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Programs 2010-2011

Introduction to Awareness Skills at Marietta Square with Vered, September 2nd, 10:20 to 1:00ish,
$10.00 per student, $7.00 per adult ($5.00 for Members!),
FREE for Tree level members!

Our environment is filled with noises, smells, colors, and many other stimuli. We tend to block much of this out as we go through our day-to-day. Join us as we learn to slow down, pay attention to the details around us, and hone our awareness skills!

This Introduction to Awareness Skills will be in Marietta Square as urban setting combined with many natural elements. We will have multiple programs throughout the year in locations ranging from the chaos of the Atlanta Airport to calmness of the forest (though here too, we will soon realize that there's lots going on).

Students will need to bring a pencil and an unlined notebook.

 

Wake Up Your Weird at the Center For Puppetry Arts in Atlanta,
September 15th, 9:35 to 12:30, $12.00 per person ($8.00 for Members!),
FREE for Tree level members! INCLUDES A PUPPET-MAKING WORKSHOP!

Discover your own unique creative gifts with Sesame Street Puppeteer Leslie Carrara-Rudolph and her friend and Lolly! Together with her other puppet friends, Leslie will help the young and young at heart "wake up their weird" with this interactive performance-style workshop using puppets, storytelling, live music, improvisations, art, and movement. Explore the power of the voice, the body, and the imagination as the three main resources for "spreading joy."

After the show, we'll stay to make a fun puppet to take home with you!

 

HSE Members Only Hike I at Vickery Creek in Roswell,
September 20th, 9:35 to 12:30ish,
FREE for all members

One of our Members suggested that Homeschool Excursions offers a free hiking day each month for all members. We thought it was a terrific idea, so this is our first official hike for the HSE Members Hiking Club.

Come join us as we explore Vickery Creek in Roswell. This is a beautiful trail descends from a high knoll down to Vickery Creek. This is definitely a hidden hiking treasure!

Bring some lunch and stay for a picnic after the hike.
You will need to pay a small parking fee.

 

Introduction to Spoon Carving in Pickens County with Vered,
PROGRAM FULL, September 29th, 9:45 to 2:00ish,
$15.00 per student ($10.00 for Members!), ages 12 and older only
FREE for Tree level members!

Learn how to turn a rough piece of wood into a beautiful, usable spoon!

Students will learn how to safely use knives and gouges to make a spoon to take home with them at the end of the program. Spoon-carving is a wonderful introduction to the world or woodworking. Come learn this fun craft and skill.

 

Garden Terracing Project at the Green Building Adventure in
Pickens County with Vered,
POSTPONED DUE TO A WATER MAIN BREAK IN THE TERRACING AREA,
DATE TO BE DETERMINED, 9:45 to 2:00ish,
$10.00 per student (Free for all Members!), ages 10 and older only

The Green Building Adventure is a sustainable building project we started this Summer. It is a structure built from recycled and reclaimed materials that will serve as a storage space and office for Homeschool Excursions.

The property has a steep slope near the building which has the most solar exposure of any other space. We will terrace the hill to serve as a garden space for next Spring. Come learn how to terrace, why this is a useful and effective method for hill-side gardening, and how to prepare a garden space for future food production.

 

HSE Members Only Hike II at Sope Creek in Marietta,
October 18th, 9:35 to 12:30ish,
FREE for all members

One of our Members suggested that Homeschool Excursions offers a free hiking day each month for all members. We thought it was a terrific idea, so this is our second official hike for the HSE Members Hiking Club.

Come join us as we explore Sope Creek in Marietta. The stone ruins we'll see along the creek are remnants of the Marietta Paper Mill which produced a large portion of the South's paper from 1855 to 1902. Union troops burned the original mills in 1864.

Bring some lunch and stay for a picnic after the hike.
You will need to pay a small parking fee.

 

Awareness Skills in Piedmont Park with Vered,
October 20th, 10:20 to 1:00ish,
$10.00 per student, $7.00 per adult ($5.00 for Members!),
FREE for Tree level members!

Our environment is filled with noises, smells, colors, and many other stimuli. We tend to block much of this out as we go through our day-to-day. Join us as we learn to slow down, pay attention to the details around us, and hone our awareness skills!

This is the second of our Awareness Skills series (though you didn't need to attend the Introduction to participate in this program). This time we'll spend the day in Piedmont Park - another example of nature nestled in an urban setting. Come join us for this unique sensory adventure.

