Taught by educators from Buttonwood Nature Center, age-appropriate program activities make learning fun, and include exploring the outdoors, hikes, theme-related and nature stories, crafts, rhymes, songs, finger plays, nature games, and puppets.
The theme for the June programs celebrates the season—dancing, leafing, splashing, planting—into summer.
Students will learn about dancing in nature—from trees and seeds to people and birds, explore the leafy world of the forest, discover why a rainy day is a good thing, and dig in the dirt to plant a flower. Program highlights include:
Dancing into Summer Kids gain a deeper appreciation of the natural world through dance!
They will learn about the different members of our ecosystem who dance, from trees and seeds to people and birds!
From watching the movements of tree seeds that float through the air to creating our own dances inspired by those movements, taking a nature hike and practicing dancing on the trail.
Leafing into Summer We will explore the different leafy worlds of the forest, from the tall overstory to the miniscule moss.
While hiking up the trail, we’ll tap into all of our senses to explore the forest, using listening tubes and hand lenses.
After our hike we will all play a high-energy moss game and sing a song about seeds.
Splashing into Summer Even though we love the summer sun, we will learn why rain is just as important!
Learn about water cycle and take a forest hike.
Students will get to fill and decorate their very own rain sticks and end the program with a rain song.
Planting into Summer Students get their hands in the dirt, learning how a garden grows.
We will sing a garden song with some of our puppet friends.
After a hike to learn about pollinators and how plants grow, kids will decorate planters and plant their very own marigold seedling to take home.
Children must be accompanied by a parent.
For kids ages 2.5 years through 5.
Pre-registration for full series required – Contact them at 717.762.0373
Prepayment required and will confirm your registration.
Series Fee (includes all five sessions): $40 Buttonwood Nature Center member, $45 general public, per child.
The Stitches in Time Barn Quilt Trail includes more than three dozen quilt squares spread throughout Franklin County, PA. Some are inspired by traditional quilt patterns or family designs. Between each square are the many stories of Franklin County.
Coffee Shops
Enjoy a Great Cup of Joe in Franklin County coffee shops!
Pizza Trail
Talk to locals about the “best pizza place, and everyone has a couple favorites. Add them all together and Franklin County has great Italian eateries.
Pour Trail
See the great locations and great beer, wine and spirits that are waiting for you along the pour trail. Plan your next trip and enjoy the flavor of Franklin County.
Sweet Trail
Franklin County is a sweet place to be! Enjoy old-fashioned candy makers, chocolatiers, delicious ice cream, and even pie stores.
Explore the history of Chambersburg and the Civil War.
John Brown
Who was John Brown, what did he do, why did he do it, and what was his connection to Chambersburg, Pennsylvania?
Spring Into History
Explore 300 Years of American History
Underground Railroad
Franklin County played an important role in the passage to freedom—the Underground Railroad. Its location on the Mason-Dixon Line signaled escaping slaves entry to the north, and the mountainous terrain afforded numerous hiding places in caves and wooded areas.
Environmental Centers connect the busy daily lives of people to nature & remind everyone of the importance of fresh water, green trees, and clean air. Explore the beauty of outdoor Franklin County at one of its environmental centers.
Outdoors
Fishing, hiking trails, golfing, kayaking -Â Franklin County is home to great outdoor fun and relaxation.
Golf
The scenic beauty of Franklin County is timeless and compliments a variety of golfing experiences.
Walking & Hiking
With four state parks and 36 municipal parks, Franklin County gives many choices to enjoy greenery, birds chirping, and mountain views.