June 22, 2005

Kids wild about zoo art

Clinch Park Zoo schedules summer classes for children

By
Herald staff writer

      Two-year-old Natalie Heitman learned about animal tracks - and how much fun it is to make them - when she attended the first meeting of the Peanut Butter and Jelly Club at Clinch Park Zoo.
      The Grand Traverse Zoological Society, in partnership with Clinch Park Zoo, will present a summer program of fun, sun and education for children ages two to 12. The ZooART educational program, orchestrated and implemented by Zoological Society board member Debi Sanborn, will focus on learning about the animals of Clinch Park Zoo through exploration and art.
      Children explored different kinds of animal tracks through various print making techniques as the season of programs kicked off on Tuesday.
      "I think this is a wonderful program. I was excited that they started something like this" said Kate Parvel of Traverse City who attended the Peanut Butter and Jelly Club's first session with her three-year-old son Henry on Tuesday.
      "Henry's grandfather is taking him to the next class. He is a watercolor artist and he's excited about it," Parvel said.
      The ZooART program, which takes specific programs and tailors them to different age groups, is quickly becoming a favorite for youngsters and parents alike.
      "There has been an overwhelming response," Sanborn said. "We could do classes seven days a week with the phenomenal response we have had so far."
      Upcoming programs include:
      - Water Wonderland - Tuesday, June 28 - Splish, splash and learn which animals love the water through watercolor techniques.
      Peanut Butter and Jelly Club, for ages two to three, requires supervision, 10:15 to 11 a.m.
      Wildlife Explorers, for ages four to six, 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
      Animal Scientists, for ages seven to 12, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
      - Faces of Zoofriends - Tuesday, July 19 - Explore and create zoofriends through collage and puppets.
      Peanut Butter and Jelly Club, for ages two to three, requires supervision, 10:15 to 11 a.m.
      Wildlife Explorers, for ages four to six, 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
      Animal Scientists, for ages seven to 12, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
      - Where's My Room - Tuesday, July 26 - Learn where animals sleep and build your own home for a special creature with wood, fibers and mystery materials.
      Peanut Butter and Jelly Club, for ages two to three, requires supervision, 10:15 to 11 a.m.
      Wildlife Explorers, for ages four to six, 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
      Animal Scientists, for ages seven to 12, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
      Pre-registration is required for all classes. The cost is $15 per program for non-members and $5 for members. To register visit www.clinchparkzoo.com or call Debi Sanborn at 223-8707.