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Wyning Academy Donations
If you would like to help our homeschool with supplies, field trips and extracurricular activities please feel free to make a small donation! You can also help by utilizing my affiliate links on the right.
*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my Disclosure Page for details.
Homeschool group helping to weed one of the hills on the BeltLine.
In the heart of Decatur there is a tree house! This tree house is not your ordinary tree house though and belongs to a very unique organization. It is a place that we think is very special, and one which we think deserves some attention. So let me cultivate some awareness about the organization that owns this tree house. They are called Trees Atlanta and they are not only helping to protect and improve Atlanta's flourishing urban forests, but are also helping to grow family fun! Did you know that Atlanta is known as the city in the forest? Or that the tree canopy in Atlanta covers almost half of the city, 47.9% percent to be exact? Atlanta has the country’s densest urban tree canopy. But keeping this canopy is no small feat however, since Atlanta is still expanding and new buildings are popping up everyday. Trees Atlanta is one of the many organizations in Atlanta that helps protect and improve Atlanta's urban forest by planting, conserving, and educating. Trees Atlanta is a nationally-recognized non-profit citizens’ group founded in 1985. They serve the Metro Atlanta area and focus primarily on those communities within the City’s outerbelt. You may be aware of the Atlanta BeltLine, but did you know that Trees Atlanta is one of the organizations that keeps many sections of the BeltLine pristine? Trees Atlanta offers free Atlanta Beltline Arboretum Tours for the entire family. These 1 mile tours which are led by expertly trained Trees Atlanta docents will educate attendees on the design and history of the Atlanta BeltLine, the horticultural collections of the Arboretum, and the positive changes the project is having on Atlanta communities. Have your cell phone handy, so that you can interact with theIf Trees Could Sing installations and hear some of your favorite musicians talk about their favorite trees.
Ms. Sabrina teaching about leaves.
But that’s not all. Trees Atlanta has a variety of youth education programs. If you have a scout be sure to check out the 2 hr programs that helps scouts earn their nature focused badges. If you have a child in grades K-6th make sure you sign them up for the Acorn Club. The cost is $10 per year. Acorn Club is an environmental stewardship program for children who are eager to learn more about our urban forest. Little ones will love the weekly Thirsty Roots Reading Club where they will learn about the outdoors through nature-themed book readings and hands-on arts & craft projects. If you are looking for a summer program Trees Atlanta has Junior TreeKeeper Camps June-July. They also offer BreakAway camps and Spring Break camps. During camps Junior TreeKeepers will experience a new adventure everyday! They will explore the outdoors with hands-on activities in environmental science, biking the Atlanta BeltLine, field trips to local attractions and more fun! Trees Atlanta also has programs for homeschoolers and public schools. Our family has attended many homeschool days and my children really enjoy their time with Ms. Sabrina the Youth Education Coordinator for Trees Atlanta. We asked Ms. Sabrina what she loves most about working for Trees Atlanta and she said, "utilizing the Atlanta BeltLine arboretum. It's cool because most kids (or people) don't know that the trees planted on it are an arboretum and are planted intentionally with respect to the toughness of the species and neighborhood history." Before you hit the BeltLine with your children be sure to also pick up the BeltLine Clue Town booklet which is an educational scavenger hunt.
Collecting leaves and pointing out trees.
One of our family’s favorite things to do together is service projects. We volunteer at nursing homes, volunteer at Save the Horses, put together shoeboxes filled with gifts for Operation Christmas Child, donate to Operation Homefront, and volunteer with Trees Atlanta. Trees Atlanta has a variety of ways to volunteer and even children can get involved. Last Summer I took several classes at Trees Atlanta to become a TreeKeeper. So if your family is looking for a way to dig in to help our beautiful city and make some fun summer memories check out all the volunteer opportunities that are available.
If you haven’t been to the Trees Atlanta Treehouse or Arboretum on the Atlanta BeltLine be sure to check them out soon. As you can see this hidden gem offers something for everyone! And if you see us at Trees Atlanta Tree House or on the BeltLine be sure to say hello!
*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my
Disclosure Page for details.
As strange as it may sound we love exploring cemeteries. Our favorite is Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta. We visit this historic garden cemetery several times a year to learn about nature, history, geology and more. Audrey Bierhans said, “Cemeteries should be more than places where stones lie on the ground. Cemeteries hold the stories of the people who have lived in the past ... people who have shaped our past," and I couldn't agree more.
Oakland Cemetery is a hidden treasure located less than 1 mile from the hustling and bustling city of Atlanta. It is the 3rd largest green space in Atlanta. This sanctuary was founded in 1850 and is the final resting place of many of Atlanta's settlers, builders, and most noted citizens like Bonny Jones, Margaret Mitchell and Maynard Jackson. And it is also a showplace for some spectacular sculpture and architecture and a luscious garden with ancient oaks and magnolias.
