MOUNT GILEAD — Parents and grandparents enjoyed a nature walk and “Weenie Roast” with their 3-5 year-olds at Headwaters Outdoor Education Center.

Everyone huddled around the fire ring’s glowing coals to roast hot dogs and marshmallows for s’mores. Children went into the Education Center to enjoy activities and get their face painted with pumpkins and Halloween decorations.

Leaders Marilyn Weiler and Gail West organized the picnic to fall between the morning and afternoon sessions of “Wee Discover” so the two groups could enjoy the picnic together at the end of the season.

West said that the children are learning colors as well as learning directions such as over, under, around and through. The obstacle course Oct. 26 included those directions and they talked about the leaves changing colors.

Each week children are encouraged to bring something from nature and the group enjoys a nature walk together.

“The goal is to get the children outside observing and enjoying nature,” said Weiler.

Headwaters will host Free Holiday Craft Day on Sunday, Nov. 5 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. There will be an opportunity to make ornaments and gifts from leaves, pine cones, other things from nature and recycled materials.

The Nature Crafts program will wrap up Headwaters Center activities and events for 2017. The next event will be Feb. 3, 2018, with the “Ground Hog Day” celebration. “Wee Discover” will continue next spring in April and May 2018 on Thursday from 10:15-11:30 a.m. and from 12:45-2 p.m.

Headwaters Outdoor Education Center is on Home Road, just north of the Morrow County Sheriff’s Department on State Route 42.

Children try their hand with hula hoops at the Wee Discover picnic.
http://www.morrowcountysentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2017/11/web1_WeeDiscover.jpgChildren try their hand with hula hoops at the Wee Discover picnic.

By Alberta Stojkovic

The Sentinel