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Summer Programs
at the Great Plains Nature Center

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Dive on in!!SPLASH INTO SUMMER !
Summer youth programs at the Great Plains Nature Center

Need something fun for your kids to do this summer?

Summer programs at GPNC are fun and they teach kids about wildlife and their habitats.   Programs are hands-on and minds-on.  We will help participants become more aware of the natural world and gain a better understanding of their relationship to it.   Class sizes are small in order to allow students plenty of individual learning experiences. 

We promise that your child will gain a better understanding of the natural world,
get wet & dirty and have FUN!

CAMPS     CRITTERS    CRAFTS
AUNTIE MAUDE     PRE-K

Most programs require pre-registration!
Registration closes three days prior to a program!
Read "Reservation Information" on the Programs page.
All programs are held at the Great Plains Nature Center unless otherwise indicated.

Print the registration form from the web page above,
fill it out and send it in with your check.
Make checks out to: "Great Plains Nature Center".  Thanks!

Click here to download the flyer! Click here to download our Programs flyer.
It includes the registration form.

AUNTIE MAUDE
For all ages
Thursdays, June 4 - July 30, 2 p.m
FREE, registration welcome, but not required

Our friend Auntie Maude is coming back this summer. She has more questions to ask us about nature and Kansas wildlife. If you have questions we can try to answer them, too. Just e-mail Auntie Maude’s sister at connie@gpnc.org

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CAMPS

INTO THE WILD
Last Session:
Friday, July 17, 9 - 11:30 a.m. Chisholm Creek Park West, 3238 N. Oliver.  Registration Form
For ages 9 - 13
Fee: $3 members, $5 non-members

Journey with a staff naturalist off the usual trails to explore three spectacular Wichita wild parks. You might see deer, fox, hawks or even an owl.

MORNING IN CHISHOLM CREEK PARK
Thursday, July 16, 9 - 11:30 a.m.
For ages 6 – 8
Fee: $4 members, $7 non-members  Registration Form

There is something magical going on in Chisholm Creek Park. I saw it with my own eyes. It was (don’t laugh) a prairie fairy. We need 12 volunteers for the Prairie Fairy Search Team. When you register a Fairy Search Permit and apparel information will be issued.

RIVER WALK
Thursday, July 23, 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. THIS CLASS IS FULL
For ages 9 - 12
Thursday, July 30, 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.  Registration Form
For ages 13 - 15
Fee: $3 members, $5 non-members

Join us on this nature walk down the middle of the Arkansas River through a two-mile stretch between K-96 and 21st Street. You’ll be amazed at what we will see! Meet at the Big Arkansas River Park, located on the curve at 21st and West Streets. Snack included

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CRITTERS

BUGGIN’
Wednesday, July 15, 9 - 10:30 a.m.
For ages 5 – 7
Fee: $3 members, $5 non-members  Registration Form

Bugs, bugs, bugs! Here in Chisholm Creek Park we have lots of bugs: little ones, big one, bigger ones. Dress in long pants, sturdy closed-toe shoes, and don’t forget your hat!

INCREDIBLE BUGS
Tuesday, July 21, 9 - 11:30 a.m.
For ages 8 – 10
Fee: $3 members, $5 non-members  Registration Form

Come ready to explore Chisholm Creek Park’s insects. Learn about their bodies, what they eat and where they’re found. Explores will need to dress in long pants, sturdy closed-toe shoes and a hat.

WANTED: DUSKINS
Thursday, July 17, 7:07 p.m.
For ages 7 - 12 years, 12 months & 12 days
Fee: $3 for Duskie Search Permit  Registration Form

Duskins are needed to search high and low in the woodlands, along Chisholm Creek and in prairies for “Duskies.” A Duskin is a boy or girl who is at least 7 years old and not older than 12 years, 12 months and 12 days. They must wear proper duskin attire which includes a drab colored hat, old drabby shoes, drabby looking long pants, and drab shirt. Remember - Duskies are not dangerous, but they are very elusive. Some are rather elegant and all are very gentle.

THREATENED > ENDANGERED > EXTINCT
Wed., July 29, 10 - 11 a.m. THIS CLASS IS FULL
2 - 3 p.m. (still has openings)
For ages 5 – 14
FREE, registration required

What do Running Buffalo Clover, Rabbitsfoot, Least Tern and Black-footed Ferret have in common? Learn about our disappearing wildlife and discover endangered species living in your own city.

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CRAFTS

NATURALLY CRAFTY
Tuesdays, July 7, July 14, July 21, July 28, 1 - 3:30 p.m.
Fee: $4 members per child per session, $7 non-members  Registration Form

Are you ready? Ready to get crafty? Here’s your chance. Four sessions await you. Each one is different. Choose to attend one or all four, a new natural craft each week.
For ages 10 – 14

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PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS AT THE GPNC
For children just before or after Kindergarten

SUMMERTIME STORIES
Pre-school and older
Every Wednesday, 11 AM
FREE: registration not required

Join the fun each Wednesday morning at 11 AM for story time.
Mostly for preschool age kids, but all ages are welcome.

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Questions or comments?  Send Email to Jim Mason Spidey
Or write us at: 
Great Plains Nature Center
6232 E. 29th Street North
Wichita, KS 67220-2200             Call:  316-683-5499            Fax:  316-688-9555