When you walk down the paths of this outdoor museum you are transported through time, and if you listen closely you will hear stories of victories, love and tragedies. Sometimes the epitaphs, grave markers and even the graves location help tell a story, but if you are looking for more details be sure to stop by the gift shop to pick up free guides or to purchase some amazing books on Oaklands resident's.
If stories don't interest you then you can marvel at the sights and symbols that you will come across. The impressive art and architecture can be seen in many styles: Victorian, Greek Revival, Gothic, Neo-classical, Egyptian and Exotic Revival. Several mausoleums feature stained glass windows from Tiffany Studios. Bronze urns over six feet high were cast at Gorham Manufacturing Company in New York, the first art foundry in America.
Oakland also offer many fabulous events and recently started offering homeschool days and educational fieldtrip opportunities. But that's not all, they also have educational resources for parents and teachers.
Also be sure to check out my blog on Clue Town booklets there is one for Oakland.
And my Lessons From The Grave blog post which lists ways you can use cemeteries as an educational opportunity and also lists more amazing cemeteries for GA.
*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my Disclosure Page for details.
Everglades Holiday Park is South Florida's premier gateway to the state's most exciting natural attraction-the Everglades. The park started nearly three decades ago by George M. Bridges who build the first airboat by hand in his backyard in 1982. The park is a family fun entertainment destinations and offers everything from guided Everglades airboat tours and live alligator presentations to food, souvenirs and fresh water fishing,
A moms review:
Visiting the Everglades has been on my, "places to visit list" for a very long time. So when we received an opportunity to review Everglades Holiday Park during our visit to Florida I just had to say yes. Everglades Holiday Park is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida so it took us about 3 1/2 hours to get there from the Orlando area but the drive was well worth it.
We arrived at the park around 11 am. Parking was plentiful and it was very easy to locate the gift shop where we received our airboat tour ticket. The gift shop was quite large and offered snacks, souvenirs and fishing gear. There were well maintained restrooms located just outside of the gift shop. There was also a deli located next to the gift shop in case you need to grab a bite to eat. After receiving our airboat tour tickets we went outside to sit on the covered porch in front of the gift shop to wait for our tour number to be called. In about 10 minutes they announced our tour number over the PA system and we proceeded down to the boat dock.
Once at the boat dock a staff member gathered our family and took a souvenir photo. And guess what the photo is included in the cost of your tickets! How cool is that? No need to pay another $20+ for a photo to remember your experience.
At this point the kids were getting really excited.....okay so was I. Our Captain walked us up the dock to the boat and we piled in. The boats seat 20+ people and are covered so you don't have to worry about melting in the Florida sun! After our Captain Mike went over some rules we were off on our 60 minute thrilling airboat tour of the Everglades.
WOW! We learned so much in 60 minutes. Mike told us the history of the area, how the Native Americans lived off the land, and how to survive if you ever get lost in the Everglades (which I hope never happens...eek). He also showed us the numerous flora and fauna of the area and yes we did get to see a couple alligators...one of them was only a few feet away from the boat! Our Captain really made our experience a fun and remarkable one. It is one that we will never forget. He was funny, informative and you could tell he was very dedicated to his job. **Important note: bring cash to tip your airboat Captain and the Gator Boys that do the presentation...they deserve it. The Everglades Holiday Park airboat experience is perfect for all ages and a must for nature enthusiasts, thrill seekers and artists!
After our airboat tour we picked up our souvenir photo and headed up to the waiting area for our gator show with the famous "Gator Boys"! If you don't know who the Gator Boys are let me tell you a little bit about them. The Gator Boys are a group of people (and not just boys there is a woman too) dedicated to rescuing nuisance alligators around Florida. Their reality show airs on Animal Planet, in fact many of their episodes were filmed at Everglades Holiday Park. When it was time for our show they walked us down to a covered walkway located in front of the "gator pit." **Important note: Everglades Holiday Park is in the process of building an arena area for future shows! The 20 minute show is an adrenalin-charged good time filled with exciting stunts, tricks and some of the best entertainment around. It is also very educational which is a plus for our homeschooling family! The show is very animal friendly and in fact the Gator Boys Alligator Rescue actually helps nuisance alligators by giving them a place to live and eat in a natural setting. These gators, if not rescued would have been euthanized...instead they are now animal ambassadors helping to break down alligator stereotypes!
After the show is over you can head over to the photo area to capture some more special memories. For a small fee you can get a memorable experience and photo holding a baby alligator, snake or other critter (animals do vary but they generally always have a baby alligator available for a photo shoot). Look at their grins. They were in absolute heaven.
We give Everglades Holiday Park 5 stars. The cost, experiences and staff were all stellar. We highly recommend this experience to any family looking for a one of a kind way to spend their time in Florida! I promise you will not be disappointed. When I posted our photos to social media several followers told me they had similar experiences with Everglades Holiday Park and visit every year when they vacation in Florida!
