Friday, August 3, 2012
Simply School
Yesterday we started back to school. Simply school. Seth loves to learn and spontaneously seeks out books, games and other educational sources. I have accumulated several resources through the years including the Apologia Science series. My sister teaches in a private school system and is preparing to start a new school in Oregon. We rarely get to connect since she is also busy with her children. HoweWhat I ver moracles do happen and I got to talk to her for several hours yesterday. She shared with me about a website called Super Star Online. It is an excellent resource which my eight -year-old could hardly pull himself away from this morning.
It's better than anything I have found for several year now so I'm
hopeful for this year since last year the we sites we tried left much to be desired.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Violin Lessons
I have found an excellent violin teacher who lives within ten minutes from me. Looking forward to getting the violins fitted and the new music books for both students. They just love listening to Chris play. And I'm happy for them in this new endeavor. Classes will be Thursdays at 12:30 pm through 1pm and 1pm until 1:30 pm. Looking forward to meeting Ms. Blommers.
Monday, June 27, 2011
CHEF conference---Gardendale Alabama
We have just returned from another fabulous CHEF conference. The fellowship was once again like dew to the barren desert. I met so many wonderful families.
The Kempter family---they live right next door to us practically. In Slapout! We were clapping and tapping our toes along with each of them as they shared amazing musical talent with us. Fiddle, keyboard, chello, guitar, bass, and vocals. Each family member contributed and the total package was one of sheer blessing.
We bought the two CD's offered for sale along with some of the simple but beautifully crafted earrings which the girls are selling as a fundraising endeavor.
We met our future online technology professor. He has designed a program for teaching homeschooled students how computers are built, how they function and how to manage them. We signed up for the beta testing phase and that is exciting. I was totally impressed with how God is working through his family over two generations.
We also met our future technology professor's father. He told us all about the new movie coming out which depicts a homeschool family and the story of how they played a major role in the rehabilitation of a handicapped dolphin. He was contacted by the movie producers and invited to be interviewed by all the starring actors. In response, he wrote a proposal and was granted the permission to promote the new movie (along with the materials and tools to do just that). We were given postcards to hand out to friends with the movie's advertisement on the front.
I signed us up for HSLDA and we listened to one of the educators/supporting service providers. I have no doubt that God linked us together as she has overcome similar obstacles in the area of time management as I have been tackling.
We met a local author and bought two of his books which he autographed. We also purchased three recordings of sessions we didn't get to hear but had wanted to hear.
We joined CHEF and I volunteered to help with their newsletter.
We purchased the complete set of Apologia Science and lapbooks so that we can use them for resources during the whole year. We have so enjoyed the one on Botany which we used last year.
We met a friend who lives in Clanton and I got her contact information so we can get together soon.
We got the names of two excellent music teachers in our area and are switching from community choir partication (which was a very positive experiance, btw) to specific instruments (violin and piano).
I met with Right Start curriculum representatives and discussed my plans for this next year. Will need to purchase the B books as I already have the whole set of manipulatives as well as the Transitions books.
We purchased a computer keyboarding program and will start that today. It has several games to use for incentives so that will be a fun thing to do during those hot summer days that we aren't in the pool or out in the garden.
The Kempter family---they live right next door to us practically. In Slapout! We were clapping and tapping our toes along with each of them as they shared amazing musical talent with us. Fiddle, keyboard, chello, guitar, bass, and vocals. Each family member contributed and the total package was one of sheer blessing.
We bought the two CD's offered for sale along with some of the simple but beautifully crafted earrings which the girls are selling as a fundraising endeavor.
We met our future online technology professor. He has designed a program for teaching homeschooled students how computers are built, how they function and how to manage them. We signed up for the beta testing phase and that is exciting. I was totally impressed with how God is working through his family over two generations.
We also met our future technology professor's father. He told us all about the new movie coming out which depicts a homeschool family and the story of how they played a major role in the rehabilitation of a handicapped dolphin. He was contacted by the movie producers and invited to be interviewed by all the starring actors. In response, he wrote a proposal and was granted the permission to promote the new movie (along with the materials and tools to do just that). We were given postcards to hand out to friends with the movie's advertisement on the front.
