EDUCATION WORKSHOPS
Schools:
You may choose any of the workshops below for your students. Our extensive teaching experience allows us to modify each workshop for any grade level. We can come to you! Most of our workshops are 1 hour in length. The fees are $200 for a half day (up to 2 hours) and $300 for a full day (up to 4 hours). Programs can be scheduled for individual classes, 2 classes at a time or as grade-wide assemblies. Please click the "CONTACT" tab at the top of the screen to contact us to schedule a workshop or to ask any questions.
*Students are also invited to complete their required volunteer hours with us*
Boy & Girl Scouts:
Need to complete your Eagle Scout Project?
Need to earn your Gold Award?
We are open to projects that you may want to do such as building a greenhouse, an outhouse, fencing, compost bins or other thoughts you might have.
Need to earn a badge?
You may choose any of the workshops below for your group. Our extensive teaching experience allows us to modify any workshop for any age group. We can come to you or you can come to us! Most of our workshops are 1 hour in length, but can be extended to fit your needs. If you choose to schedule us for a workshop. The fees are $200 for a half day (up to 2 hours), $300 for a full day (up to 4 hours) and $400 for an overnight (Saturday noon-Sunday noon only). Please click the "CONTACT" tab at the top of the screen to contact us to schedule a workshop or to ask any questions.
Community Members:
Looking to learn about gardening and natural studies? Want to contribute to your community? Just looking for something fun to do? Join us!
We always have something for a single community member, a family, a group of friends and the entire community. Come help build the garden, explore the woods on guided tours, build an emergency shelter, weave a beautiful basket, participate in yoga classes, paint and sip, the list goes on and on. If you can imagine it, Life's Forest does it. Please feel free to look over the workshops below to get a few ideas, but also, please ask us about any ideas you might have. We have a suggested donation of $5 per child $10 per adult or $20 per family. Please click the "CONTACT" tab at the top of the screen to contact us to schedule a workshop or to ask any questions.
Corporate Groups:
Want some time away from the office? Need to get your team working a bit better together? Life's Forest can offer any workshop you need from quiet and relaxing retreat to intense survival team building experiences. Please click the "CONTACT" tab at the top of the screen to contact us to schedule a workshop or to ask any questions.
PRIMITIVE SKILLS
ANIMAL HUSBANDRY- From worms to chickens to honey bees. All of the animals that are cultivated at Life's Forest will be presented, studied and cared for. Participants will have the opportunity to learn how each animal plays a crucial role in the sustainability of The Life's Forest Homestead. (MST 3, 4, 6; HPECS 3; SS 1, 3; CDOS 1)
BASKET MAKING- Learn about the various materials and methods for making baskets. Also, study the advantages of different shapes and weaves. The workshop will begin with a brief history and uses of baskets. Each participant will consider which basket type will help them out the best at home and may construct that type of basket. (MST 3, 4, 5, 7 AND ELA 4)
($5 materials fee per basket made)
COMPOSTING- Where does our soil come from? Nothing in nature is ever wasted. Once living things have died, they will become soil. How this process happens and who is responsible for this invaluable resource will be studied in this presentation. The amazing creatures that preform the decomposition process will make a fascinating appearance. This presentation can be altered to create a composting system for your school/home. (MST 4, 5, 6 AND HPECS 3)
(To create a composting system a materials fee will apply)
CORDAGE- One of the most basic tools used by man for centuries. This lesson not only gives the participants an amazing skill, it also teaches teamwork and resourcefulness. The participants will explore different types of materials and develop methods for creating the most versatile and strongest cordage. (MST 5, 7 AND ELA 4) ($2 materials fee per participant)
