Nature Program

Service Description

Join IPHG as we take nature study outdoors! Each week we will submerge ourselves in nature, meeting at a different park or forest preserve around Chicago. As we make our way through autumn and into winter, students will follow a seasonal nature study course covering a range of topics that address the how’s and why’s of our ever changing natural world. Students will participate in whole group activities and individual exploration, as well as crafting, building, creating, and making. Schedule 10:00am- 10:15am opening circle 10:15am-10:45am nature study 10:45am-11:15am whole group activity 11:15am-11:45am lunch 11:45am-1:15pm independent exploration 1:15pm-1:30pm closing circle Class locations: Eugene Field (9/7, 10/26) North Park Nature Village (9/14, 11/2) Horner Park (9/21, 11/9) West Ridge Nature Park (9/28, 11/16) Walking stick woods/ Peterson Park (10/5, 11/30) Gompers Park (10/12, 12/7) Indian Boundary Park (10/19, 12/14) Inclement weather relocation to Irving Park Lutheran Church Less than 20 degrees Fahrenheit Greater than 90 degrees Fahrenheit Thunderstorm, hail Wind chill advisory/warning Families are responsible for providing appropriate, weather specific clothing and gear. Your child will have the most fun if they are dry, warm, and prepared for all weather conditions. Most items can be found/ purchased second hand. Below is a suggested list. 20-40 degrees: Snowsuit, waterproof snow boots Rain suit, waterproof rain boots Waterproof mittens or gloves Wool or fleece hat, heavy scarf, wool socks Base-layers (long underwear, silk tights, or wool tights) Mid-layers (long sleeves, sweater, jogging pants) 50-60 degrees: Rain suit, waterproof rain boots Coat/ jacket (down/ synthetic fill or multilayer) Mid-layers (long sleeves, sweater, jogging pants) Waterproof mittens or gloves Light scarf, light mittens or gloves, cotton socks 70-90 degrees: Rain suit/ rain jacket, waterproof rain boots Wind breaker, soft jacket Light-layers (short sleeves, leggings/ pants, knee length shorts) Closed toed shoes, cotton socks Sun hat, cap or visor Sunscreen, bug spray