I signed us up for HSLDA and we listened to one of the educators/supporting service providers. I have no doubt that God linked us together as she has overcome similar obstacles in the area of time management as I have been tackling.
We met a local author and bought two of his books which he autographed. We also purchased three recordings of sessions we didn't get to hear but had wanted to hear.
We joined CHEF and I volunteered to help with their newsletter.
We purchased the complete set of Apologia Science and lapbooks so that we can use them for resources during the whole year. We have so enjoyed the one on Botany which we used last year.
We met a friend who lives in Clanton and I got her contact information so we can get together soon.
We got the names of two excellent music teachers in our area and are switching from community choir partication (which was a very positive experiance, btw) to specific instruments (violin and piano).
I met with Right Start curriculum representatives and discussed my plans for this next year. Will need to purchase the B books as I already have the whole set of manipulatives as well as the Transitions books.
We purchased a computer keyboarding program and will start that today. It has several games to use for incentives so that will be a fun thing to do during those hot summer days that we aren't in the pool or out in the garden.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Camp Chandler (Outdoor School)
Monday through Wednesday we are scheduled to attend Camp Chandler's three-day camp for homeschoolers. There will be lots of outdoor activities.
Programs Planned:
Monday, May 23: Native American/Pioneer Day
Team Building OR Native American Games (age-based), Candle making, Paper making, Archery, Canoe, Swim (basic swim test required for deep water swimming)
Tuesday, May 24: Outdoor Adventure Day
Discovery Hike & climbing wall OR Individual Challenge Course (age-based), Orienteering, War Canoes, GPS, Swim
Wednesday, May 25: Science Day
Boat Tour of Lake Jordan, Aquatic Study, Owl Pellets, Animal Tracks, Rocks/Soil, Swim
Red Cross Basic Water Rescue & Small Craft Safety Certification
Learn how to use items at hand to help someone struggling in the water. Be prepared to be in the water for swimming & canoeing skills tests. This training will be held on Monday 4:30pm-8:30pm for the classroom portion and Tuesday 8:30am-11 or so for the water portion. Students taking the class may have to miss 1 other class on Tuesday. Adults taking the class need to be sure that their students are supervised Monday afternoon and Tuesday until 10am! All ages are welcome to sit in on the classroom portion at no charge. Disruptive children will be asked to leave.
1. Smoking is prohibited on Camp Chandler grounds.
2. Life jackets must be worn at all times by participants in boating activities.
3. After arrival and until departure, vehicles will remain parked.
4. For safety purposes, we require at least one adult from your school to accompany each class or activity.
5. Please leave camp the way you would wish to find it. All trash should be placed in receptacles.
6. Visits will not be canceled due to rain. The camp staff will arrange and plan inclement weather activities.
WHAT TO BRING:
Clothes that you can get dirty - bring extras!
Jacket and/or raincoat
Shoes that can get dirty/wet
Extra socks
Modest swimwear (one-piece preferred; shirt required over bikinis) for daily lake swimming
Swim towel
Extras:
Camera
Spending money for camp store
ADD THESE FOR OVERNIGHT VISITORS:
Pajamas, slippers
Twin size bedding/sleeping bag
Pillow
Bath towel
Toiletries: toothbrush/toothpaste, shampoo, comb/brush, soap, etc.
Extras:
Flashlight
Games/cards/puzzles to share
Snacks to share after hours
PLEASE DON’T BRING:
Knives Gum Electronic games Radios
******
Directions to YMCA Camp Chandler
1240 Jordan Dam Road Wetumpka, AL 36092
Camp Phone (334) 567-4833
Camp Director Cell (334) 220-7442
Nancy Melkerson cell/text: (334) 332-2877
From I-65 N merge onto the Northern Blvd via Exit 173 toward US-231. Take US-231 N ramp toward Wetumpka (left). Follow US-231 N all the way into Wetumpka. This is approximately 17 miles. You will pass Tutwiler Prison which will be to your right. From Tutwiler you will drive approximately 3 miles. If the road becomes 2 lanes, then you have gone too far. You will then see a sign for Swayback Bridge Trail and for YMCA Camp Chandler directing you to take a left (Bryson Veterinary Clinic is on the right). Take this left onto Old 231. Continue straight until you come to the fork in the road. The Sportsman’s Inn will be directly in front of you. There will be signs again for the Swayback Trail and Camp Chandler directing you to veer left onto Jordan Dam Road. Take that left and follow this road to Camp Chandler.