FIRE BUILDING- When an emergency strikes, the ability to make fire could just be the thing that saves lives. From cooking to predator defense to simply keeping warm, fire is a true necessity. Participants will learn various methods for building and igniting a fire using only the resources found in the woods. Fire by friction and spark fire will be explored along with different wood arrangement to create either a lot of flame for light or a slow burning fire to make heat to last the night. (MST 4, 5, 7; HPECS 3)
GARDENING- Which soil is best for what I want to grow? How much space should each plant have to grow to its fullest potential? Are weeds really the enemy? How much water is too much water? Are all insects bad for my garden? Through multiple simulation activities, soil comparisons, plant structure studies and insect ID, all of these questions and more will be answered. The presentation culminates by choosing one of the following closing projects:
1) Seed Bomb Making ($1 materials fee per participant)
2) Potting a Plant ($2 materials fee per participant)
3) Insect Hotel Making ($5 materials fee per participant)
4) Tilling and preparing your own garden area to prepare for planting
(MST 3, 4, 5, 7; HPECS 3; ELA 4; CDOS 1; SS1, 3)
HERBAL REMEDIES- Just about every herb contains the components to help maintain a healthy mind and body. Participants will learn about many different herbs and their healing properties. Using common herbs found in the everyday garden, we will mix, poultice and infuse to create herbal remedies. Participants can even choose to make and take their very own herb honey cough syrup. (MST 4, 5, 7; HPECS 3)
($4 materials fee per participant)
HUNTING & TRACKING- The Native Americans had hunting and tracking down to an art. We will study the habits of animals and their "tell-tale" signs to further our understanding and to grow our hunting abilities. We will begin by honing our powers of observation with a flour tracking activity. We will then explore the woods looking for evidence of animals. The program culminates with either simple trap building or our "throw stick hunting" practice. (MST 5, 6, 7; HPECS 3; ELA 4; SS 3)
NATURAL DYES- Our world is full of color. In this workshop, participants will study the ancient art of natural dyes. From purple beet juice to green grass to yellow acorns we will extract the most beautiful natural colors and try our hand in dying some fabric. You may choose to bring your own light colored fabric or yarn (preferably white) to dye. On occasion we have even been known to dye eggs! (MST 4, 5, 7) (We will provide fabric/yarn for a $1 per participant materials fee)
SEWING- Come and explore fabric textures, needle sizes, thread types and even complete your own project. In this workshop for beginners, we will learn about proper measuring and which tools are best for the job. You may choose any one of the following projects:
1) Pillow ($4 materials fee per participant)
2) Pot Holder ($2 materials fee per participant)
3) Coaster ($2 materials fee per participant)
4) Placemat ($3 materials fee per participant)
5) Napkin ($2 materials fee per participant)
6) Toy boat with sail ($1 materials fee per participant)
(MST 3, 5, 7)
SHELTER BUILDING- A simple walk in the woods will present a myriad of building materials. Participants will learn to survey the land to establish the optimal location to build a shelter. This step will help block wind and keep the shelter from flooding. Then the entire group will construct a lean-to that could withstand the elements. (MST 4, 5, 7; HPECS 3; ELA 4; SS 3)
TOOL MAKING- The Native Americans did not have stores and often didn't even have other people to trade with, so everything they used had to be made from the natural world around them. In this workshop, participants will collect various materials from the woods to create their very own natural tools. Participants may choose from the following list of tools to make:
1) Bow and Arrow
2) Rock Knife
3) Bone Knife ($2 material fee per participant)
4) Spear
(MST 4, 5, 7; HPECS 3; ELA 4)
WATER PURIFICATION AND COLLECTION- Once fire and shelter have been secured in an emergency, the next pressing concern is water. Water can be found all around us in the air, plants, animals and even soil. This workshop will teach participants where to find water, how to collect it and how to make it suitable for drinking. (MST 5, 6, 7;HPECS 3)
