ABOUT THE PROGRAM:
Our week will rotate around group and individual activities that focus on different themes in nature such as sun energy, birds, insects, reptiles, plants and photography. Each child will receive a journal for recording observations. Each child will complete a project of their own choosing related to nature at the Madrona Marsh. Children will spend 10-20 minutes a day individually observing and journaling. Students will have the opportunity to partner with the preschool Friday Fun Class to practice being a naturalist. Each activity will help students grasp what it means to be a naturalist while practicing the necessary skills to become one. The program provides two instructors daily; a California Naturalist/Credentialed teacher, and guest leaders. A light lunch is included: prepackaged sandwich, fruit, chips and cookies. Water will always be available. Camp size is limited to 15 children.
TUITION & REGISTRATION:
Program cost is $170.00 Please make your check out to Friends of Madrona Marsh.
To register, call the Nature Center at (310) 782-3989
Tuesday-Saturday.
JUNIOR NATURALIST DAILY SCHEDULE
Our daily schedule is flexible depending on what is happening on the Preserve
and the children's interests.
All participants will follow the City of Torrance Covid protection policies.
Class begins at 9:00 and ends at 3:00.
Monday: Basics of an Ecosystem
- Using a map, we will explore the Preserve, Nature Center, and Native Gardens
- What it means to be a naturalist
- Learning to observe
- Soil, Water, Sun and Energy
- Introduce and discuss Personal Projects
- How to use a Journal, what are Mindful Moments
- Hexagons in Nature Craft: Creating tri-flexing hexagons
- Mindful Moments and Journaling
Tuesday: Nature Photography
Guest: Lance Hill, photographer and Social Media Director for Friends of Madrona Marsh
- Children may bring an iPhone, tablet or camera for this activity; any equipment is the child’s sole responsibility (Don’t forget to bring a charger!)
- Learn to distinguish and capture a great photograph
- Practice photography on the Preserve
- Mindful Moments and Journaling
- Creating shapes of nature mobile
- Working on Projects
Wednesday: Birds of the Preserve
Guest: South Bay Wildlife Raptors
Guest: Tracy Drake, Director Torrance Parks Services
- Anatomy, migration and lives of birds: study skins, taxidermy and bird watching
- Dissecting Owl Pellets
- Mindful Moments and Journaling
- Working on Projects
Thursday: Insects
Guest: Cindy Reid, Friday Fun Instructor and Docent
- Anatomy of insects: Not everything that crawls is an insect
- Finding and observing insects and other small animals on the Preserve
- Practice being a Naturalist: Discuss “Buddy” with Friday Fun kids
- Mindful Moments and Journaling
- Project finalization
- Assist with setting up Friday Fun class
Friday: Project Presentations
- 10:00 Buddy with Friday Fun children to practice being a naturalist
- Exploring the Preserve and remembering
- Project presentations and presentation of Junior Naturalist Certificates:
completion of project required for certificate
- Nature games
Letter to Parents
Registration Receipt