Sprouts winter camp
Dec 2024 – jan 2025
Winter Break daytime care
9am-3pm (with option for after camp care)
Winter Camp is offered on the following days:
Thursday and Friday December 26th and 27th
Monday through Friday December 30th – Jan 3rd
Location varies depending on the weather.
Most days will be in/around Westmorland Park, Glenwood Children’s Park and Sequoya Public Library (where we will go to warm up). All of these locations are within walking distance of each other.
We will be at Lake Farm County Park for one or two days if the weather is warm enough.
We will have three field trip days:
Children’s Library
The Capitol plus Public Downtown Library
Field trips will be one day each, timing will again depend on the weather. The coldest days we will choose an indoor location.
Activity examples:
Nature exploration, shelter building, hiking, nature-based art and other creative projects, fire building, lots of cooking outdoors, sledding and other winter-themed activities. Indoor time at libraries will include reading, arts and crafts, and of course play.
PROGRAM REGISTRATION
Activities
Clubs and camps include a variety of nature-based, experiential activities. The goal is child-centered, flexible and creative learning based on practical skill building, connection to nature and being in the present moment. For kids ages 5 to 12 years old.
Cooking
Knowing how to prepare food is an essential and often overlooked skill. Alternating between sweet and savory options, we will use local, organic, fresh, whole foods. Once the garden starts providing produce we will utilize that as much as possible. We will be cooking outdoors using both fire and camping stoves.
Gardening
Gardening is both a useful and meaningful activity. It has been proven to reduce anxiety and improve mood, focus and concentration. Direct connection to the food we eat develops awareness of interactions between humans and the environment. We will be gardening in a plot at Marlborough Gardens.
Exploration
This topic covers a broad range of activities, from hiking, to bug catching, pond dipping to shelter building. Exploration is a way to get a bit outside our comfort zone and get curious about the natural world.
Nature Art
Using natural materials such as pressed flowers and leaves, clay, wax, and plant dyes develops a deeper appreciation for nature and fosters creativity and mindfulness.
Want to Learn More?
I am happy to chat over the phone to answer any questions or give more detail. My programming is also flexible! Reach out if you have any special requests in regards to timing, location or activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
do you offer carpooling or bridge care?
If you are interested in carpooling with other parents let me know and I can help coordinate. I can offer bridge care to a maximum of 4 kids (if one child is able to be in the front seat, if not then 3). Reach out if this is something you might need.
are start times flexible?
Yes. We will have a ‘soft start’ with introductory activity at the beginning of clubs and camps. Soft start is a 30 minute window after the listed start time of choice time/free play unless otherwise noted. Please let me know if you need to arrive early.
what if i can't pick up my child until after the end time?
Reach out and I’ll see what I can do to meet your scheduling needs.
what is your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel a program before the start date for any reason, you’ll recieve full credit for a future program.
For refunds to original payment, 80% will be refunded if it’s over a week before the start of the program. Within 1 week it will be 50%.
If programming has begun, a prorated Sprouts credit will be given if a family needs to cancel the rest of the program for any reason.
If Sprouts programming makes the call to cancel due to illness or inclement weather: a make up date will be offered or a Sprouts credit will be given.
will you have a first aid kit?
I will keep first aid with me at all times. I am First Aid and CPR trained and certified. Please let me know if your child has any particular allergies.
what does my child need to bring?
Water bottle
Bug spray
Sunscreen
Hat
I always recommend bringing a rain jacket and waterproof/mud proof shoes. An extra change of clothes is recommended just in case. I will keep extra clothing on hand in case of emergencies.
ARE SNACKS PROVIDED?
After school clubs will always have a snack provided. Camps will also include an afternoon snack. Please bring a morning snack and lunch for full day camps. Please note any dietary restrictions or preferences when you register.
what if the weather is bad?
If it’s raining and there is a shelter at the park we will still have our session. If there is thunder and lighting we will wait 30 minutes in the shelter and if the storm continues we will move to the closest public library. There will also be the option to pick up early. If the ‘real feel’ temperature is under 20 degrees or above 95 degrees we will typically reschedule, but families will be involved in the process.
why the broad age range?
Sprouts programs are open to kids from ages 5 through 12. I have found that when kids of a variety of ages work together there is collaboration, mentorship and growth. Activities such as cooking and gardening are well suited for kids of all ages. Once someone masters a skill, then helps another learn, it helps develop teamwork, confidence and cooperation.