WEAVING- The origins of weaving has been traced back to 7000BC. Today we use weaving for art, culture as well as necessity. Participants will learn about weaving materials as well as different weaving patterns. Participants may choose one of the following culminating projects:
1) Pot Holder ($2 materials fee per participant)
2) Napkin ($2 materials fee per participant)
3) Placemat ($3 materials fee per participant)
4) Mug Cozy ($4 materials fee per participant)
(MST 3, 5, 7; ELA 4)
WILD EDIBLES- Ever wonder how all of the animals survive in the woods? This workshop will help train participants' eyes to recognize what can be eaten and what can't. By studying the animals and some good old fashioned looking, the mystery of wild edibles will be revealed! (MST 7; HPECS 3)
WOODWORKING- From whittling to chiseling, participants will practice the ancient art of woodworking. This workshop begins with a brief technique lesson followed by a search for the best shape and quality wood. The participants will then practice their skills creating a piece of art to take home. (MST 3, 5, 7; CDOS 1)
NATURE STUDIES
COMPOSTING- Where does our soil come from? Nothing in nature is ever wasted. Once living things have died, they will become soil. How this process happens and who is responsible for this invaluable resource will be studied in this presentation. The amazing creatures that preform the decomposition process will make a fascinating appearance. This presentation can be altered to create a composting system for your school/home. (MST 4, 5, 6 AND HPECS 3)
(To create a composting system a materials fee will apply)
FIELD ECOLOGY- A field may seem like just a blanket of green with a sprinkle of flowers, however, there is a whole other world hidden beneath the surface! Insects dig caves, small animals scurry looking for food, hawks soar over head and a bounty of plant varieties all interact to create this amazingly diverse ecosystem. Participants will get an up close look at all of these different elements and begin to understand the complex interrelationships between each one. (MST 6, 7; HPECS 3)
FOREST ECOLOGY- There are four parts of a forest ecosystem: Producers, Consumers, Decomposers and Non-Living Things. We will take a hike through the woods to find examples of each and discuss each of the four parts' importance to maintaining the balance of the forest ecosystem. (MST 6, 7; HPECS 3)
NATURAL DYES- Our world is full of color. In this workshop, participants will study the ancient art of natural dyes. From purple beet juice to green grass to yellow acorns we will extract the most beautiful natural colors and try our hand in dying some fabric. You may choose to bring your own light colored fabric or yarn (preferably white) to dye. On occasion we have even been known to dye eggs! (MST 4, 5, 7) (We will provide fabric/yarn for a $1 per participant materials fee)
POND/WETLANDS ECOLOGY- Many people today only think of a wetland as a source of bacteria, a source of smells and an insect breeding ground. All this is true, but the benefits greatly outweigh the drawbacks. Wetlands give life to the living things that are found on the bottom of the food chain, are great absorbers of toxins and runoff, and are home to insects whose presence can indicate the health of the surrounding water. In this workshop participants will explore some of the creatures living in and around the wetland to further their understanding of the importance of this endangered ecosystem. (MST 6, 7;HPECS 3)
WILD EDIBLES- Ever wonder how all of the animals survive in the woods? This workshop will help train participants' eyes to recognize what can be eaten and what can't. By studying the animals and some good old fashioned looking, the mystery of wild edibles will be revealed! (MST 7; HPECS 3)
(To create a composting system a materials fee will apply)
FIELD ECOLOGY- A field may seem like just a blanket of green with a sprinkle of flowers, however, there is a whole other world hidden beneath the surface! Insects dig caves, small animals scurry looking for food, hawks soar over head and a bounty of plant varieties all interact to create this amazingly diverse ecosystem. Participants will get an up close look at all of these different elements and begin to understand the complex interrelationships between each one. (MST 6, 7; HPECS 3)