From I-85 S, take the Eastern Blvd exit, Exit 6. Turn right onto US-231 N. Continue to follow US-231 N and take the US-231 N ramp toward Wetumpka. You will pass Tutwiler Prison which will be to your right. From Tutwiler you will drive approximately 3 miles. If the road becomes 2 lanes, then you have gone too far. You will then see a sign for Swayback Bridge Trail and for YMCA Camp Chandler directing you to take a left (Bryson Veterinary Clinic is on the right). Take this left onto Old 231. Continue straight until you come to the fork in the road. The Sportsman’s Inn will be directly in front of you. There will be signs again for the Swayback Trail and Camp Chandler directing you to veer left onto Jordan Dam Road. Take that left and follow this road to Camp Chandler.
Here are descriptions of the classes planned. YMCA camp staff are responsible for making the final decisions as they see fit based on weather, staffing, or any other unforeseen circumstances.
Monday, May 23: Native American/Pioneer Day
Team Building Initiatives for 6th-12th graders
Low Ropes Course is a series of group problem-solving activities designed to promote group cooperation, participation, and initiative. As they work toward a common goal, students learn important cooperation, communication, leadership, and trust skills. It will help young leaders blossom and the shy students to come out of their shell as the whole group reaches the goal.
Native American Games and Culture for K-5th
A look at Native American Indian Games offers insight into how the Indians of America thought, lived, and played. Play authentic Indian games that the Native Americans taught their children. This class is fun and educational. In this class we will: learn about Indian Culture; discover the importance of learning life skills through games; and play some Indian games and talk about skills learned.
Candle making
A very unique set of candles or candle decorations can be molded and designed. In this class we will: discuss life before electricity; learn about fire safety; discover how dip candles are made; and make a dip candle to take home
Paper making
Explore the challenges manufacturers face in making recycled paper. It requires special procedures in order to protect the environment. This class will also examine other ways to protect our natural resources. In this class we will: discuss the importance of recycling; discover how paper is recycled; and press and design your own paper.
Archery
Class discussion centers on the evolution and history of archery and the different types of bows used. In this class we will: learn that native Americans used bows and arrows to feed their families, discuss the different types of bows; learn the parts of the bow and arrow; work on the hand-eye coordination needed to shoot a bow; and safely practice shooting a bow and arrow/
Canoeing
An important means of transportation with the early American settlers and the Native American Indian. We will learn the basics of canoeing as well as its history. In this class, children are able to participate in this ancient form of transportation that is still a huge recreational activity today. Children will learn the proper way to handle the paddle and different strokes to control the boat. Camp Chandler staff is lifeguard certified and require that all participants wear life jackets.
Tuesday, May 24: Outdoor Adventure Day
Discovery Hike for K-5th graders
An enjoyable and information packed activity discovering the diversity of life in a woodland environment. In this class we will: visit the nature trails of the camp; make discoveries about the world around us; incorporate information from other classes; and learn about plants and wildlife habitats
Climbing Tower – Mt. Chandler for K-5th graders
Students scale our fifty foot tower while safely secured to a belay line. The tower is a great lesson in self confidence and in not giving up.
Individual Challenge Course for 6th-12th graders
The high ropes course provides a challenge to students to break out of their own boundaries. This course is designed to build self-esteem through challenge. Success is not in completing the course but in going farther than you thought you could. “Can’t” is a dirty word at Camp Chandler—we want to hear students say “We’ll try”. Participants must overcome their fear and inhibition to solve tasks located in the trees 30 to 40 feet above the ground. Students learn to problem-solve and make decisions while under pressure.
