Fuzzy Caterpillars Fridays, 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Fuzzy Caterpillars is full. If you're interested in joining our wait list, please share a little information with us by filling out this form and we'll get right back to you.
Join us for weekly exploration of nature, storytelling, playing games, experiencing camp life, and doing crafts! We will learn about safety in wild spaces, study local plants and animals, practice outdoors skills, stretch our sensory awareness with games and activities, and enjoy open time to explore nature at the pace of a fuzzy caterpillar.
This class meets outdoors in the forest by the campfire, and children learn to be at home here.
This class meets outdoors in the forest by the campfire, and children learn to be at home here.
Details
Fuzzy Caterpillar is for children ages 3-6. We meet at Sunward Cohousing Community on Fridays from 9:30 AM until 12:00 PM.
Each child may be accompanied by up to one parent. A limited number of siblings (younger than 3 or older than 6) may also join us. Because of the need to minimize group size during pandemic, siblings may join only by prior arrangement.
Fuzzy Caterpillar is for children ages 3-6. We meet at Sunward Cohousing Community on Fridays from 9:30 AM until 12:00 PM.
Each child may be accompanied by up to one parent. A limited number of siblings (younger than 3 or older than 6) may also join us. Because of the need to minimize group size during pandemic, siblings may join only by prior arrangement.
Keeping it Safe in the Time of Covid
We've been paying close attention to emerging research around safety in the time of COVID. Current reports indicate that outdoors activities are safe within certain guidelines. Please check out our safety protocols.
We've been paying close attention to emerging research around safety in the time of COVID. Current reports indicate that outdoors activities are safe within certain guidelines. Please check out our safety protocols.
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Keeping Kids Comfortable in Winter
In a normal year we make use of indoor space on very cold days to keep kids comfortable. Because that isn't possible this year we've been hard at work devising new strategies. We have many ideas, including the use of wind breaks, hand warmers, extra fires and regular movement activities. Even so, we have some contingency plans for the coldest days:
Typically we'll be able to make these calls the day before, giving you a little time to re-organize your own plans. Winter temperature forecasts seem to be pretty reliable, so if you wish to plan further ahead you can always scan the weekly weather to see what might be coming. It will be essential that families signing up for Winter Session send kids to class warmly dressed with a full set of winter gear and extra clothing items on hand, including extra masks (we're learning that masks can become damp and non-breathable in wintery weather). |
Winter Session
Class meets January 15 through February 26 (no class on 2/19). $162 is the cost for the series. $150 for each additional child from the same family. Payment in full is required for enrollment (see payment and refund policies). Scholarships are available upon request.
Class meets January 15 through February 26 (no class on 2/19). $162 is the cost for the series. $150 for each additional child from the same family. Payment in full is required for enrollment (see payment and refund policies). Scholarships are available upon request.
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Instructor
Catherine Fritz is a lifelong nature-enthusiast. She grew up playing and exploring in the sand dunes along Lake Michigan. After graduating from the University of Michigan with a dual degree in German and Arts and Ideas in the Humanities, she moved to Washington State where she worked for a number of years in Youth Advocacy and Arts Education. There, she deepened her nature connection by learning the plants and animals of a new bioregion. She returned to Michigan three years ago to be nearer family and to bring some of her magic back to the Midwest.
In addition to teaching with the Nature Learning Community, she is currently apprenticing with Rowena. She is a Music Together Teacher, sharing music with young children, and does youth theatre with the Ann Arbor-based Spinning Dot Theatre Company. She’s worked extensively with children and finds them to be an absolute delight!
Catherine Fritz is a lifelong nature-enthusiast. She grew up playing and exploring in the sand dunes along Lake Michigan. After graduating from the University of Michigan with a dual degree in German and Arts and Ideas in the Humanities, she moved to Washington State where she worked for a number of years in Youth Advocacy and Arts Education. There, she deepened her nature connection by learning the plants and animals of a new bioregion. She returned to Michigan three years ago to be nearer family and to bring some of her magic back to the Midwest.
In addition to teaching with the Nature Learning Community, she is currently apprenticing with Rowena. She is a Music Together Teacher, sharing music with young children, and does youth theatre with the Ann Arbor-based Spinning Dot Theatre Company. She’s worked extensively with children and finds them to be an absolute delight!
Instructor
Mandy Ervin really enjoys the simple complexity of nature; the balance between life and death and how everything she witnesses is a lesson and reflection to her of her. She's passionate about slowing down and observing the world around her and encouraging others, especially children to do the same. Her 12+ years spent with children as a nanny has kept her curious, adventurous and fearless. She enjoys creating things with her hands and is very excited to learn more about: identifying plants, creating shelters, pottery, tracking and so much more.
Mandy Ervin really enjoys the simple complexity of nature; the balance between life and death and how everything she witnesses is a lesson and reflection to her of her. She's passionate about slowing down and observing the world around her and encouraging others, especially children to do the same. Her 12+ years spent with children as a nanny has kept her curious, adventurous and fearless. She enjoys creating things with her hands and is very excited to learn more about: identifying plants, creating shelters, pottery, tracking and so much more.