AQUATIC LIFE: Students explore the aquatic communities of BW by using chemical tests and collecting samples of macroinvertebrates.
COMPASS: Students will become familiar with the parts of the orienteering compass and be given instruction in its use.
DIRT ON DIRT: Students learn about soil and its importance to the woods.
GEOLOGY: Students learn about the geological history of Bradford Woods and south/central Indiana, including the influence of glaciers on local topography.
HISTORY HIKE: Students will tour the historic property and find out how the history of the Bradfords fits in with the greater cultural history of Indiana.
INITIATIVES: Teamwork is key to much of our success. Students are challenged with problem solving activities that require the cooperation of the entire group.
INSTINCTS FOR SURVIVAL: Students participate in an animal survival game. Students assume roles of herbivores, omnivores, and carnivores. How they play out these roles determines the outcome of the game. Students gain an understanding of food chains, food webs, and other factors relating to survival and adaptation.
OUTDOOR LIVING SKILLS: Good conservation practices are necessary for minimum impact camping. Students are introduced to the basic requirements for selection of a good campsite, basic equipment needs, fire building techniques, shelter building techniques, and leave-no-trace ethics.
TREES: Through examination of trees, both living and dead, students develop an understanding of the tree life cycle. Identification keys, close observation and sensory awareness activities aid in the student’s recognition of several trees common to Indiana.
VERNAL PONDS (SEASONAL): “Vernal” is the latin word for “spring.” Learn about springtime ponds and their role in the ecosystem, including what plants and animals can be found in them.
WETLANDS: Learn about different types of wetlands, the important role of wetlands in the environment, as well as the plants and animals that make their home in wetland areas. Discover how Bradford Woods uses a wetland system to treat its waste water.
WILD EDIBLES: You can eat wild plants?! The primary objective is to increase students’ awareness of wild edible plants available in south central Indiana.
WILDFLOWERS (SEASONAL): This module emphasizes observation, identification, function, and appreciation of wildflowers.
WILDLIFE IN THE WOODS: Big, small, furry, and scaly: they come in all shapes and sizes! Students will increase their awareness of the natural environment as they observe animal homes and signs.
WINGS OF THE WOODS: What makes a bird a bird? Students are introduced to bird adaptations and bird identification as they investigate a variety of bird habitats. Students will identify common local birds by using field observation techniques and proper use of binoculars and field guides.
ARCHERY: Learn how to use a recurve bow and practice shooting arrows.
CAPTURE THE FLAG: Large group game that divides participants into two groups as they plot and attempt to acquire the other team’s flag.
CONSERVATION PROJECT: Find an area at Bradford Woods that needs some help and work on a project to make the situation better. A typical project may involve building trail steps or installing water bars.
DREAM CATCHERS: Learn about the Native American craft and make your own.
FISHING: Cane pole fishing in the Ol’ Swimmin’ Hole Lake in hopes of catching a big one! We practice catch and release at Bradford Woods.
FRIENDSHIP BRACELETS: Make a bracelet for a friend or for yourself.
NATIVE AMERICAN GAMES: Large group games based on learning skills and traditions of Native Americans.
PAPER-MAKING: Use old newspaper and office paper along with leaves, pine needles and other items from nature to create recycled paper. Make a few sheets to take home!
SCAVENGER HUNT: Based on exploring the property and locating a variety of things found in nature.
STAFF CHOICE: A Bradford Woods staff member will lead an activity based on their interest or skills.
TRAIL EXPERIENCE: Didn’t get enough hiking today? How about exploring more trails on the property looking for animal signs, flowers, and wild edibles? Enjoy a nice trek through Bradford Woods.
ULTIMATE FRISBEE: Large group game that encourages cooperation as participants try to get a Frisbee across the opponent’s goal line.
NATIVE AMERICAN CRAFTS: Learn to make Native American crafts like God’s Eyes and Dream Catchers.
NATURE SKETCHING: Students take inspiration from the outdoors to observe and sketch their surroundings.
KICKBALL: Play a game of kickball.
INSTINCTS: Educational module that can also be used as recreation.
PIONEER CRAFT ROTATIONS (Full group activity): Students participate in pioneer crafting, including rope belt making, quill pen writing, and other activities.
AMERICAN INDIAN LIFE ROTATIONS (Full group activity): Educational module that can also be used as recreation
ALPHA WOLF: A simulated game that begins with information about wolves and allows participants to role- play as a wolf pack while searching for the alpha wolf. Cannot be combined with another option.
CAMPFIRE: Campfires can take many forms, the most traditional being a time for skits, songs, and stories led by Bradford Wood’s staff.
DUTCH AUCTION: Participants are divided into groups and sent back to their cabins to gather a number of personal items. When the participants are back to the meeting place and in groups, an announcer will request different items. Groups that can produce that item are rewarded points. Be creative!
FOLK DANCE: Music and directions provided to teach participants basic folk dances. Dances can include other music, too!
NIGHT EXPERIENCE: Explore Bradford Woods at night. Choose to focus on one of the three areas, or combine activities from all three. The three focuses include: how we use our senses during the night, nocturnal animals, and astronomy. If you are interested in specifically astronomy, the Bradford Woods staff can tailor a night experience with an emphasis on the nightsky and have the kids take a look through our telescope.
AMERICAN INDIAN LIFE ROTATIONS: Can also be used as an evening program.