Orienteering
The compass is the most important navigation tool available to modern man. In this class we will: learn the parts of a compass; discover how to find a heading on the compass; learn how to accurately follow that heading; practice measuring distance in paces; put our new skills to work on an orienteering course
War Canoes
If you have not been to camp before then you probably have never seen a war canoe before. Our war canoes are thirty feet long and seat around sixteen people. Whether we just go out and work on our team-building skills, or race another team to Ivy Island and back, it will be an experience not soon forgotten.
GPS –Orienteering for the Future
In this class we will: learn what GPS is and how it works’ learn why GPS is so important to today’s researchers; use GPS units to find specific points; and determine how accurate our GPA units are.
Wednesday, May 25: Science Day
Aquatic Study
Explore a shallow stream to discover what lives in and around the water. Use a dip net, microscope, and simple observation equipment to collect & identify organisms. Sites have been carefully selected for safety & easy supervision. Participate in water testing of a local stream; discuss invertebrates that live in an aquatic environment; learn about insects start their lives in the water; talk about nurseries & why they are important; catch crawfish, salamanders, & nymphs that live in our creek; and identify the animals we catch.
Animal Tracks
Was it a skinny squirrel or a dashing deer? In this class learn to identify and make plaster casts of animal tracks. Use the casts to learn about feet, adaptations, and to compute the size of the animal. In this class we will: learn how and where to find animal tracks; talk about key elements in identifying tracks; and learn how to pour plaster casts of animal tracks.
Owl Pellets
Discover that much of what an owl eats is not digested but is coughed back up in pellet form; learn that by dissecting these pellets we can determine what the owl ate and how much he is eating; dissect our own owl pellets; and determine what our owl has been eating by identifying the bones found in the pellet.
Rock Hunt
Scratch, streak, and use a weak acid to determine the identities and some of the properties of rocks collected on-site. Activities will include weathering concepts and the use of rock guides. Learn how rocks are formed; discover what rocks are made of; find various rocks native to Camp Chandler; and crack rocks open to see the beauty and structure within.
Boat Tour of Lake Jordan
Lake Jordan was first raised with the construction of Jordan Dam on the Coosa River in 1928. In 1967, Bouldin Dam was also built on the southern end of the lake about 3 miles from Jordan Dam to form the current lake which is 18 miles long with 118 miles of shoreline. During our boat tour we will be riding in our 30’ Bayliner deck boat capable of taking 12 participants at a time. During our tour, we will see both dams as well as having the opportunity to see some of our local wildlife, possibly ospreys or bald eagles.
Programs Planned:
Monday, May 23: Native American/Pioneer Day
Team Building OR Native American Games (age-based), Candle making, Paper making, Archery, Canoe, Swim (basic swim test required for deep water swimming)
Tuesday, May 24: Outdoor Adventure Day
Discovery Hike & climbing wall OR Individual Challenge Course (age-based), Orienteering, War Canoes, GPS, Swim
Wednesday, May 25: Science Day
Boat Tour of Lake Jordan, Aquatic Study, Owl Pellets, Animal Tracks, Rocks/Soil, Swim
Red Cross Basic Water Rescue & Small Craft Safety Certification
Learn how to use items at hand to help someone struggling in the water. Be prepared to be in the water for swimming & canoeing skills tests. This training will be held on Monday 4:30pm-8:30pm for the classroom portion and Tuesday 8:30am-11 or so for the water portion. Students taking the class may have to miss 1 other class on Tuesday. Adults taking the class need to be sure that their students are supervised Monday afternoon and Tuesday until 10am! All ages are welcome to sit in on the classroom portion at no charge. Disruptive children will be asked to leave.