FOREST ECOLOGY- There are four parts of a forest ecosystem: Producers, Consumers, Decomposers and Non-Living Things. We will take a hike through the woods to find examples of each and discuss each of the four parts' importance to maintaining the balance of the forest ecosystem. (MST 6, 7; HPECS 3)
NATURAL DYES- Our world is full of color. In this workshop, participants will study the ancient art of natural dyes. From purple beet juice to green grass to yellow acorns we will extract the most beautiful natural colors and try our hand in dying some fabric. You may choose to bring your own light colored fabric or yarn (preferably white) to dye. On occasion we have even been known to dye eggs! (MST 4, 5, 7) (We will provide fabric/yarn for a $1 per participant materials fee)
POND/WETLANDS ECOLOGY- Many people today only think of a wetland as a source of bacteria, a source of smells and an insect breeding ground. All this is true, but the benefits greatly outweigh the drawbacks. Wetlands give life to the living things that are found on the bottom of the food chain, are great absorbers of toxins and runoff, and are home to insects whose presence can indicate the health of the surrounding water. In this workshop participants will explore some of the creatures living in and around the wetland to further their understanding of the importance of this endangered ecosystem. (MST 6, 7;HPECS 3)
WILD EDIBLES- Ever wonder how all of the animals survive in the woods? This workshop will help train participants' eyes to recognize what can be eaten and what can't. By studying the animals and some good old fashioned looking, the mystery of wild edibles will be revealed! (MST 7; HPECS 3)
HISTORY
ANIMAL HUSBANDRY- From worms to chickens to honey bees. All of the animals that are cultivated at Life's Forest will be presented, studied and cared for. Participants will have the opportunity to learn how each animal plays a crucial role in the sustainability of The Life's Forest Homestead. (MST 3, 4, 6; HPECS 3; SS 1, 3; CDOS 1)
COLONIAL LIVING- Ever wonder what life was like back in the colonial days? Try your hand at weaving, candle making, toy making, cooking without power, caring for animals, colonial games, tinsmithing, gardening and herbal medicine making. This workshop gives its participants a true taste of the harsh yet beautiful life of a colonial pioneer. You may choose 6 activities for a 4 hour workshop or 3 activities for a 2 hour workshop.
($4 materials fee per participant for a 4 hour workshop)
($2 materials fee per participant for a 2 hour workshop)
(MST 6; SS 1, 3)
HERBAL REMEDIES- Just about every herb contains the components to help maintain a healthy mind and body. Participants will learn about many different herbs and their healing properties. Using common herbs found in the everyday garden, we will mix, poultice and infuse to create herbal remedies. Participants can even choose to make and take their very own herb honey cough syrup. (MST 4, 5, 7; HPECS 3) ($4 materials fee per participant)
HUNTING & TRACKING- The Native Americans had hunting and tracking down to an art. We will study the habits of animals and their "tell-tale" signs to further our understanding and to grow our hunting abilities. We will begin by honing our powers of observation with a flour tracking activity. We will then explore the woods looking for evidence of animals. The program culminates with either simple trap building or our "throw stick hunting" practice. (MST 5, 6, 7; HPECS 3; ELA 4; SS 3)
NATIVE AMERICANS- The Native Americans were the ultimate in survivalists. They mastered fire making, hunting, home building, foraging and herbal remedy making. However, their skills did not end there; they also were fantastic story tellers, artists and keepers of Earth. During this workshop, participants will not only learn valuable survival skills, but also experience true native culture. (MST 5, 6; HPECS 3; SS 1, 3)
COLONIAL LIVING- Ever wonder what life was like back in the colonial days? Try your hand at weaving, candle making, toy making, cooking without power, caring for animals, colonial games, tinsmithing, gardening and herbal medicine making. This workshop gives its participants a true taste of the harsh yet beautiful life of a colonial pioneer. You may choose 6 activities for a 4 hour workshop or 3 activities for a 2 hour workshop.
