We are excited to announce the following 5 classes of our Spark Outdoor Survival Winter series! These winter classes will consist of 8 children aged 6-10. Gigi will be running these classes with a lovely and responsible teaching assistant named Sarah. Angus will not be teaching this series due to his current work schedule.
Classes may be purchased individually. A $50 credit will be offered to families for any illness or weather-related cancelled classes. If you already have credit with us, please let us know and we can apply this credit to your class. Classes will be cancelled if temperatures for class time dip below 30 degrees, or if there is rain or heavy snow
(Note: Families who have been issued refund codes can apply them at checkout.)
As these classes will involve some walking, please ensure that your child has energy and stamina after a day of school. We ask that you pack a light backpack that includes a water bottle and snack (if needed), and that your child is dressed appropriately for the cold along with comfortable walking shoes. Please encourage your child to use the rest facilities before class.
Please note that these classes have different drop off and pick up points.
Tuesday February 9: The Powerful Pine
Thursday February 11: Beneficial Wild Plants
Tuesday February 16: Finding Water in the Wild
Thursday February 18: Shelter From the Storm
Tuesday February 23: Natural First Aid
The Powerful Pine
Drop off and pick up: 15th street Prospect Park entrance, by the entrance pillars (see map)
Date and time: Tuesday, February 9, 3:30-5pm
Price: $50
In this class we will explore the Eastern White Pine and all its incredible uses. Our group will learn to identify the tree, and will find out about its medicinal and practical benefits. We will discuss pine resin’s use as an adhesive, an emergency fire starter, and an ingredient for waterproofing cordage. We will talk about the pine’s cambium layer as a medicine and a source of food. In addition, we will speak about pine pollen and needles’ uses as medicine. We will also be crafting with pine! During this class, we will also learn respectful and sustainable practices for foraging in the wild.
Beneficial Wild Plants
Drop off and pick up: Next to the Picnic House, on the BBQ side. See map
Date and time: Thursday, February 11, 3:30-5pm
Price: $50
Prospect Park is full of beneficial plants and trees! Even in the wintertime, we are able to identify plants that can provide us with edible, medicinal and practical benefits. Some of the many plants and trees we will be discussing include the Sweetgum, Tulip Poplar, Crabapple, Garlic mustard, Rose hips, Beech, Maple, Juniper and Giant Cane. During this class, we will also learn respectful and sustainable practices for foraging in the wild.
Finding Water in the Wild
Drop off and pick up: Next to the Picnic House, on the BBQ side. See map
Date and time: Tuesday, February 16, 3:30-5pm
Price: $50
Water is vital to human survival. In this class, we will be walking to identify different water sources in our park and will learn about ancient and modern tools for collecting and purifying water in the wild. We will ID specific trees that can provide nourishing sap when tapped. In addition, we will discuss collecting rainwater, obtaining water from snow and dew, and use of transpiration bags. We will be creating a filter using natural elements for purifying water.
Shelter From the Storm
Drop off and pick up: In front of Litchfield Villa. See map
Date and time: Thursday, February 18, 3:30-5pm
Price: $50
How did ancient people set up shelter quickly and effectively? We will be learning about ways to quickly create shelter for protection from weather conditions and predators using materials found in our environments.
Natural First Aid
Drop off and pick up: Next to the Picnic House, on the BBQ side. See map
Date and time: Tuesday, February 23, 3:30-5pm
Price: $50
Many medical treatments can be found in nature. We will cover topics like treating bug bites, coughs, and fevers. Even during the winter months, we can identify useful plants that people have used throughout history for medical purposes. During this class, we will also learn respectful and sustainable practices for foraging in the wild.