1. Smoking is prohibited on Camp Chandler grounds.
2. Life jackets must be worn at all times by participants in boating activities.
3. After arrival and until departure, vehicles will remain parked.
4. For safety purposes, we require at least one adult from your school to accompany each class or activity.
5. Please leave camp the way you would wish to find it. All trash should be placed in receptacles.
6. Visits will not be canceled due to rain. The camp staff will arrange and plan inclement weather activities.
WHAT TO BRING:
Clothes that you can get dirty - bring extras!
Jacket and/or raincoat
Shoes that can get dirty/wet
Extra socks
Modest swimwear (one-piece preferred; shirt required over bikinis) for daily lake swimming
Swim towel
Extras:
Camera
Spending money for camp store
ADD THESE FOR OVERNIGHT VISITORS:
Pajamas, slippers
Twin size bedding/sleeping bag
Pillow
Bath towel
Toiletries: toothbrush/toothpaste, shampoo, comb/brush, soap, etc.
Extras:
Flashlight
Games/cards/puzzles to share
Snacks to share after hours
PLEASE DON’T BRING:
Knives Gum Electronic games Radios
******
Directions to YMCA Camp Chandler
1240 Jordan Dam Road Wetumpka, AL 36092
Camp Phone (334) 567-4833
Camp Director Cell (334) 220-7442
Nancy Melkerson cell/text: (334) 332-2877
From I-65 N merge onto the Northern Blvd via Exit 173 toward US-231. Take US-231 N ramp toward Wetumpka (left). Follow US-231 N all the way into Wetumpka. This is approximately 17 miles. You will pass Tutwiler Prison which will be to your right. From Tutwiler you will drive approximately 3 miles. If the road becomes 2 lanes, then you have gone too far. You will then see a sign for Swayback Bridge Trail and for YMCA Camp Chandler directing you to take a left (Bryson Veterinary Clinic is on the right). Take this left onto Old 231. Continue straight until you come to the fork in the road. The Sportsman’s Inn will be directly in front of you. There will be signs again for the Swayback Trail and Camp Chandler directing you to veer left onto Jordan Dam Road. Take that left and follow this road to Camp Chandler.
From I-85 S, take the Eastern Blvd exit, Exit 6. Turn right onto US-231 N. Continue to follow US-231 N and take the US-231 N ramp toward Wetumpka. You will pass Tutwiler Prison which will be to your right. From Tutwiler you will drive approximately 3 miles. If the road becomes 2 lanes, then you have gone too far. You will then see a sign for Swayback Bridge Trail and for YMCA Camp Chandler directing you to take a left (Bryson Veterinary Clinic is on the right). Take this left onto Old 231. Continue straight until you come to the fork in the road. The Sportsman’s Inn will be directly in front of you. There will be signs again for the Swayback Trail and Camp Chandler directing you to veer left onto Jordan Dam Road. Take that left and follow this road to Camp Chandler.
Here are descriptions of the classes planned. YMCA camp staff are responsible for making the final decisions as they see fit based on weather, staffing, or any other unforeseen circumstances.
Monday, May 23: Native American/Pioneer Day
Team Building Initiatives for 6th-12th graders
Low Ropes Course is a series of group problem-solving activities designed to promote group cooperation, participation, and initiative. As they work toward a common goal, students learn important cooperation, communication, leadership, and trust skills. It will help young leaders blossom and the shy students to come out of their shell as the whole group reaches the goal.
Native American Games and Culture for K-5th
A look at Native American Indian Games offers insight into how the Indians of America thought, lived, and played. Play authentic Indian games that the Native Americans taught their children. This class is fun and educational. In this class we will: learn about Indian Culture; discover the importance of learning life skills through games; and play some Indian games and talk about skills learned.
Candle making
A very unique set of candles or candle decorations can be molded and designed. In this class we will: discuss life before electricity; learn about fire safety; discover how dip candles are made; and make a dip candle to take home
Paper making
Explore the challenges manufacturers face in making recycled paper. It requires special procedures in order to protect the environment. This class will also examine other ways to protect our natural resources. In this class we will: discuss the importance of recycling; discover how paper is recycled; and press and design your own paper.
