Wanted: Archeologists, no experience necessary

Their blurb:

A new year of archaeological excavation begins at Garfield Farm Museum. Directed by Jim Yingst, volunteers are encouraged to sign up to help dig, screen, and wash artifacts. Check the website for dates. No experience necessary, we will train you. Financial contributions are also welcomed.

My 10 year old is chomping at the bit about this one. I hope we can find time to get out and get our hands dirty in a real life archeological dig. Older teens can be dropped off (or drive themselves), but other kids are welcome with an adult if they will be a help and not distraction to the work. You do need to register in advance.

I just called for some more information, and they want each volunteer to commit to at least 8 hours of work to compensate for the initial training and learning curve. These do not all need to be at one time, but need to be done during dig hours of 8-5 Wednesday through Sunday. The dates for the dig are September 21-25, and September 28-October 2.

Looking at the video it says they are trying to track down the original cabin built on the site that was later replaced by the current home structure.

When: September 21-25 and September 28- October 2, 8am- 5pm — contact them for specifics on times and to arrange a time for your family/group to participate

Where: Garfield Farm Museum –on Garfield Road just north of Illinois Route 38 between Geneva and Elburn, Illinois. It is about 3 miles west of Randall Road, which is at the west edge of Geneva and St. Charles. From Illinois Route 38 turn north on Garfield Road and go about 1/4 mile to the Garfield Farm and Inn.

Putting this address into your GPS should get you there: 3N016 Garfield Road Campton Hills, IL 60175

More Information: 630 584-8485 or info@garfieldfarm.org

In preparation for the dig I would recommend a book (or internet search) on the topic to help the kids know what they are getting into. A book that we enjoyed a few years back and will probably reread again now is Archaeologists Dig for Clues. Written for early elementary kids this book will give a look into archeological terminology and methods.

St Charles library homeschool workshop

I attended this when I lived in St. Charles and found it helpful.

The librarians offer information on what the library offers, perks to being a St. Charles card holder and some of the lesser known resources at the library. In addition to the helpful info you can connect with other St. Charles homeschoolers. Contact them to register:

Greetings,

Our 2011 Homeschool Workshop is scheduled on Tuesday, August 30 from 10-11:15 am. We will be talking about our services and resources: Internet access, Live Homework Help, research strategies, literature programs, and more. Network with other homeschool parents from 11:15-11:45. You may register by contacting the ASK ME Desk at 630-584-9390. Thanks so much. See you in a couple of weeks.

~ Denise

Launch your year right

Cantigny Catapult Contest

Saturday, October 22, 11am

Overview

Catapults have a long history in warfare. We want you to build a working version of these war machines. The challenge is to build a catapult which is designed to throw a tennis ball as far as possible. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place distances. Most importantly, contestants get the chance to build a catapult, compete, and possibly earn eternal glory! This project is fun, exciting, and as easy or intricate as you want to make it.

Participants

  1. This contest is open to all catapult enthusiasts; no matter your age!
  2. Teams are allowed (and encouraged). No more than 4 people per team please.
  3. All participants must register in advance by filling out this registration form by October 15, 2011.

Specifications

  1. No ready-made kits. Each catapult must be designed, constructed, and launched by contestants.
  2. No part of the catapult can extend over 6 feet high.
  3. All catapults will be launched on a grass field. They must sit on the ground. No tables.
  4. The catapult cannot be staked into the ground.
  5. All catapults will fling tennis balls provided by the First Division Museum at Cantigny.
  6. Your catapult must have a triggering mechanism which will allow you to stand 2 feet away.
  7. No explosions or air pressure may be used to assist the performance of your catapult. In other words, the energy used to power your catapult must be provided by the device itself.
  8. Any type of hurling machine is acceptable: Ballista, Trebuchet, Mangonel, etc.

Scoring

Each group will be allowed three launches. The best launch will be used as your score. The longest launch wins. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place distances.

Sign Up Now

If you’d like to register for the contest, click here to download the entry form. After filling out the form, save it and email it to mtyer@firstdivisionmuseum.org. If you have any questions, please contact Melissa Tyer at 630 260 8274.
Please click this link for a printable flyer for your classroom:
http://www.firstdivisionmuseum.org/events/schedule/catapult.pdf

Might Macs screening tickets – giveaway

The Mighty Macs Screening

Contest time!

This is a great opportunity to win some tickets to a movie that I wish I was available to go see . . .