Extra details:
Ask QUESTIONS! The captains are a wealth of knowledge and being prepared with questions can definitely enhance the experience.
Take along sunscreen and bus spray...after all it is Florida and a swamp!
The airboat ride can be very loud at times. If you have a child sensitive to loud noises take along ear protection,
Don't forget to take cash along to tip your airboat Captain and the Gator Boy or Girl doing your show!
All ages can ride the airboat, children under 3 are free!
Find out about various family friendly events taking place at the park by visiting the Gator Kids Club page.
Everglades Holiday Park is home to many animal species learn more about them here.
If you want to get a glimpse of the park before visiting check out the web cam.
Everglades Holiday Park can accommodate various groups and offers discounts for 15 or more, read more here.
*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my
Disclosure Page for details.
Our family loves the National Parks system. Currently we are working through visiting all of the National Parks in our home state of Georgia, we have done 6 of the 15 so far. Did you know that this year the National Parks System is celebrating their 100 year anniversary in 2016? National Parks are not only beautiful and fun to visit they are super educational too. You can check out all the educational activities they offer in a previous post I wrote here. Did you know right now every 4th grader can get a National Parks pass FREE through Every Kid In A Park?
So far this year we have celebrated the 100 year anniversary by completing the Junior Ranger program at the Martin Luther King Historic Site, watching the National Park Adventure IMAX at Fernbank Museum and by reading several amazing National Parks courtesy of National Geographic.
More about National Parks Adventure IMAX:
This amazing 40 minute documentary will definitely inspire you to go exploring. During the film you soar over red rock canyons, up craggy mountain peaks that touch the
clouds and into other-worldly realms found within America’s most
legendary outdoor playgrounds. The film is narrated by Robert Redford and follows world-famous climber Conrad Anker, adventure photographer Max
Lowe, and artist Rachel Pohl as they hike, climb, and explore the wild
places that belong to us all.
We watched the IMAX with about 40 of our homeschool friends and I think it is safe to say that both the moms and kids thoroughly enjoyed it. You could hear giggles, wows, gasps, ohs and ahs throughout the theater. After the movie I asked the kids what their favorite parts were. One said the prairie dogs, one said the bison, one said the ice/waterfall climbing and another said the guy riding bike on the rocks. As you can see it inspired everyone. One family actually hopped on a plane a few days later to head to the everglades (they were the winners of the book giveaway I had too for a copy of National Parks Guide - USA)
National Parks Adventure has also put together some great resources for educators and parents.
After the movie each child made an arrowhead necklace. Amazon had a great deal on agate arrowhead's. This craft was super simple too. Just choose some string and beads and
More about National Parks books from National Geographic:
Junior Ranger Activity Book - Calling all explorers and nature-lovers! From Acadia to Zion, discover
all 59 of the United States' amazing National Parks in this jam-packed
book of games, trivia, jokes, fun facts, and so much more, all inspired
by the National Parks outdoor-based Junior Ranger Program. This book is guaranteed to keep the kids busy before, during and after your adventures! Check out the most amazing park
habitats, plus awesome sights and animals you might see, from birds to
bears. Fun facts are jam-packed onto every page, so kids learn something
amazing about each cool park.
Buddy Bison's Yellow Stone - This adorable 32 pg paper back story book is the perfect way to learn about Yellow Stone. Join
Buddy Bison and his two new friends as they explore the majestic
Yellowstone National Park. Breathtaking photographs of Yellowstone serve
as the backdrop for the wacky adventures of a curious pair of twins,
Elena and Christopher, who are spending the summer with their aunt Rosa,
a park ranger. This
charming tale is sprinkled with helpful tidbits about the park,
weird-but-true facts about the animals, and more fun facts kids adore. A
comprehensive afterword offers a short history of the park and ways
kids can get involved in parks preservation.
National Parks Guide USA Centennial Edition - Happy 100th Birthday, National Parks! Join the 100 year celebration by
reading all about these greatest of American treasures -- from Acadia
to Zion -- in preparation for a parks visit sometime soon. This book is AMAZING. It is filled with
color photos, information on animals, fascinating lists, fun facts,
maps, cool things to do, conservation tips, and much more. It is the perfect travel guide for children as they travel to these amazing places.
Here are 25 FUN National Parks facts to hopefully spark your interest to explore:
In GA there are 15 National Park sites. However we do not actually have an official National Park, but there have been talks to add Ocmulgee as Georgia’s actual 1st National Park. GA currently has Andersonville Historic Site, Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, Augusta Canal National Heritage Area, Chattahoochee National Recreation Area, Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park, Cumberland Island National Seashore, Fort Frederica National Monument, Fort Pulaski National Monument, Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Area, Jimmy Carter National Historic Site, Kennesaw National Battlefield Park, Martin Luther King Historic Site, Ocmulgee National Monument, Trail of Tears National Historic Trail.