($4 materials fee per participant for a 4 hour workshop)
($2 materials fee per participant for a 2 hour workshop)
(MST 6; SS 1, 3)
HERBAL REMEDIES- Just about every herb contains the components to help maintain a healthy mind and body. Participants will learn about many different herbs and their healing properties. Using common herbs found in the everyday garden, we will mix, poultice and infuse to create herbal remedies. Participants can even choose to make and take their very own herb honey cough syrup. (MST 4, 5, 7; HPECS 3) ($4 materials fee per participant)
HUNTING & TRACKING- The Native Americans had hunting and tracking down to an art. We will study the habits of animals and their "tell-tale" signs to further our understanding and to grow our hunting abilities. We will begin by honing our powers of observation with a flour tracking activity. We will then explore the woods looking for evidence of animals. The program culminates with either simple trap building or our "throw stick hunting" practice. (MST 5, 6, 7; HPECS 3; ELA 4; SS 3)
NATIVE AMERICANS- The Native Americans were the ultimate in survivalists. They mastered fire making, hunting, home building, foraging and herbal remedy making. However, their skills did not end there; they also were fantastic story tellers, artists and keepers of Earth. During this workshop, participants will not only learn valuable survival skills, but also experience true native culture. (MST 5, 6; HPECS 3; SS 1, 3)
WILDLIFE
BIRDS & RAPTORS- Feathers, Feet and Flight. Join us on an uplifting adventure while we discover the amazing world of birds. We will study feathers, learn about the different types of feet and beaks that birds have and even go on a hike looking for birds. Participants will get to meet our very own stuffed turkey and spend some time with the live chickens. (MST 4)
HONEY BEES- Explore the amazing world of the honey bee. The lifecycle, anatomy, beekeeping basics and a behind the scene look at the secret life of the honey bee will all be included in this truly fascinating workshop. (MST 4)
Participants may choose one of the following culminating projects:
1) Beeswax Candle ($3 materials fee per participant)
2) Beeswax Lip Balm ($3 materials fee per participant)
HUNTING & TRACKING- The Native Americans had hunting and tracking down to an art. We will study the habits of animals and their "tell-tale" signs to further our understanding and to grow our hunting abilities. We will begin by honing our powers of observation with a flour tracking activity. We will then explore the woods looking for evidence of animals. The program culminates with either simple trap building or our "throw stick hunting" practice. (MST 5, 6, 7; HPECS 3; ELA 4; SS 3)
INSECTS-
Learn all about the tiny but also enormous world of insects! We will study the parts of insects, their adaptations, explore specimens as well as search for insects. If you can't come to us or go outside, we can bring the bugs to you! We have insect mounts, live mealworms and many live insects found in a pond. This workshop can end with a climatic insect game or insect art; your choice! (MST 4)
MAMMALS-
There is so much more to mammals than warm blood. Come learn about what makes a mammal a mammal by touching fur, inspecting bones, learning about the mammalian process of live young and more adaptations. You will even have the opportunity to get up close and personal with a real live mammal! We can end the workshop with an adventurous game of predator vs prey! (MST 4)
REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS-
Lets learn all about the cold blooded friends. Be fascinated by the amazing process of metamorphosis, meet a live reptile or amphibian, learn about their habitat and even go on a hero hunt. Don't worry, its not as slimy as you think! (MST 4)
HONEY BEES- Explore the amazing world of the honey bee. The lifecycle, anatomy, beekeeping basics and a behind the scene look at the secret life of the honey bee will all be included in this truly fascinating workshop. (MST 4)
Participants may choose one of the following culminating projects:
1) Beeswax Candle ($3 materials fee per participant)
2) Beeswax Lip Balm ($3 materials fee per participant)
HUNTING & TRACKING- The Native Americans had hunting and tracking down to an art. We will study the habits of animals and their "tell-tale" signs to further our understanding and to grow our hunting abilities. We will begin by honing our powers of observation with a flour tracking activity. We will then explore the woods looking for evidence of animals. The program culminates with either simple trap building or our "throw stick hunting" practice. (MST 5, 6, 7; HPECS 3; ELA 4; SS 3)
INSECTS-
Learn all about the tiny but also enormous world of insects! We will study the parts of insects, their adaptations, explore specimens as well as search for insects. If you can't come to us or go outside, we can bring the bugs to you! We have insect mounts, live mealworms and many live insects found in a pond. This workshop can end with a climatic insect game or insect art; your choice! (MST 4)
MAMMALS-
There is so much more to mammals than warm blood. Come learn about what makes a mammal a mammal by touching fur, inspecting bones, learning about the mammalian process of live young and more adaptations. You will even have the opportunity to get up close and personal with a real live mammal! We can end the workshop with an adventurous game of predator vs prey! (MST 4)
REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS-
Lets learn all about the cold blooded friends. Be fascinated by the amazing process of metamorphosis, meet a live reptile or amphibian, learn about their habitat and even go on a hero hunt. Don't worry, its not as slimy as you think! (MST 4)