It’s 1971. Cathy Rush is a woman ahead of her time … and she’s about to embark on an adventure for the ages. THE MIGHTY MACS, coming to theaters October 21, is based on the inspiring true story of the original women’s basketball Cinderella team: tiny Immaculata College and their improbable run toward sports history!

The Maximus Group and Quaker Media invite you and a guest to a special pre-release showing of THE MIGHTY MACS, starring Carla Gugino, Marley Shelton, David Boreanaz, and Ellen Burstyn.

Honestly, the little blurb didn’t grab me, but after watching the preview, I knew I wanted to see this film:

A couple stipulations —  you must be able to attend this screening in Warrenville at this time and date and it is for adults only. So, look at it as a free date night! 🙂

Here’s the info for the screening:

09/06/2011
Regal Cantera 30
28250 Diehl Road
Warrenville, IL 60555
7:00 PM

You should receive an e-vite for a pair of tickets if you are a chosen winner.

Please only enter if you are able to use these tickets. You have until 6 pm CST August 27 to enter. I will pick the winners that evening.

I will choose 3 winners from the comments left to enter the contest. You can leave a second comment/entry if you mention this contest on facebook twitter, your email group, etc.

Kane County Forest Preserve happenings for homeschoolers

Thanks to Michele for forwarding this tidbit from the Tree Line publication of the Kane County Forest Preserve:

Homeschool Explorations

Join us for this nature program series designed for homeschool families. Each month, the program focuses on a different topic at a different forest preserve. Activities this fall include searching for insects, identifying trees, and observing squirrels. All ages are welcome, but the activities are designed for ages 5-10.

Insects

Tuesday, Sept. 13; 10-11:30 a.m.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W370 Dean St., St. Charles
Fee: $2/person or $8/family of 4 or more

Trees

Monday, Oct. 24; 10-11:30 a.m.
Hannaford Woods Forest Preserve
Merrill Road, 1 mile east of IL Route 47,
Sugar Grove
Fee: $2/person or $8/family of 4 or more

Squirrels

Wednesday, Nov. 16; 10-11:30 a.m.
Jon Duerr Forest Preserve
35W003 IL Rte. 31, South Elgin
Fee: $2/person or $8/family of 4 or more

Review — The Grace Card

The Grace Card
Now available, just released yesterday!
Everything can change in an instant … and take a lifetime to unravel. When Mac McDonald loses his son in an accident, the ensuing 17 years of bitterness and pain erodes his love for his family and leaves him angry with God … and just about everyone else. Mac’s rage stonewalls his career in the police department and makes for a combustible situation when he’s partnered with Sam Wright, a rising star on the force—who happens to be a part-time pastor and a loving family man.
Can they somehow join forces to help one another when it’s impossible for either of them to look past their differences—especially the most obvious one? Every day, we have the opportunity to rebuild relationships and heal deep wounds by extending and receiving God’s grace. Offer THE GRACE CARD … and never underestimate the power of God’s love.
Some nights I enjoy choosing a movie that my husband and I can watch together without kids and at the same time will encourage our faith and our commitment to family. Grace Card offers that. Because of its rating, PG-13, we would of course not watch this with the kids. It does contain a number of intense scenes due to the police work involved. Unlike other movies of this intensity though it does not contain any profanity.
The Grace Card will remind you of what is important in life and make you want to hold your precious family relationships a little closer. I don’t think we can give enough to keep communication open and strong between our kids and spouses.
You’ll cry, you’ll think, you’ll re-prioritize, and you’ll give your kids an extra hug goodnight.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services
mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I
only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255:
“Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Gym and Swim

Gym and Swim classes are enrolling around the Chicagoland area in preparation for the upcoming semester.

Please share if you know of one that is not listed here:

Naperville: YMCA

Meets on Fridays from 1-3:15

Age: 6-16
In the pool, children will be split up according to age and ability level which can range from beginner to competitive. We will cover the five components of YMCA swim lessons, which are personal safety, personal growth, water sports & games, and rescue to give your children a well-rounded aquatic lesson.

In the gym, children will be split up according to age. The younger group will be given a more traditional gym class that will teach the fundamentals of basketball, soccer and other group sports. The older group will be more focused on fitness, stationary cycling and group fitness.

Session: 11SEP (Sep 6-Oct 22) 1 day a week for 7 weeks

Session: 11OCT* (Oct 23-Dec 17) 1 day a week for 7 weeks

Elgin: The Centre

These classes are available Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday from 1-3. They have been known to fill up, so register soon!