So what do I mean by National Park? Well the National Parks system breaks up the more than 400 nationwide protected properties into several categories: National Parks, monuments, battlefields, military parks, historical parks, historical sites lakeshores seashores, recreation areas, scenic rivers and trails and the White House. Notice none of the national park sites in GA are actually parks yet. Sometimes national parks and national monuments are confused. National parks are chosen for their natural beauty, unique geological features, and unusual ecosystems. Landmarks are chosen based on their historical importance to ALL Americans.
The Native Americans believed that the greatest natural wonders belonged to no one and that they belonged to all. And it is that belief that the national parks were founded on. On the Roosevelt arch at Yellowstones north entrance is a quote from the act that created the park “For the benefit and enjoyment of the people”
There are 51 million acres of National Parks.
President Theodore Roosevelt is
credited with championing the establishment of the parks. But it was Ulysses S
Grant that actually established the world’s first national park which was Yellowstone.
It was created in 1872 and its caretakers were the the cavalry.
However it was conservationist John Muir, who
recognized the value of America’s wild places and worked towards finding a way
to protect them. Muir explored many “wild” places, took people
on guided hikes of these uncharted areas and wrote many articles on
conservation. In 1890, there was only one national park - Yellowstone. Muir,
however, wanted the area of the Yosemite region that was currently a state park
to become a national one. Because of his many impassioned articles that were
being published, much of the public was persuaded and wrote letters to congress
in support of Muir's beliefs, and other outside groups also lobbied congress
for the establishment of a national park. In March of 1903 Muir and Roosevelt
met and went camping high above Yosemite Valley. Muir took full advantage of
the opportunity, calling for Roosevelt's help to save the trees and preserve
the natural beauty of the region. Roosevelt was very impressed with Muir, and
the experience re-enforced his conservationist stance. Over the rest of
Roosevelt's administration, he set aside 148,000,000 acres of forest reserves
and the number of national parks doubled.
In 1916, the National Parks Service
was created to regulate the national parks.The National Park Service which
overseas the National Park System is part of the US department of interior. The
U.S. Department of the Interior is a Cabinet-level agency that manages
America's vast natural and cultural resources.
The arrowhead is the symbol of the
national park service. It is a reminder of the culture and history the national
parks protect. Each image on the arrowhead represents something protected by
the national parks. So what do you think the arrowhead itself represents?
History and culture of our nation. What about the sequoia tree? The plants protected.
What about the mountain? The scenery and land protected. What about the lake?
The recreational values protected. And what about the bison? The wildlife protected.
Buddy Bison is the beloved mascot for
the National Park Trust.
Wind Cave National Park is the first cave to be named
a national park in the world. In addition to its length (currently sixth
longest in the world), Wind Cave is known for its calcite formations known as
“boxwork.” About 95% of the world’s boxwork is found in Wind Cave.
The smallest national park is Hot
Springs National Park.
For a very long time poor Delaware,
the country’s 1st state, was the only state not lucky enough to have
either a National Park or National Monument. But in 2013 it finally got one!
Death Valley National Park,
which has the lowest elevation in the U.S. at 282 feet below sea level. The highest point in North America is Mt. McKinley in Denali National Park, which stands at 20,320 feet tall.
The Grand Canyon is both a record of history and source of mystery. The Colorado River
running through the canyon cuts through metamorphic rock called schist, which
is about 1.75 billion years old. However the beginnings of the canyon are much
debated by scientists. Did the Colorado River carve the whole canyon or was
there already an ancient gorge waiting for the new river millions of years ago?
Crater Lake,
the U.S.’ deepest lake and seventh deepest in the world, took 250 years of rain
and snow accumulation to reach its current water level.
The Appalachian Trail is a 2,185 mile long public
footpath that traverses the scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild, and culturally
resonant lands of the Appalachian Mountains.
Mammoth Cave National Park is the longest cave system
known to the world, with more than 400 mapped miles of caves.
The Yellowstone Caldera, in Yellowstone National Park,
is a super volcano that is responsible for three of the world’s six biggest
volcano eruptions. It is on pace to blow about 100,000 years from now. More
than 3 million people visit Yellowstone each year.
National park visitors generate 100 million lbs of
trash each year.
The national parks contain at least 247 species of
threatened or endangered plants and animals, more than 75,000 archaeological sites and 18,000 miles of trails.
The largest living things in the world are in National
Parks: Sequoia trees and Alaskan brown bears (the world’s largest living
carnivores).
Over 250 million people visit national parks each
year.
Although the distribution of National Parks is
fairly spread out through the United States, the most concentrated area lies
within the states of Colorado, Utah, and California.
