Wednesday, May 25, 2011

bug catching at marshy point nature center

I don't know about you, but I'm trying to alleviate stress. Especially early morning stress -- which is tough because I find mornings to be completely unpredictable with a toddler -- and mostly beyond my control.

You know the mornings I'm talking about. The ones where the yogurt bowl ended up as a hat creating immediate need for a bath -- but that means you'll miss the 9:10 - 9:50 Mommy & Me class you paid $250 for {the semester, of course} OR show up 10 minutes late and get the 'looks'? So, the next time class morning rolls around, you skip the yogurt all together. But that's all your toddler is asking for. You give in and the yogurt hat comes back to haunt.

Imagine my delight when I found a fabulous pre-K program that's DROP IN. {{Can you hear the hallelujah course?}}

Earlier this week, the Bug and I checked out Marshy Point's Monday Morning Pre-K Nature Program. Located in Baltimore County on the Chesapeake Bay, Marshy Point offers hiking, gardens, boat outings, education opportunities and more. During their one hour program, the Bug heard several stories, sang songs, pet a baby possum AND a toad, searched for earth worms on a log, ventured through the butterfly garden, caught bugs in a net, had a snack and looked for baby turtles.

Did I mention it was drop in? So no big deal if we missed it and had to change our plans?

The room was packed, but several volunteers worked with the education officer from Marshy Point to make sure all children were included in each activity. Like most toddler and preschool programs, it's a bit of organized chaos. But the Bug loved it.

She chattered about her 'friend the possum' the entire car ride home.

No, we will not be acquiring a domesticated possum as a pet. We'll visit Marshy Point for that.

The Pre-K program runs every Monday throughout the school year, and once a month during the summer. There are upcoming programs on Monday, June 27th from 11 AM - 12 PM, July 25th from 11 AM - 12 PM, and August 22nd from 11 AM - 12:00 PM. Check their calendar for more information!

Want to see more photos from our Marshy Point adventure? Check out our facebook page!

2 comments:

Ginny Elliott, Marshy Point Staff said...

Hello,
While the Marshy Pt. Pre-K nature program is drop-in (meaning you do not have to sign up in advance) we do require you arrive at the start time. It is posted on the upper right hand corner of the calendar. Sorry for the misunderstanding. Please call 410 887-2817 if you have questions. Thank you, Ginny MP Staff

(cool) progeny said...

Hi Ginny! We by no means meant that you didn't have to be on time. We just meant you didn't need to register for a 4 or 6 week session, that you could 'drop in' if it felt your schedule that week. Thanks for clarifying it for our readers though!