If you’re home schooled, come out to The Centre and have some fun!! Our Gym and Swim program features a one hour swim lesson and a one hour physical education class each week. A variety of sports including basketball, soccer, and floor hockey will be played in our gym and kids will get some free time to swim in our awesome Adventure Island at the end of their swim lesson. The program is for all home schooled 5-15 year olds, and there are sessions offered on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Children may be registered for multiple sessions. Each session is ten weeks long, the first beginning on Tuesday, September 13. Come to The Centre to register today!! $54/R $64/NR

The Centre Front Desk is open Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For more information, please call Brett Lind, Youth and Teen Coordinator, at 847-531-7017.

I know there used to be one in Schaumburg, but could not find any current info on it, but I did come across this about homeschool programs at Spring Valley.

There’s got to be more gym and swim classes, but that’s all I can come up with right now. If you know of one or participate in one, please share!

Martial Arts in Elgin

Last week was birthday week in our house. And, as much as I love planning parties, I don’t mind a break now and then. So, I was thrilled that one of my daughters requested to have her party hosted at a martial arts facility to which she had earned a free party.

Before I share about our wonderful experience let me give you a peak into the behind the scenes activity. I called and set up a time for the party  and a couple days later received a phone call from the gentleman that would lead the class during the party. He asked, “Do you homeschool?” Of course, I told him we did. To which he responded that he had been homeschooled through high school. That got me excited right off the bat. But, that was only the beginning.

Kim’s Black Belt Academy hosted a well organized party. They took care of the RSVPs, followed up with people we had not heard back from and kept me in the loop every step of the way.

They made the cupcakes and lemonade, and filled the pinata. They kept the kids happy and moving for an hour and a half and even gave me the list of gifts and givers.

So, from the party stand point this was a great place to go. All the girls had a great time and they learned some new skills. Most of them had little or no martial arts experience, so this was a first for them. They all did a great job giving it a good effort and the instructors really helped them do their best and feel comfortable.

Oh, and they even video taped the party and sent out the video via email. How great is that?

I wanted to share about this not just so you would know about a great party place, but because they would like to start a martial arts class geared toward homeschoolers. After the quality experience we had with everyone there I was happy to share about this opportunity.

If you are wondering if this could be for you they even have a free trial option. You can set up a time to have a private lesson and get comfortable before you actually join a class.

They make an intentional effort to teach more than physical fitness. Kyuki-do focuses on character development as well. On their website they say this:

At our academy, we use the martial arts as a vehicle to develop the following traits in a child:
– Self-Esteem
– Self Discipline
– Focus and Concentration
– Confidence
– Physical Fitness
– Leadership
– Courtesy and Respect
– Positive Attitude
– Enthusiasm
– Teamwork
– Goal Setting
– Self-Control
– Better Listening

Many of these came up in just the short time that we enjoyed our party there. A series of classes would just deepen the growth in these areas. If you are looking for something fresh to add to your physical education for the upcoming school year I would encourage you to check out Kim’s Black Belt Academy. They have two locations, one in downtown Elgin and the other on the west side of the city, both with the same focus of building confident kids.

Swap Shop coming to Elburn

This is an amazing opportunity that I heard about kind of late in the game last time around. It is coming again in two weeks, so no excuses! You’ve got extra stuff, grown out of stuff, unneeded stuff to pass on to another family. And, you need bigger stuff, new stuff, different stuff for the new season, growing kids, and yourself. This is the event for you!

It’s the Back to
School Moms’ Swap Shop!

Open to the public August 19th and 20th

What is a Swap Shop you may be wondering? It is an opportunity for
moms to swap out their clothing as well as their children’s gently used
clothing, shoes, books, and toys for other sizes and items. Children’s
and adult accessories as well as furniture will be accepted. The event
is hosted by Authentic Moms, a local Christian mom’s group. Whose
desire is to follow 1 John 3:16-18 and to love with actions and truth,
not just words and speech. The Elburn Community Center will host
this year’s event in their gym. This event is free. The Swap Shop begins
Friday, August 19th with drop-offs taken from 10am till 7pm. The
swapping starts Saturday August 20th, 9am till 2pm.

All items remaining will be donated to Wayside Cross Ministries.
More Swap Shop events to follow, with a Christmas Swap
December 9th and 10th.

For more information feel free to email authenticmoms@gmail.com

In case you are wondering — yes, this is the real deal. This is a great volunteer run quarterly event to help us manage our homes and our finances better. You donate what you don’t need on Friday. They organize it and Saturday everyone is welcome to come pick out new stuff. I walked out with a few bags of new-to-us clothes for my whole family last time. I cannot tell you what a blessing this was. So, take advantage of this easy way to bless others and be blessed yourself!