In February 2016 three new national monuments in the
California desert: Mojave Trails National Monument, Sand to Snow National
Monument, and Castle Mountains National Monument.
Today there are more than 6,000 national parks in
nearly 100 countries that support wildlife conservation and ecotourism.
Media to watch:
And if all that wasn't enough to get you running out the door to your nearest National Park check out these media resources too.
Ken Burn’s “The National Parks – America’s Best Idea” - this documentary provides an in-depth look into the creation and meaning behind our National Parks. It explores the amazing views, the politicalhistory, and the intricate story that is behind all of our Nation’s favorite spots; this documentary will give you the wanderlust needed to pack up the tent.
Rock the Park - this show taps into America's love affair with our national parks.
Our hosts, Jack Steward and Colton Smith, have made it their life's
mission to explore every national park in this country. In the process,
they come face to face with nature and push their physical limits as
they go off the beaten path to discover some of the most awe-inspiring
places on earth. The series is designed to inspire other Americans to
seek adventure in the national parks.
*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my
Disclosure Page for details.
We love exploring State and National Parks and Historic Sites, not only in Georgia, but in other states too when we are traveling. Sadly they are a resource that a lot of people don't take advantage of enough. Both State and National sites work very hard to create events and activities for families to enjoy that are both fun and educational, but it has been my experience that people are not aware of all that these places have to offer. This post will explain some of our favorite events and activities. I hope that you are able to take advantage of some of these soon!
National Parks:
Most National Parks are very affordable to enter and only charge a parking fee which varies depending on the park. For most of the Georgia National Park sites are only a $3 parking fee. However there are several times during the year where entry into National Parks is FREE.
Junior Civil War Historian - One hundred fifty years ago, our nation nearly tore itself apart.
Soldiers in blue and gray struggled on battlefields across the country
and changed the face of the United States of America. Complete one of two options to become a Junior Civil War Historian. When done, you will understand how the Civil War shaped our nation's
history and become part of a select group of young visitors who truly
appreciate how important the Civil War is to us today.
Junior Ranger Program - The Junior Ranger motto is recited by children around the country;
each taking an oath of their own to protect parks, continue to learn
about parks, and share their own ranger story with friends and family. The NPS Junior Ranger program is an activity based program
conducted in almost all parks, and some Junior Ranger programs are
national. Many national parks offer young visitors the opportunity to
join the National Park Service "family" as Junior Rangers. Interested
youth complete a series of activities during a park visit, share their
answers with a park ranger, and receive an official Junior Ranger patch
and Junior Ranger certificate. Junior Rangers are typically between the
ages of 5 to 13, although people of all ages can participate.
Civil War to Civil Rights Trading Cards- This program started in 2011 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and to encourage families to visit multiple national parks. There are more than 500 cards from nearly 90 national parks in 31 states. To earn cards simply participate in programs, make good observations, or ask or answer questions. For an entire list of the National Parks that have cards click here (this is not the most current list because it is from 2012, but I couldn't find and updated one on their website).
Passport To Your National Parks Program - America's National Parks are presented in one
handy booklet with the Passport To Your National Parks program. The
104-page travelogue includes color-coded maps, pre-visit information,
illustrations and photographs. It also includes a list of every national park
area in the United States. Spaces allow you to collect the series of
commemorative Passport stamps issued each year. You can order the booklet here or pick one up at a National Parks gift shop.
Discovery Backpacks - Many of the National Parks offer Discovery Packs that you can check out for FREE at the visitor center. The backpack is filled with all materials that you will need to have a fun nature learning adventure with your kids. (not all parks offer these)
Monthly Events - Every month National Parks Sites across the country offer events and programs. Just check the website frequently. Also when visiting a National Park check to see if they have an app, Many of them now offer fun interactive app tours, like these which are great for kids.
If you can't currently travel, but are anxious to start learning about our countries National Parks then check out these fun virtual programs.
WebRangers - WebRangers is the online extension of the Junior Ranger program. It's a
website for kids of all ages. If you love our National Parks, Historic
Sites, and Monuments, then this site is for you.
Flat Ranger - Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown is the story of a boy who is
flattened by a bulletin board. Because he is flat, he can travel by mail
(which costs a lot less than traveling by plane or car). Like Flat Stanley, Flat Rangers travel across the country by mail.
They visit America's National Parks and send home pictures and
information about all the places they see. (letter and templates can be found on the website) There is also a traveling Clara Barton.
Sesame Street Explores National Parks- Travel with fun-loving Muppets Elmo and Murray from Sesame Street to two
of America's most popular national parks in the new online series
Sesame Street Explores National Parks. Watch educational videos and download lots FREE resources!
Archaeology For Kids - Do you like digging in the dirt? Finding things that are
lost? Putting pieces together? Figuring out stories from clues? Learning about
the past? These are all things archaeologists do—maybe you're
one, too!
Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites:
Georgia State Parks charge a $5 parking fee, If you plan to visit a lot of them I suggest the annual $50 pass. The cost for Historic Sites varies and generally runs between $3-$7 per person. However there are a couple times a year that the State Parks and Historic Sites offer FREE admission. Another option that enables you to visit for FREE is checking out the State Parks or Historic Site passes at your local library.
Junior Ranger and Get Outdoors Program - Children ages 6-12 will have fun learning in the outdoors as they work
toward earning a Junior Ranger badge. By following the guidelines in the
Junior Ranger Activity Book they will experience nature first-hand,
explore Georgia's fascinating history and enjoy outdoor recreational
activities. The experience builds as children work their way through
three badge levels. For even more fun children can also earn a Get Outdoors Georgia Gopher Badge. Choose from a
list of 16 different badge requirements that will get you outdoors and
help you learn about nature.
Civil War Badge - Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites is offering a
limited edition Civil War badge as we commemorate the 150th Anniversary
of the Civil War. "Kids" ages 7-70 will have fun exploring sites in
Georgia that were touched by this historic event. (limited time)
State Park GeoTour (State Parks and Historic sites)- Using a GPS or smartphone with a GPS app, you search 61
Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites locations around the state to
discover hidden containers or “caches” which contain a small prize. (The
coordinates to all caches are available online at Geocaching.com)
You take a prize and then leave one for the next person. After signing
the logbook to document your success, you go back online and share your
experience.
First Time Camper- If you've always wanted to try camping, but weren’t sure
how to begin -- we can help. Through our First-Time Camper program,
you’ll get borrowed gear, expert advice, two nights’ accommodations and
more...all for $50.
Park Clubs and Challenges - Are you a mountain biker, canyon climber or paddler? Then your family will love these fun clubs and challenges.
Did you know that during May and June, parks all across the country will be celebrating nature and outdoor recreation? Check out all these great upcoming ways to celebrate outdoor fun Kids to Parks Day (May 16), Great Outdoors Month (June), National Trails Day (June 6), National Get Outdoors Day (June 13) and the Great American Backyard Campout (June 27).
What activity do you think your family will do first? Did I miss highlighting any family fun events or activities that these two places offer?
*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my Disclosure Page for details. This post was sponsored by Orkin however all opinions are my own.
We are an avid traveling, hiking and camping family and though we have a very weird fascination with insects (we have a colony of Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches and collect dead insect specimens) there are few we DON'T particularly like getting bitten/stung by or bringing home with us.
Last week I had the pleasure of taking a fieldtrip to the The Rollins Learning Center in Atlanta and learned some pretty awesome facts about pests from Orkin Entomologist Ron Harrison. I even had the pleasure of feeding an adult and baby bed bug...cool right? Watch the bed bug feeding video here.
Well today I want to share with you some of the things I learned from The Orkin Man about the pests you may come in contact with and even possibly bring home with you during traveling, hiking and camping adventures. I'd also like to share some ways you can protect yourself and your family against these pests.
TICK
TICKS: Did you know that in 2013, more than 35,000 Americans were affected by Lyme disease, which is commonly carried by ticks (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). While many believe ticks are only a danger in the forest, that's a myth – ticks can and do dwell around the home as well. The good news is that here in Georgia the chances of getting Lyme disease from a tick are very low. In 2013 only 8 cases were reported for Georgia. Did you know that ticks don't fly? And that they silently and painlessly bite their way into your skin where they feast on your blood?
As temperatures rise in the spring and people spend more time outside, gardeners, families and pets are in danger of disease-bearing ticks. To protect yourself and your family, be aware of these simple safety tips:
Clear overgrown shrubbery and grass to keep ticks from lingering around the home.
When hiking avoid bushy areas, tall grass and hanging branches...stick to the trail (this can be hard if you are a geocaching family like us).
Avoid shady, damp areas ticks really like these places.
Wear light-colored long-sleeved shirts and pants to easily detect and deter ticks while outdoors. Tuck your pants into your socks. Wear a bucket hat or baseball cap.
Use EPA-registered insect repellant on exposed skin near pants cuffs, shirt cuffs, collars and socks to ward off ticks.
After being outdoors immediately take a shower afterwards and check for ticks. Make sure you check all your nooks and crannies, ticks love those spots. It usually takes them awhile to find a good spot and work their fangs into you so you may be able to get them off more easily before they dig in their fangs and become engorged.
To remove a tick follow these easy steps (it is best to remove them within 24 hours after being bitten):
Wipe the area with an alcohol wipe.
Grasp the tick with a sharp pointed tweezers as close as possible to the head where it is entering your skin.
Pull it straight away from your skin with a slow, steady pressure. Don't yank it, twist it or rock it back and forth.
