In partnership with MetroParks of Butler County, the Nature Basket programs are suited for preschool children, ages 3-5, and their adult companions. All of the programs include a story, a talk about nature, and a craft. Adult help with the craft is required.
“Nature Basket is a program that’s intended to be a program that you go to with your young child, and you participate with them. It’s not a drop-off program. It’s meant to be engaging for a child and an adult, together,” Wilson said. “It’s just one of those simple, sweet times that you can spend with your child, or grandchild, and sometimes caregivers bring children they are watching to the event to participate.”
The program was built on the basic premise of an adult spending time with a child they care about, she said.
“It’s about learning something new, gaining a deeper understanding of nature, and doing a craft activity together,” said Wilson. “The program does get a great attendance, and it’s a beloved program.”
For example, the October Nature Basket was about leaves, with kids learning why they change color this time of year. The story came from a book called “Leaf Man.” The craft was to collect leaves in the park, glue them on a piece of paper, and give them googly eyes, to make their own leaf person.
The November Nature Basket program focused on Pilgrims.
In warmer weather the program is outdoors at the Keehner Park Amphitheater. Nature Basket programs move inside the MidPointe Library in West Chester, 9363 Centre Pointe Drive, for the winter months. Winter programs meet once each month in Community Room A/B on Wednesday mornings from December 2024 through April 2025. The program starts at 10:30 a.m. Upcoming Nature Basket program dates are Jan. 8, Feb. 5, Mar. 5 and Apr. 2.
“It has become a generational program. Kids who came with their parents and grandparents are bringing their children and grandchildren now,” Wilson said. “Participants will walk away with a great memory they’ve made with a child they care about.”
For those who are unable to attend or who would like to re-watch the program, they are recorded each month and air on West Chester TV. Those who watch the program at home can pick up a craft kit from the township offices.
MORE DETAILS
To register for the in-person programs, call (513) 759-7303 or email Laura Groff at lgroff@westchesteroh.org. For more details, visit www.WestChesterOH.org/Nature.
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