EXCITING LEARNING GAMES
- Bats - dispelling the myths - can be adjusted to any age group. Learn how these little creatures with a bad reputation can be extremely helpful.
- Migration Madness - teaches concept of migration and events which birds encounter in migration.
- Birds of a Feather - uses musical instruments to teach that each bird has its own song.
- Quick Frozen Critters - a "freeze tag" game used to teach "web of life" and prey/predator concepts.
- Food Chain - played like "Pit" participants trade cards to get 10 items in food chain and place in order.
- Centipede Tag - similar to "link tag;" used to teach how insects move, live, and protect themselves.
- Nature Hunts - variations on the ever-popular treasure hunts only using natural areas and things.
CREATIVE NATURE CRAFTS
- Fish Printing - using a "real," or "rubber" fish (for the wimpy), print a memento on T-Shirt or paper.
- Naturally Creative - participants create note cards, bookmarks, etc. using really neat natural things.
- Recycle Craft - make your own paper from paper scraps and potatoes. Study nature's paper makers.
- Nature Collage - using whatever you find about nature and scripture verses, make your own collage.
FABULOUS VIDEOS
- Fire in the Sky (lightning)
- Mt. St. Helens (creation)
- Cardinals, Bluebirds, Hummingbirds, Owls, Hawks
- Noah's Ark (creation and flood geology) ... and Many More!
HANDS-ON STUDIES
- Owl Pellet Workshop - dissect and study owl pellets; learn about what owls have been eating.
- Habitat and Animal Sign Post - study 4 habitats and animal signs in field, edge, forest, and wetlands.
- Forest Habitat - discover God's forest by looking closely at 4' x 4' section and recording findings.
- Ecosystems and Web of Life Simulation - look at 6 niches and decide why one niche should survive.
- Butterflies - basic study including identification in the field; talk about how Christ changes our lives.
- Name the Animal - identify different kinds of animals from swatches of hide contained in the nature center.
- What Is It? - participants try to identify items by sense of feel without seeing the items.
- Basic Tree Identification - identifying tree types by bark, leaves, tree shapes, and "fruit" or nuts.
- Animal Tracks Identification - look at charts, identify in the field and even make plaster casts of tracks.
- Bird Identification - slides teach bird species followed by short hike to look/listen for different birds.
- Midnight Moth Goop - use special "goop" to attract moths; study using specially outfitted flashlight.
- Orienteering Course - teaches participants how to read maps and use compass; always a fun activity.
- Fossil Hunting - a walk to our own shale pit; speak about fossils while hunting for fossils.
- Pond Study - use nets and buckets to discover what lurks beneath that muddy pond surface.
EXHILARATING NATURE HIKES
- Self-Guided Nature Trail - use a guide and walk through a guided trail with marked explanations.
- "Colored Bird Food Hike" - teaches observation as participants look for chenille-wire "caterpillars."
- Night Hikes - a sensory experience as participants listen and look for night life in the woods.
- Spiritual Truths Hike - seeing God in the natural setting as we stop, look, and listen for God's voice.
Nature Center Programs
THE DETAILS:
The Sweigert Nature Center is available to any group - home schooling, Christian school, Church, Sunday School class, senior adult, youth group or retreat. Programs can be tailored to meet the needs of the group from a one-hour program to a full three-day, overnight retreat. Call the camp for full details. We would be delighted to have you come and allow us to take you on a tour of our facility, meet our naturalist and socialize with our "critters."
The programs offered by the center are constantly changing. A brochure is available to better describe what we have to offer. Request our "Nature Center Brochure" when you email us for further information.
One of our groups told us..."A day at the Sweigert Nature Center is worth a week in the classroom!"
A Unique Experience, featuring...
- Pam Rankin - our very own nature enthusiast who is ready to share her knowledge of God's exquisite handiwork.
- A library of 40,000+ nature slides - this resource alone makes it possible to study God's creation even when the weather makes being outside impossible.
- Live animals - our "critter center" is a constantly changing place as we change the animals that reside there from time to time.
- Mounted animals - our collection of 21 mounted African animals (including full mounted lions and a full mounted leopard) and our collection of more than 40 mounted North American animals (including 3 full mounted bears) provides an up-close look at animals the average person would not be able to see this close in any other place.
INTERESTING PROGRAMS
- "Silent Hunters of the Night" - slide presentation on owls followed by a live owl demonstration.
- Birds of Prey - slides and live animals; program is about 45 minutes to 1 hour (time can be adjusted).
- All Things Bright and Beautiful - a 4 minute slide program featuring North American animals, flowers, and habitats. Teaches God's purpose for everything.
- Native People of the Poconos (Lenape Indians) - a look back in time to the original residents of the Poconos presented through slides and artifacts.
- Stars and Constellations - night hike/hayride to out area; identify constellations; need a very clear night.
THE SWEIGERT NATURE CENTER HAS HOSTED PROGRAMS FOR...
- Christian Schools
- Senior Citizen Groups
- Home Schooled Students
- Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts
- Summer Campers and Staff
- Retreat Groups and Day Guests
- Day Care and Kindermusik Groups
And We Would Love to Host Your Group!