Even removing the tick as efficiently as possible may leave some of its mouthparts in your skin. If this happens, pinch up a fold of skin that contains the bite area and carefully scrape the skin containing the mouth parts with a scalpel or razor blade. Or, use a sterilized needle to break the skin and remove the mouth.
It's very important to thoroughly clean the wound with antiseptic.
If you have any concerns about the possibility of Lyme Disease, keep the tick in a film canister or between a piece of folded tape and take it to a public health lab for inspection.
If the bite becomes infected, contact a medical professional immediately.
****DO NOT burn it off, smother it with alcohol , etc!****
FIRE ANT
FIRE ANTS:
Many homeowners consider ants to be one of the most serious pests. There are more than 10,000 species worldwide, and about 50 of those in the United States.
Ants can infest homes by coming in through the tiniest of cracks, and controlling them is difficult because they leave an invisible pheromone trail for others to follow once they find a food source. There are three main categories of ants: nuisance, health (such as fire ants) and structural (such as carpenter ants). If you are an avid hiker or camper than you know all about fire ants.
Did you know that fire ants are not a native species in North America? It was accidentally brought into the USA in the 1930s via a shipment of cargo. They have thrived due to a warm climate (especially in southern US state) and lack of predators. And did you also know that fire ants contain an alkaloid venom which they can inject multiple times?
To protect yourself and your family, be aware of these simple safety tips:
Avoid dry fields and shady areas such as woods.
Watch where you step and look for large earthen mounds or trails which are especially visible after a rainfall. There can be several hundred thousand ants in these mounds.
If you discover a mound rope off the area so people know to avoid it until an exterminator can treat the area.
Be cautious and observant of where you sit or place items such as food, drinks, chairs, and even tents.
Wear light-colored long-sleeved shirts and pants to easily detect and deter ants while outdoors. Tuck your pants into your socks.
To treat a fire ant bite/sting follow these easy steps:
Immediately brush off any ants still on your body. Fire ants can sting multiple times. Don't use water or shake them off it only makes them angrier.
Look for red bumps which will "sting" or "burn." They may look like hives.
Immediately squeeze the venom out of the area you were stung/bitten.
It's very important to thoroughly clean the wound with antiseptic.
Treat the ant bites with an over-the-counter anti itch/pain product and cold compresses.
As quickly as possible strip down your clothing and shake them off. It is possible ants could be hiding on your clothes.
About a day after the bite any blisters that have appeared will become filled with a pus like substance. Treat these pustules with an anti itch product so you do not risk popping them open which could lead to secondary infection.
If itching persists or the bites become infected, contact a medical professional immediately.
****Fire ant stings/bites can be fatal to some people. Look for severe reactions such as sweating , nausea or excessive itching. If these are visible contact emergency medical services immediately.****
MOSQUITO
MOSQUITOES:
Mosquitoes are more than nuisances at picnics and outings. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some mosquitoes can transmit West Nile virus, Chikungunya virus and more.
Did you know that prime mosquito-biting times are dusk and dawn? And that they only need a little bit of water to breed and survive, making them very hard to control? And did you know that only the females enjoy your blood for their meals?
Mosquitoes are EVERYWHERE and when we are out on adventures these are the #1 pest we encounter. They don't bother me so much but boy do they love my husband and children who develop large welts after being bitten.
To protect yourself and your family, be aware of these simple safety tips:
Clear overgrown shrubbery and grass to keep mosquitoes from lingering around the home. Also get rid of any standing water areas (including gutters)
Hike during the morning and early afternoon. Get off the trail before sunset to avoid the peak mosquito hours. Avoid shady, damp areas mosquitoes really like these places.
Hike on open, sunny trails rather than in shady ones. Any wind will help blow the mosquitoes away, and the drier air is harder on them.
Wear light-colored long-sleeved shirts and pants to easily detect and deter mosquitoes while outdoors. Tuck your pants into your socks.
Use EPA-registered insect repellant on exposed skin near pants cuffs, shirt cuffs, collars and socks to ward off ticks. You can citronella wax on your skin to keep mosquitoes away.
Burning citronella candles can help keep mosquitos away from an area, but wind will blow the smell away easily.
To treat a mosquito bite follow these easy steps:
Don't itch it! That just causes more damage and possible infection.
Wash the bite area with soap and water.
Apply an anti-itch medicine such as Benadryl gel. Also apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling. You can also make a paste using baking soda and water to help alleviate the itch,
In the case of a severe reaction antihistamine and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen can also be used.
If the itching persists or the bites become infected, contact a medical professional immediately.