Students will need to bring a pencil and an unlined notebook.

 

Middle School Musical at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta,
October 27th, 9:00 to 11:30ish, $10.00 per person ($7.00 for Members!),
FREE for Tree level members!

An improvisational survival guide for tweenagers!

It’s not easy being ‘tween. But thankfully, a team of four middle school students is here to help guide you through the maze of locker rooms, 8th grade dances, book reports and cafeteria blues. Filled with music and improv, Middle School the Musical is the Alliance’s first truly interactive show for children and families.

 

HSE Members Only Hike III, Location TBA
18 spaces left, November 9th, 9:35 to 12:30ish,
FREE for all members

One of our Members suggested that Homeschool Excursions offers a free hiking day each month for all members. We thought it was a terrific idea, so this is our third official hike for the HSE Members Hiking Club.

The location for this hike has not yet been determined. Let us know if you have any suggestions!

Bring some lunch and stay for a picnic after the hike.
You may need to pay a small parking fee.

 

Awareness Skills at Lenox Square Mall with Vered,
November 12th, 10:20 to 1:00ish,
$10.00 per student, $7.00 per adult ($5.00 for Members!),
FREE for Tree level members!

Our environment is filled with noises, smells, colors, and many other stimuli. We tend to block much of this out as we go through our day-to-day. Join us as we learn to slow down, pay attention to the details around us, and hone our awareness skills!

This is the third of our Awareness Skills series (though you didn't need to attend the first two meetings to participate in this program). This time we'll spend the day in Lenox Square Mall. This is a place filled with smells, sounds, and sights unlike any other environment. Join us as we become more fully aware of life in the mall.

Students will need to bring a pencil and an unlined notebook.

 

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at the Center For Puppetry Arts in Atlanta,
November 17th, 9:35 to 12:30,
$12.00 per person ($8.00 for Members!),
FREE for Tree level members! INCLUDES A PUPPET-MAKING WORKSHOP!

You won’t want to miss Artistic Director Jon Ludwig’s faithful adaptation of this wonderful holiday tradition that speaks to the misfit in all of us.

After the show, we'll stay to make a fun puppet to take home with you!

 

HSE Members Only Hike IV, THIS HIKE HAS BEEN POSTPOED TO THE SPRING
9:35 to 12:30ish, FREE for all members

One of our Members suggested that Homeschool Excursions offers a free hiking day each month for all members. We thought it was a terrific idea, so this is our fourth official hike for the HSE Members Hiking Club.

The location for this hike has not yet been determined. Let us know if you have any suggestions!

Bring some lunch and stay for a picnic after the hike.
You may need to pay a small parking fee.

 

A Christmas Carol at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta,
PROGRAM FULL, December 8th, 9:45 to 12:00ish,
$18.00 per person ($13.00 for Members!), Includes a Back Stage Tour!
FREE for Tree level members!

It isn’t Christmas in Atlanta until you’ve seen A Christmas Carol at the Alliance Theatre. The most heartwarming story of the season comes to life on the Alliance Stage, with holiday carols, stunning stage magic, and your favorite Atlanta actors. Journey with your family through the beloved Dickens tale, and witness Ebenezer Scrooge’s discovery of the true meaning of Christmas over the course of one fateful evening. Meet beloved characters along the way like the generous Mr. Fezziwig, the selfless and beautiful Belle, and the adorable Tiny Tim, and you too will discover again the joys of the holiday season in Atlanta.

 

Duckbill Studios Tour and Demo in Atlanta, December 9th, 9:45 to 12:00
Tour: $15.00 per person ($10.00 for Members!), ages 6 and older only
Ornament Project after Demo: $35.00 per person ($25.00 for Members!),
ages 14 and older
FREE for Tree level members!

The details of this program are still being finalized. The information presented here is subject to change. If you reserve your spaces, we will notify you of any modifications.

There are 20 total spaces available for the demonstration, but only 4 may make a paperweight at a time. We will try to arrange an additional session if we have enough to fill a second group of 4.

Duckbill Tour and Demo introduces the novice to the basics of hand blown glass art. Here you will learn about the tools, equipment and basic techniques used in this ancient craft. The event will be led by a professional glass artist. The event will also include a demonstration; a tour of the studio and gallery; and a question and answer period.

