26. Wednesday classes are on February 6, 13, 20 & 27.

Cancellation and Reimbursement Policies

In the event you must cancel, a cancellation letter/e-mail must be submitted in writing to Jeanette Henderson, Program Manager.  Your registration fee minus a processing fee of $4 will be refunded up to one week before the start of the first program in the series. No refunds are given after that date. Please note that fees will not be reduced if you cannot attend all of the programs in a series.

In the event that there is insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances arise, Calvin College Ecosystem Preserve reserves the right to cancel.  If a series is canceled, we will refund registration fees.

Weather

Topics are dependent on weather conditions and we reserve the right to adapt them to better meet the needs of the participants.

Activities take place both outside in the Preserve and in the Bunker Interpretive Center.  Caregivers, please make sure both you and the child(ren) are dressed appropriately for the weather.  We suggest participants wear layers, winter coats, snow pants, hats, mittens and winter boots. 

If the Grand Rapids School system is closed due to inclement weather, classes will be cancelled or rescheduled.

Additional Questions

Contact Jeanette Henderson, Program Manager, at (616) 526-7601 or preserve@calvin.edu.