Homeschool Days: Meet a Horticulturalist (Ages 9-18)

Tuesday, May 7, 10-11:30 a.m.
Monday, June 3, 2-3:30 p.m.

Calling all green-thumbed youth looking to find out more about the field of horticulture! Participants will meet three Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens horticulturalists in their garden spaces. Through informal conversation, learn how and why they became horticulturalists, how they choose the plants for their garden spaces, what their favorite plants are, and some of the challenges they experience as a caretaker of plants.

Registration for this program includes admission for one child and one adult. Families who register for multiple programs or register more than one child for the same program, receive a special discounted rate at checkout. Financial Aid is available. Please email Erika Huber at ehuber@mainegardens.org for an application.

Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Multiple Instructors
Price: $10 / $12
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Homeschool Days: Birds (Ages 8-18)

Tuesday, May 7, 10-11:30 a.m.
Thursday, May 30, 10-11:30 a.m.

Join us on a walk to identify migrating and resident birds. Learn more about their adaptations and nesting habits. Participants will learn to identify birds by their calls, plumage, and behavior. Binoculars will be available to borrow.

Registration for this program includes admission for one child and one adult. Families who register for multiple programs or register more than one child for the same program, receive a special discounted rate at checkout. Financial Aid is available. Please email Erika Huber at ehuber@mainegardens.org for an application.

Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Bridget VerVaet
Price: $10 / $12
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Homeschool Days: Ecosystems (Ages 8-14)

Tuesday, May 7, noon-1:30 p.m. & 2-3:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 30, 2-3:30 p.m.

Explore the various examples of ecosystems held within the Gardens, from areas cultivated by humans to forested and tidal areas. Learn more about the plants and animals that find their habitat within these ecosystems and how they work together to make an ecosystem function. Topics covered include producers, consumers, decomposers, keystone species, food chains, nutrient cycling, and disturbances.

Registration for this program includes admission for one child and one adult. Families who register for multiple programs or register more than one child for the same program, receive a special discounted rate at checkout. Financial Aid is available. Please email Erika Huber at ehuber@mainegardens.org for an application.

Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Bridget VerVaet
Price: $10 / $12
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Homeschool Days: Life of a Plant (Ages 4-10)

Tuesday, May 7, noon-1:30 p.m. & 2-3:30 p.m.
Monday, June 3, 10-11:30 a.m.

Explore a plant's life cycle from seed to fruit as we dissect a seed, learn about plant parts and functions, photosynthesis, the importance of plants, and their unique adaptations. We'll head out to the Learning Garden to sample different plant parts and pot up a plant to grow at home.

Registration for this program includes admission for one child and one adult. Families who register for multiple programs or register more than one child for the same program, receive a special discounted rate at checkout. Financial Aid is available. Please email Erika Huber at ehuber@mainegardens.org for an application.

Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Erika Huber
Price: $10 / $12
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The Lives of Insects Poetry Workshop (Ages 9-14)

Join us for an immersive poetry workshop with Wolastoqiyik writer and artist Mihku Paul. Poetry and art are great pathways to learning about nature. In this workshop, we'll explore new perspectives on our insect world through fun writing exercises. From direct observations in the garden and time with our entomologist, participants will document insects they encounter, collecting ideas, sketches, and pictures that will then become the basis for writing a poem or prose. Examples and templates will be provided to aid as a jumping-off place. Students will also be introduced to the Indigenous perspective on nature and learn some Passamaquoddy vocabulary as part of the instruction.

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Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Mihku Paul
Price: $55 / $69
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Homeschool Days: Climate Stories Tour (Ages 10-18)

Monday, May 13, 10-11:30 a.m.
Thursday, May 30, 10-11:30 a.m.

Explore how climate change is impacting the places we live and how we can come together to make our communities stronger. Join us on a walk through Slater Forest Pond and down the Haney Hillside to the Shoreland Trail; we will share stories about the natural world and practice observing the plants and animals around us. With the understanding of our relationship with our environment and how climate change impacts us all, we'll discuss how we can use our interests and talents to make those relationships more resilient to change. Enjoy sharing your perspectives and practicing problem-solving in this unique, conversational format.

Registration for this program includes admission for one child and one adult. Families who register multiple children for one program or one child for multiple programs receive a special discounted rate at checkout. Financial Aid is available. Please email Erika Huber at ehuber@mainegardens.org for an application.

Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Multiple Instructors
Price: $10 / $12
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Homeschool Days: Wabanaki Traditions (Ages 8-18)

Join us for a special walk through our garden and woodlands with Passamaquoddy educator Sandra Bassett. Sandra will share her personal story, demonstrate singing and drumming, and teach a sampling of Passamaquoddy words. Participants will also learn about the traditional uses of some of our native plants. Registration for this program includes admission for one child and one adult. Families who register for multiple programs or register more than one child for the same program, receive a special discounted rate at checkout. Financial Aid is available. Please email Erika Huber at ehuber@mainegardens.org for an application.

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Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Sandra Bassett
Price: $10 / $12
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Homeschool Days: Pond Life (Ages 4-10)

Monday, May 13, noon-1:30 p.m. & 2-3:30 p.m.
Monday, June 3, noon-1:30 p.m. & 2-3:30 p.m.

Learn to identify the aquatic creatures found in the Gardens’ ponds and understand their life cycles, gaining more knowledge about the food web and habitat of the pond in the process. With nets and buckets, participants will have time to explore life in the pond.

Registration for this program includes admission for one child and one adult. Families who register for multiple programs or register more than one child for the same program, receive a special discounted rate at checkout. Financial Aid is available. Please email Erika Huber at ehuber@mainegardens.org for an application.

Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Bridget VerVaet
Price: $10 / $12
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Homeschool Days: Five Senses Tour (Ages 4-8)

Monday, May 13, 2-3:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 30, noon-1:30 p.m.

Putting our five senses to work, we'll wind our way through the Lerner Garden of the Five Senses, experiencing a garden in a whole new way. Participants will be encouraged to sample different herbs and edible flowers that may be new to them.

Registration for this program includes admission for one child and one adult. Families who register for multiple programs or register more than one child for the same program, receive a special discounted rate at checkout. Please email Erika Huber at ehuber@mainegardens.org for an application.

Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Erika Huber
Price: $10 / $12
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Silk Painting in Bloom Family Program (Ages 9+) (Postponed)

Unleash your creativity in this family-friendly silk painting workshop lead by artist Erica Qualey. Inspired by the enchanting flowers and foliage gathered from the Gardens, participants will embark on a journey of artistic expression. Using resist and dyes, attendees will design their silk scarves, playing with vibrant colors and creating intricate patterns that capture the essence of the natural world. Parents/Caregivers are welcome to work with their young artist to craft a unique silk masterpiece together (adults do not need to register), or adults with a child taking the class may register separately to create their own wearable work of art. This workshop is a perfect opportunity for children and adults to bond over art. Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.

Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Erica Qualey
Price: $36 / $44

Homeschool Days: Wild Edibles (Ages 8-18)

Spring is a great time to forage for wild edibles; fresh shoots are readily available and tastier than their older counterparts. Local forager and restaurateur Nikaline Iacano will lead participants through the Gardens and surrounding woodlands, searching for edible greens, tasty weeds, shoots, mushrooms, flowers, roots, tubers, and even pine pollen. Bring your taste buds and a sense of adventure! We will end the session by making a tea with our collections. Registration for this program includes admission for one child and one adult. Families who register for multiple programs or register more than one child for the same program, receive a special discounted rate at checkout. Financial Aid is available. Please email Erika Huber at ehuber@mainegardens.org for an application.

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Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Nikaline Iacano
Price: $10 / $12
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Watercolor Wonders in the Gardens (Ages 9-13)

Wednesday-Friday, June 26-28, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Explore the vibrant world of watercolor with artist Erica Qualey, in this workshop designed for creative minds aged 9-13. Dive into the basics of watercolor, from fundamental skills to mastering brushstrokes and layering washes. This hands-on experience will guide young artists through the enchanting process of field sketching with watercolor, offering a perfect blend of artistic exploration and skill-building. Participants will embark on exciting painting activities throughout the workshop, fostering a playful and enjoyable learning environment. The journey includes immersing in gardens to gather inspiration for their artwork and exploring new techniques to help capture what they see on paper. As the days progress, attendees will build upon their skills and principles, culminating in creating a final masterpiece on the last day. All materials provided. Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.

Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Erica Qualey
Price: $160 / $200
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Block Printing: Inspired by Nature (Ages 8-12)

Monday-Wednesday, July 1-3, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Join artist Jordan Kendall Parks for a playful introduction to planning, carving, and printing linoleum blocks by hand. Students will use the Gardens as inspiration to create their designs, which will be printed on paper and functional fabric items like tote bags and t-shirts. Participants will leave the workshop with an understanding of basic block printing techniques and multiple prints of their own designs. Students will take home their carved blocks and supplies to make more prints at home. Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.

Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Jordan Parks
Price: $160 / $200
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Drawing Butterflies & Moths (Ages 8-12)

Monday-Wednesday, July 8-10, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Young artists, ages 8-12, will delve into the world of nature illustration with botanical illustrator Joy Grannis, as they explore the relationship between butterflies and moths and their host plants. Through visits to our Native Butterfly House and time with our entomologist, students will illustrate what they learn by creating a poster as a finished product. Participants will learn how to use color and design to create a visually pleasing piece using mediums such as graphite, colored pencils, acrylic markers, watercolor pencils, and pens. All materials provided. Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.

Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Joy Grannis
Price: $160 / $200
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Drawing Maine’s Wildlife (Ages 7-11) (Sold Out)

This class is sold out, but please click "Learn More" to join our waitlist. | Our summer nature camps provide fun and enriching opportunities for children to learn about the natural world. Exploration-filled activities will take us on adventures throughout the Gardens and surrounding forests as we investigate birds, food chains, mammals, pond life, and more. Through observations, games, stories, experiments, and nature-related projects, campers will be well on their way to becoming young naturalists by the end of the week! Extended Explorations aftercare is available as an add-on. Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.

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Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Hélène Farrar
Price: $160 / $200

Nature Adventure Camp (Ages 6-9) (Sold Out)

This class is sold out, but please click "Learn More" to join our waitlist. | Our summer nature camps provide fun and enriching opportunities for children to learn about the natural world. Exploration-filled activities will take us on adventures throughout the Gardens and surrounding forests as we investigate birds, food chains, mammals, pond life, and more. Through observations, games, stories, experiments, and nature-related projects, campers will be well on their way to becoming young naturalists by the end of the week! Extended Explorations aftercare is available as an add-on. Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.

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Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Karen Jones
Price: $155 / $194

Drawing Maine’s Wildlife (Ages 9-13)

Wednesday-Friday, July 24-26 , 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Young artists aged 7-13 will study alongside Artist Helene Farrar as they draw Maine's wonderful wildlife! Animals such as chipmunks, foxes, owls, and turtles will come to life on paper as students explore their geometric forms and textures, working in pencil, watercolor, and more! We will also look to the Gardens to create imagined and real environments and observe wildlife up close with a visit from Chewonki's Traveling Natural History Program. Leave this workshop inspired and with the tools to draw Maine's wildlife. All materials provided. Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.

Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Hélène Farrar
Price: $160 / $200
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Garden Investigators Camp: A Bug’s Life (Ages 6-9) (Sold Out)

This class is sold out, but please click "Learn More" to join our waitlist. | Bug lovers unite as we scour the garden, woods, and ponds in search of the Gardens' tiniest residents. Campers will learn about insect life cycles, their role in nature, and the secrets of their survival through activities, observations, and a special visit with our resident entomologist. We'll also spend time investigating the lives of caterpillars, butterflies, and bees in our on-site exhibits. Creepy crawly fanatics will love this camp! Extended Explorations aftercare is available as an add-on. Scholarships are available for families with a financial need.

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Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Karen Jones
Price: $155 / $194

Nature Illustration: Create An Accordion Book (9-14)

Learn the art of visual storytelling by creating an accordion book from drawings made throughout our gardens and woodlands. Students ages 9-14 will join Joy Grannis, botanical illustrator, as she teaches students how to create a composition from what they observe, calling out details as they make sketches and notes to add to their final piece. Students will also learn how to translate the colors they see in nature to their artwork and how to use collage to enhance their artistic book. Mediums such as graphite, colored pencils, acrylic markers, watercolor pencils, and pen will be used. All materials provided.

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Location: Bosarge Family Education Center Botanical Gardens Drive, Boothbay
Instructor: Joy Grannis
Price: $160 / $200
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