After the tour and demo, interested participants can sign up to work with our professionals to create their own paperweight. Based on each student’s ability and comfort level, the instructor will determine how “hands on” the experience will be. Minors must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardian. Participants will be able to pick up their paperweight 3 days after the event. If they would like the paperweight sent to them, there is an additional $5 shipping and handling cost. Due to safety considerations, the studio reserves the right to refuse to engage in a "hands on" glass blowing experience with any participant.

Click HERE to visit Duckbill's website for more information about the studio.

 

Introduction to Bowl Carving in Pickens County with Vered,
PROGRAM FULL, December 14th, 9:45 to 2:00ish,
$15.00 per student ($10.00 for Members!), ages 12 and older only
FREE for Tree level members!

Come make a personalized, hand-made holiday gift!
Learn how to turn a rough piece of wood into a beautiful, usable bowl!

Students will learn how to safely use knives and gouges to make a small bowl to take home with them at the end of the program. Bowl-carving is a bit more difficult than spoon-carving, but is still a fairly simply way to delve into the world of woodcrafts. Come learn this fun craft and skill.

 

Soil Building in Pickens County with Vered,
January 8th, 10:00 to 2:00ish,
Free for Everyone!!

Soil is possibly the most important part of a successful garden. Many folks till their gardens....this is not the best practice for our clay-filled soil. Come learn an easy and affordable way to build quality soil.

Homeschool Excursions has a garden space in the Sharptop Arts Association's Visionart Garden. This is the first of several programs where we will build our garden consisting of native and edible plants, a wall built from recycled bottles, and much more! Additional information will be posted on the Educational Excursions website soon.

We ask that if possible, everyone bring a trash bag filled with leaves or other yard waste.

 

Grow Veggies Indoor this Winter in Pickens County with Vered,
January 12th - POSTPONED DUE TO SNOW - check back for updates,
10:00 to 2:00ish,
$12.00 per student ($8.00 for Members!),
FREE for Tree level members!

Do you miss fresh veggies in the Winter? It's easy to grow fresh veggies indoor!

Come learn some of your many options. Don't buy your lettuce from the grocery store! We will make some fancy container gardens that can be placed either in a sunny window or under a simple grow light. We'll play in the dirt, have lots of fun, and you'll go home with a new garden!

 

The Body Detective at the Center For Puppetry Arts in Atlanta,
January 18th, 9:35 to 12:30,
$12.00 per person ($8.00 for Members!),
FREE for Tree level members! INCLUDES A PUPPET-MAKING WORKSHOP!

“[Ludwig] is the most consistently inventive theater artist working in Atlanta today.”
~ The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Part of the Healthy Children Initiative

Detective Sam Flat Foot has a new case - a living, breathing body has been found! But who’s responsible? Find out as Sam sleuths his way through Bodytown, hustling with the local muscle, boning up on his knowledge of the skeletal system, and catching a cab uptown to the heart of the city.

After the show, we'll stay to make a fun puppet to take home with you!

 

Garden Terracing Project at the Green Building Adventure in
Pickens County with Vered,
February 11th & 12th, 9:45 to 2:00ish,
$5.00 per student (Free for all Members!), ages 10 and older only

The Green Building Adventure is a sustainable building project we started this Summer. It is a structure built from recycled and reclaimed materials that will serve as a storage space and office for Homeschool Excursions.

The property has a steep slope near the building which has the most solar exposure of any other space. We will terrace the hill to serve as a garden space for next Spring. Come learn how to terrace, why this is a useful and effective method for hill-side gardening, and how to prepare a garden space for future food production.

 

Honk! at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta,
PROGRAM FULL but we have a Waiting List, March 3rd, 11:15 to 2:00ish,
$10.00 per person ($7.00 for Members!), Includes a Back Stage Tour!
FREE for Tree level members!

A musical for families based on “The Ugly Duckling”

Ever have the feeling that everybody else goes quack and you go honk? Based on the beloved children’s story “The Ugly Duckling,” this eye popping children’s musical tells the story of a little duckling that isn’t quite like the others. On the journey to find himself, he discovers it isn’t what’s on the outside the counts and that every ugly duckling can grow up to become a beautiful swan.

Winner of the Olivier Award for Best Musical (the British equivalent of the Tony Award).

 

Deck Building Project at the Green Building Adventure in
Pickens County with Vered,
Program Full, but call us if you'd like to come watch and learn - 770.605.2451,
March 14th, 16th, 18th, & 19th, 10:00 to 4:00ish,
$5.00 per student (Free for all Members!), ages 14 and older only

The Green Building Adventure is a sustainable building project we started this Summer. It is a structure built from recycled and reclaimed materials that will serve as a storage space and office for Homeschool Excursions.