Archery
Class discussion centers on the evolution and history of archery and the different types of bows used. In this class we will: learn that native Americans used bows and arrows to feed their families, discuss the different types of bows; learn the parts of the bow and arrow; work on the hand-eye coordination needed to shoot a bow; and safely practice shooting a bow and arrow/
Canoeing
An important means of transportation with the early American settlers and the Native American Indian. We will learn the basics of canoeing as well as its history. In this class, children are able to participate in this ancient form of transportation that is still a huge recreational activity today. Children will learn the proper way to handle the paddle and different strokes to control the boat. Camp Chandler staff is lifeguard certified and require that all participants wear life jackets.
Tuesday, May 24: Outdoor Adventure Day
Discovery Hike for K-5th graders
An enjoyable and information packed activity discovering the diversity of life in a woodland environment. In this class we will: visit the nature trails of the camp; make discoveries about the world around us; incorporate information from other classes; and learn about plants and wildlife habitats
Climbing Tower – Mt. Chandler for K-5th graders
Students scale our fifty foot tower while safely secured to a belay line. The tower is a great lesson in self confidence and in not giving up.
Individual Challenge Course for 6th-12th graders
The high ropes course provides a challenge to students to break out of their own boundaries. This course is designed to build self-esteem through challenge. Success is not in completing the course but in going farther than you thought you could. “Can’t” is a dirty word at Camp Chandler—we want to hear students say “We’ll try”. Participants must overcome their fear and inhibition to solve tasks located in the trees 30 to 40 feet above the ground. Students learn to problem-solve and make decisions while under pressure.
Orienteering
The compass is the most important navigation tool available to modern man. In this class we will: learn the parts of a compass; discover how to find a heading on the compass; learn how to accurately follow that heading; practice measuring distance in paces; put our new skills to work on an orienteering course
War Canoes
If you have not been to camp before then you probably have never seen a war canoe before. Our war canoes are thirty feet long and seat around sixteen people. Whether we just go out and work on our team-building skills, or race another team to Ivy Island and back, it will be an experience not soon forgotten.
GPS –Orienteering for the Future
In this class we will: learn what GPS is and how it works’ learn why GPS is so important to today’s researchers; use GPS units to find specific points; and determine how accurate our GPA units are.
Wednesday, May 25: Science Day
Aquatic Study
Explore a shallow stream to discover what lives in and around the water. Use a dip net, microscope, and simple observation equipment to collect & identify organisms. Sites have been carefully selected for safety & easy supervision. Participate in water testing of a local stream; discuss invertebrates that live in an aquatic environment; learn about insects start their lives in the water; talk about nurseries & why they are important; catch crawfish, salamanders, & nymphs that live in our creek; and identify the animals we catch.
Animal Tracks
Was it a skinny squirrel or a dashing deer? In this class learn to identify and make plaster casts of animal tracks. Use the casts to learn about feet, adaptations, and to compute the size of the animal. In this class we will: learn how and where to find animal tracks; talk about key elements in identifying tracks; and learn how to pour plaster casts of animal tracks.
Owl Pellets
Discover that much of what an owl eats is not digested but is coughed back up in pellet form; learn that by dissecting these pellets we can determine what the owl ate and how much he is eating; dissect our own owl pellets; and determine what our owl has been eating by identifying the bones found in the pellet.
Rock Hunt
Scratch, streak, and use a weak acid to determine the identities and some of the properties of rocks collected on-site. Activities will include weathering concepts and the use of rock guides. Learn how rocks are formed; discover what rocks are made of; find various rocks native to Camp Chandler; and crack rocks open to see the beauty and structure within.
Boat Tour of Lake Jordan
Lake Jordan was first raised with the construction of Jordan Dam on the Coosa River in 1928. In 1967, Bouldin Dam was also built on the southern end of the lake about 3 miles from Jordan Dam to form the current lake which is 18 miles long with 118 miles of shoreline. During our boat tour we will be riding in our 30’ Bayliner deck boat capable of taking 12 participants at a time. During our tour, we will see both dams as well as having the opportunity to see some of our local wildlife, possibly ospreys or bald eagles.
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