This is another belated birthday post. I know that at her age, often any parties done are more for the parents than the kids. I wanted to do something for her that she would have fun with, even if she doesn’t remember. We had gone to Swan Lake earlier in the summer to look around the sanctuary and see their new wharf, and then for a hike around the lake. She loved it, especially feeding the ducks. So when I found out they do birthday parties too, I decided that that could just be the perfect thing.
And it was!
We didn’t invite many kids, and only two actually ended up showing up, but I think it was the perfect number for the age/activity. When I had called to book it, I mentioned that at least two of the kids were homeschooled and not in preschool, and that I wanted the kids to have fun and call the shots. She assured me that the interpreter who was scheduled that day was great with the younger crowd and would follow the kids’ leads.
When we got there the day of the party, Scott (the interpreter) greeted us, showed us where to set up, and immediately made us feel right at home. He was really patient about waiting for everyone to arrive. Meredith, who can be shy with new people, warmed up to him right away.
The lady I’d talked to on the phone hadn’t exaggerated. He was really great about listening to the kids and following their interests. They sat and talked about each animal for as long as the kids were interested, and once they were ready to move on he moved right along with them. He talked about the animals in simple language, without dumbing it down. It’s hard to see in the picture above, but the first thing they talked about was the resident turtle.
Next they moved on to Meredith’s favorite part, the snakes.
I was impressed by how friendly the snakes were. Very calm and obviously used to being handled. Meredith was so thrilled to hold them and examine them.
Next they moved on to a leaf bug. I wasn’t sure if Meredith would be willing to hold him but she did. Neither of the boys wanted to try though.
There were several other critters they got to hold and watch, including a tarantula, a toad, and a newt.
Afterwards, Scott brought us all on a nature walk down to the lake. The kids had a blast feeding the ducks, and we saw some toads hanging out in the water and a blue heron. Too bad I didn’t have my new zoom lens with me to get a picture of the heron! Click to see the pictures bigger.
After the nature walk we went back to the sanctuary where Scott showed them the honey bees. Meredith thought this was really cool and afterwards brought Kris over and was repeating some of what Scott had told them about the bees. From the room we were set up with food you could see the bees coming in and out of the building and she brought Kris there afterwards and pointed out how they got in and out.
Then it was time for cupcakes, made by my good friend Kyrie (though Meredith’s was decorated by Kyrie’s son Abhainn). We didn’t do gifts as we had a twoonie party, though Meredith thought it was pretty cool to put the twoonies we were donating into the donation slot at the sanctuary.
All in all, it was a great day and several people commented to me afterwards that it was absolutely perfect. Meredith told me she wanted to go talk to Scott afterwards, so we went and found him and she told him that the snakes were her most very favourite.
I found out Swan Lake does home school courses for kids (Biology Buddies for younger children and Home School Science for the slightly older crowd), as well as junior nature programs on weekends. I think if Meredith is still interested in things like this when she’s a little older I will most definitely try out some of the classes. I’m really excited to live so close to a resource like this, especially since I really want my children to develop an appreciation for nature.
Related posts:
Most Popular