Spring is a time for relaxing on your deck, enjoying the budding new season. Help us build one! Students will learn basic construction skills. They will help with framing, installing the decking and railings, and much more.

Please contact us if you're interested in learning more about the project. We request that if you're planning on helping, that you join us for a minimum of two of the four days.

 

Rainwater Collection Project at the Green Building Adventure in
Pickens County with Vered,
March 25th, 26th, & 27th, 10:00 to 4:00ish,
$5.00 per student (Free for all Members!), ages 14 and older only

The Green Building Adventure is a sustainable building project we started this Summer. It is a structure built from recycled and reclaimed materials that will serve as a storage space and office for Homeschool Excursions.

We will construct a rainwater catchment system to serve the Green Building Adventure. But this will not be just any ordinary rainwater system. It will be a solar-heated system to provide warm water, with an overflow for cold water. It will provide a gravity-powered system to irrigate the garden, wash hands, and serve other water needs. Come lend a hand!

Please contact us if you're interested in learning more about the project. We request that if you're planning on helping, that you join us for a minimum of two of the three days.

 

Kudzu Baskets in Pickens County with Vered,
April 6th, 10:00 to 2:00ish,
$12.00 per student ($8.00 for Members!),
FREE for Tree level members!

If you live in Georgia, you know what kudzu is. It's everywhere, but did you know that there are many uses for this invasive plant? Soap, preserves, paper, and....baskets!

Come learn how to make beautiful baskets from kudzu! We'll spend the day outside playing with this versatile vine and you'll go home with a new basket for your trinkets!

 

Rooftop Garden Project at the Green Building Adventure in
Pickens County with Vered,
April 8th, 9th, & 10th, 10:00 to 4:00ish,
$5.00 per student (Free for all Members!), ages 14 and older only

The Green Building Adventure is a sustainable building project we started this Summer. It is a structure built from recycled and reclaimed materials that will serve as a storage space and office for Homeschool Excursions.

The Green Building Adventure is about being sustainable, which means that it gives something back to the earth. The roof will contain a garden to produce food and other useful plants for our programs. The garden will also reduce rain run-off and will help insulate the roof. Come lend a hand, learn lots, and get your hands dirty!

Please contact us if you're interested in learning more about the project. We request that if you're planning on helping, that you join us for a minimum of two of the three days.

 

Introduction to Spoon Carving in Pickens County with Vered,
Postponed from May 4th to May 24th, 9:45 to 2:00ish,
$15.00 per student ($10.00 for Members!), ages 12 and older only
FREE for Tree level members!

Learn how to turn a rough piece of wood into a beautiful, usable spoon!

Students will learn how to safely use knives and gouges to make a spoon to take home with them at the end of the program. Spoon-carving is a wonderful introduction to the world or woodworking. Come learn this fun craft and skill.

 

Introduction to Bowl Carving in Pickens County with Vered,
PROGRAM FULL with a waiting list, May 10th, 9:45 to 2:00ish,
$15.00 per student ($10.00 for Members!), ages 12 and older only
FREE for Tree level members!

Learn how to turn a rough piece of wood into a beautiful, usable bowl!

Students will learn how to safely use knives and gouges to make a small bowl to take home with them at the end of the program. Bowl-carving is a bit more difficult than spoon-carving, but is still a fairly simply way to delve into the world of woodcrafts. Come learn this fun craft and skill.

 

Advanced Spoon Carving in Pickens County with Vered,
Postponed from May 24th to June 22nd, 9:45 to 2:00ish,
$15.00 per student ($10.00 for Members!), ages 12 and older only
FREE for Tree level members!

You must have participated in one of the two Introduction to Spoon Carving classes offered during the 2010-2011 school year.

You must also attend both days. This is a long process. If you would like to stay in Pickens County, let us know and we'll give you several options.

In the Introduction to Spoon Carving class you made small, fairly simple spoons. In this class, we'll make larger serving spoons! And if you're really comfortable with the carving tools, you can even add some snazzy features.

 

Creek Exploration Adventure in Long Swamp Creek in Pickens County,
May 30th, 9:45 to 2:00ish,
$15.00 per student ($10.00 for Members!),
FREE for Tree level members!

Get ready to get wet!