BED BUG
BED BUGS: Bed bugs are known to leave itchy welts on the skin after they feed on human blood during the night. These tiny pests are a particular concern for travelers, who are likely to pick them up at hotels, or on planes, and bring them home. Did you know bed bugs are attracted to heat, CO2, & body odor? And did you know that bed bugs can live for up to 6 months without feeding? What about that they silently and painlessly bite you and feast on your blood? And that they do not fly or jump? Vacation with your family and friends – not bed bugs – this spring with some simple tips. Just remember the acronym SLEEP:
SURVEY: Check for signs of infestations, such as dark brown or red spots, on hotel bedding. Bed bugs are not a sanitation issue, which means they can be found in any hotel or motel – from a one-star to five-star location.
LIFT & LOOK: Bed bugs tend to settle in close proximity to their food source – you! Lift the mattress and inspect the box spring, sheets, furniture, upholstery and hollow bedposts, as well as crevices behind baseboards, pictures and even torn wallpaper.
ELEVATE: Keep luggage and personal belongings off the floor and away from the bed to keep bed bugs from crawling inside. You can even put suitcases in the tub or shower of the hotel to discourage the bugs from crawling inside. It is also a good idea to put and keep your clothing in a sealed bag during your stay.
EXAMINE: Bed bugs are hitchhikers, so check all luggage and clothing for bed bugs while repacking and when arriving at home.
PLACE: Remove all clothing from luggage and place in the dryer at the highest setting for 15 minutes immediately upon returning home. (Bed bugs cannot survive temperatures above 120 degrees Fahrenheit.)
To treat a bed bug bite follow these easy steps:
Remember you will not feel a bed bug bite you (believe me I would know, remember I fed one). The bites do not typically become visible until a day or more after the insect feeds...if at all. You may notice large welts, red marks, itching, blister-like inflammation, rash and or swelling. Bed bugs can carry diseases but there is no evidence that they can transmit the diseases to humans.
Don't itch it! That just causes more damage and possible infection.
Wash the bite areas with soap and water.
Apply an anti-itch medicine such as Benadryl gel. Also apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling and itching.
In the case of a severe reaction antihistamine and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen can also be used.
If the rash persists or the bite becomes infected, contact a medical professional immediately.
That's my arm in the bottom left.
And there you have it...the top 4 insects you will definitely encounter if you are an adventurous family who enjoys traveling, hiking and camping! For even more information on these bugs visit the Orkin Pest Library.
Remember if you are ever concerned about insects of any kind (or even wildlife) in or around your home visit Orkin.com.
GIVEAWAY: Orkin has graciously offered to giveaway an Orkin pillow encasement to one lucky reader. Only the first entry is mandatory. Other entries are optional and give you extra chances. This giveaway is not affiliated with Facebook in any way. The winner will be posted on the blog and will be emailed. Winner must reply within 48 hrs with their contact information or another winner will be chosen. Prize will be mailed via Orkin.
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Disclosure Page for details.
This year we are planning on taking more camping trips...even if it's just for one night. We already have one planned in April with my homeschool group, SE Homeschool Fieldtrips. So be on the look out for lots of camping related posts and photos on Instagram.
One of the hardest parts about camping for most people is preparing and packing. Last year when we went to Stephen C. Foster Park in Okefenokee Swamp we were so unprepared, which is what prompted this post. I started compiling a list of everything we forgot on our camping trip and also enlisted the help of my sister-in-law and brother who are camping extraordinaire's, and came up with this BIG camping checklist. This checklist probably has more stuff listed than you really need, but it is better to be over prepared. There are extra spaces under each category for you to pencil in any extra stuff you need. If you see that I missed a must take item let me know so I can add it to the printable.
Download and print the BIG Camping Checklist here, or click the photo below.
Do you have any camping trips planned this year? I'd love to hear more about them post a comment below. You can also tag us on instagram (@kbalman or use hashtag #2015campingfun) or share a photo on our Facebook page.
*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my Disclosure Page for details.
We had tons of fun with the Poppins Book Nook blog series last year and we will be continuing that fun all throughout 2014. This month's theme was, "The Great Outdoors." Keep reading to learn more about the book we read, fun craft we made and to grab your FREE journal page. There is also a giveaway is at the end of the post! To check out all of our past Poppins Book Nook posts click here.
Books: This month we choose a book off of our our bookcase called The Kids Wildlife Book. I picked this book up at Goodwill a several weeks for 75 cents. I knew it would become a favorite for my nature loving children. It is filled with information about the wildlife of North America including bats, opossums, bison, owls, toads and more. The book provides fascinating information, remarkable experiences, and unforgettable tales that dispel myths, encourage understanding and delight children. There are over 100 learning experiences that use science, language arts, nature, math, art and crafts to explore more animal lives and habitats. The book is geared towards children ages 4-10 yrs old.
Craft Project:
Here is the fun project we did to go along with this months theme.
Marsupial Pouch:
This craft is quick and easy to make. Afterwards children will have a cute pouch that they can use to collect things in on their next outdoor adventure!