We will explore Long Swamp Creek, the primary water source for Pickens County and home to the endangered darter fish. We'll explore the geology and ecology, we'll take water samples, and we'll have a blast! Be sure to wear your water shoes!

 

The Art Barn in Canton,
July 19th, 9:45 to 1:00ish,
$15.00 per person ($10.00 for Members!),
FREE for Tree level members!

When you are at the farm you will:

  • meet, pet, hold, & brush a variety of clean, friendly farm animals:
    chickens: roosters, hens, chicks and if we are lucky... a green egg. ducks, bunnies, lambs, goats, donkeys, horses, ponies, cows & pot belly pigs.
  • discuss their jobs on the farm & learn lots of neat facts about them,
  • explore fun gardens like The Peanutbutter & Jelly Garden and Mr. McGregors to see what is growing for the season
  • create a cool art project in TheArtBarn
  • relax under the old magnolias for a picnic lunch & story time
  • hop a hayride and travel around the farm and sing some favorite farm songs
  • students & Teachers take home a special coloring sheet with all the animals drawn by farmer sue

This program is most appropriate for kids ages 3-10, but will be enjoyed by all!

 

Take a WIld Ride at the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville,
July 28th, 9:45 to 1:00ish,
$10.00 per person ($6.00 for Members!),
FREE for Tree level members!

Explore the Booth Western Art Museum this summer and take a real adventure back in time as a cowboy or cowgirl on a cattle drive in the Wild West. Participate in games and art activity and find out if you have the skills to get a job herding cattle on the trail. Learn what cowboys and girls need to do before the drive even starts. Discover what position, from Trail Boss to Drag Rider, you might be assigned on the trail drive. Become aware of the dangers you will face on the long trail and share ideas on how to handle them. You will see that the life of a cowboy or cowgirl was not easy, but most cowboys loved it. Decide if you have what it takes to be a cowboy or cowgirl after hearing the TRUE story of life on a cattle drive.

 

Foundation for a Bottle Wall in the Sharptop Vista Garden,
July 30th, 9:45 to 1:00ish,
Free For Everyone!

We are constructing a wall from used bottles to hide the air conditioning unit in our vista garden. It will look something like this....

Bottle Wall

On June 30th, we will pour the foundation for the wall. You will learn how to dig a footer, mix and pour cement, set rebar in the foundation, and more.

Once to cement sets, we will add the bottles to make the wall. Join us on August 11-12 for the second part of the wall-making adventure!

 

Bottle Wall in the Sharptop Vista Garden,
August 12th - 13th, 9:45 to 1:00ish,
Free For Everyone!

We are constructing a wall from used bottles to hide the air conditioning unit in our vista garden. It will look something like this....

Bottle Wall

On August 12-13, we will make the bottle wall around the air conditioning unit. It will both hide the unit and serve as a bench for people to relax and enjoy our garden.

We have a collection of used bottles that will be transformed into a beautiful wall. You will learn about building with recycled materials, how to mix and use cement, and more.

Come hang out with your friends and neighbors in the Garden!

 

Container Gardening in Pickens County,
August 15th, 9:45 to 1:00ish,
$10.00 per person ($6.00 for Members!),
FREE for Tree level members!

Anyone can grow veggies and herbs....whether you live on acres of land or in an urban apartment. Come learn about container gardening. Not only is this a great way to grow a wide variety of plants in a small space, but it will also let you garden year-round.

Container gardening gives you lots of flexibility to be creative with your garden. You can stack containers so you can grow more in a limited space, containers can be outside or indoors, and there is a wide variety of plants that grow really well in containers.

Join us as we explore the world of container gardening. Come get your hands dirty, make new friends, and go home with a new garden.

Participants will be responsible for providing their own containers. We will provide the soil and a limited selection of seeds. Feel free to bring your own seeds if there is something in particular that you'd like to grow.

 

Passive Solar Window Shades at the Sharptop Arts Association in Jasper,
August 26-27th, 9:45 to 1:00ish,
FREE for everyone!

We have a garden space in the Sharptop Arts Association Visionary Garden and we have several requirements for elements that must be included. One of these requirements is to create window shades, so we're making solar shades from reclaimed wood.

What are solar shades? They are awning-like coverings that allow some sun to enter the window. They keep out the hot afternoon sun, but welcome the cooler morning and evening sun. Come build with us!

You'll learn about building with reclaimed materials, tool safety, and basic woodworking.

Come have fun with us!


 
 
     


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