Courses

Majors: By Category | Alphabetically
Minors: By Category | Alphabetically

Stream Fish Frenzy - CLASS FULL

Ages 7+ (Will be assigned with students of similar ages) - CLASS FULL

Dr. Travis Wilcoxen

Many people are familiar with large fish that live in the Illinois River, but may not be as familiar with the many different kinds of small fish that make creeks and small streams their home. In this minor, we will use different types of nets and traps to survey sections of Crow Creek for small fish, such as shiners, darters and dace. Students will learn about the diet and behavior of each type of fish and how to identify them. Ages 7+

Nature, ScienceSharon OberyJanuary 24, 2023Minor

Wildlife Watching with Lewis - CLASS FULL

Ages 7+ - CLASS FULL

Brian Fox Ellis

We will learn edible and medicinal herbs and play Native Games.

Nature, CultureConcentric DesignJanuary 24, 2023Minor

Yes, And!

Ages 10+

Students will spend the afternoon learning the basic skills of IMPROV! From creating strong characters to telling short stories, we will have fun doing exercises and playing games to help become strong improvisational performers.

PerformanceConcentric DesignJanuary 24, 2023Minor

Ancestral Survival Arts (ASAP) - Woods Wisdom - CLASS FULL

All Day Major • Ages 8-12 - CLASS FULL

This class is for younger students interested in learning survival skills. The focus of this class will be to learn experientially as we discover our innate woods wisdom and deepen our relationship with ourselves, one another and the earth. We will make fires by rubbing sticks together, learn shelters, how to purify water, basic tracking and practice awareness exercises. We will be spending time immersed in nature, playing in the creek and learning about the local flora and fauna.

SurvivalConcentric DesignFebruary 6, 2019Major

Ancestral Survival Arts (ASAP) - The Way of the Woods - CLASS FULL

All Day Major • Ages 12+ - CLASS FULL

This class is for older students interested in learning or fine tuning survival skills. We will practice skills such as fire, shelter, cordage and tracking while immersing ourselves in the woods of the farm with awareness practices and games. We will learn natural camouflage and rely on the interdependence of the class community as we learn how to stalk animals and move across the landscape quietly without disturbance.

SurvivalConcentric DesignFebruary 6, 2019Major

Budding Artists - CLASS FULL

Pee Wee • Ages 5-7 - CLASS FULL

In this class, students will create our very own masterpieces, trek though nature and explore science in the outdoors. We will use clay, paint, and other art materials to create art. Join us as we explore the marsh, forest, and trails on this exciting adventure. Gear up for a week of games, play-based learning, and fun while we capture the beauty around us!

Nature, Science, ArtSharon OberyFebruary 6, 2019Pee Wee, Major

The Camp Musical - CLASS FULL

Ages 8-14 - CLASS FULL

This year campers will learn, rehearse and perform in the world premier of “Bananular! The Banana Phone Musical”. Students will learn audition skills before auditioning and being cast in a musical production that will be performed at the end of the week. Throughout the class students will learn and develop skills in music, improvisation and acting. This class will be an all-day major Tuesday, Thursday and Friday – so students will only have minors on Monday and Wednesday. STUDENTS MUST BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN FRIDAY EVENING PERFORMANCE!

PerformanceConcentric DesignFebruary 6, 2019Major

Clay Creations - CLASS FULL

Ages 10+ - CLASS FULL

Ella Brown Dunn

Students will experience various techniques specific to clay with both guided and free expression time as well. Students will leave with a foundation of how to make both sculptural as well as functional ceramic art this is glaze fired. All experience levels are welcome!

ArtConcentric DesignFebruary 6, 2019Major

Coyote Warriors - CLASS FULL

All Day Major • Ages 13+ - CLASS FULL

Luke McNally & Damien Schierer

More than a game, Coyote Warriors builds upon a foundation of athletics to teach young people about teamwork, conflict, work ethic, awareness and maintaining a healthy mind and body. This course is about building confidence in teens. By facing hard work and struggle in a fun environment, we equip students with tools to better prepare for work and school beyond nature’s classroom. Coyote Warriors relies upon an ancestral understanding of team sports blended with modern science and a hint of the spiritual. It is a chance to escape the contemporary world, examine ourselves in nature, and return to the challenges of modern life with new training for adulthood. Ironically, these lofty ideals are achieved through not trying too hard, from the ground up . . . from a foundation that starts with lots of running and team rivalry. Please note, scholarships are not available for this class.

Survival, NatureConcentric DesignFebruary 6, 2019Major

Drawing & Sculpting from Nature - CLASS FULL

Ages 8 - 12 - CLASS FULL

Sharon Bladholm

We will explore immediate diverse habitats, such as the woods, prairie, marsh and river. We’ll take our sketch books with us making nature notes and then return to our barn to explore the amazing forms and colors of nature. We will also work from a diverse set of scientific specimens including preserved turtles, frogs, fish, mud puppies, and crayfish We take them out of their jars and can get up close and personal using them as inspiration for both drawing, watercolors and sculptural work in self-hardening clay. We will also have other natural history specimens such as bones, skulls, dried plants, seeds and pods, and marine specimens to provide inspiration

Art, NatureConcentric DesignFebruary 6, 2019Major

Fiber Arts in the Forest

Ages 10+

Students will use a variety of fiber arts with an emphasis on the importance of reducing pollution by repurposing materials from “trash” and using natural and non-polluting dyes. The class will learn about the power of the slow arts – not just as a technique, but as a philosophy that fosters patience, connection and mindfulness. Students will be encouraged to slow down, engage with their materials thoughtfully, and make something both beautiful and purposeful from the world around them. By the end of the week, students will have various projects to bring home and we will work on a class project together, often inspired by the class itself as their mindful moments often allow for expanded creativity! Ages 10+

ArtConcentric DesignFebruary 6, 2019Major

Forest & Prairie Ecology

Ages 8-12

Susie Grana Ingram

Spend a week exploring the Sun Foundation’s natural spaces and the living things that build healthy ecosystems! In addition to plenty of hiking and science-based field activities, we’ll also build a mini museum collection of our favorite findings and research how they contribute to our environment.

Nature, ScienceConcentric DesignFebruary 6, 2019Major

Foxfire - CLASS FULL

Ages 11 + - CLASS FULL

Daniel Fitzpatrick

Come explore some of the older ways of cooking, processing foods, foraging, processing wild game, using plant dyes, making lip balm, candles, homemade kites and fermentation.

Nature, Survival, CultureConcentric DesignFebruary 6, 2019Major

Getting Familiar with Reptiles - CLASS FULL

Ages 8-12 - CLASS FULL

We will explore the Sun Foundation property, looking for native reptiles and amphibians. We will show you how to find and identify animals. We will discuss what they eat and how to take care of them. You’ll get to catch, touch and hold them. Plan to get hot, wet and dirty! Please make sure to wear clothes that are appropriate. Class will be all day on Wednesday.

Science, NatureConcentric DesignFebruary 6, 2019Major

Little Explorers

Pee Wee • Ages 5-7

This class is an introduction to the Sun Foundation. Children will develop an appreciation for nature’s beauty and an understanding of their connection with the environment. Students will complete fun art projects, learn about nature, hike, play games, visit the marsh and look for fossils in the dry creek bed.

Art, Nature, ScienceConcentric DesignFebruary 6, 2019Major, Pee Wee

Microscopic Explorations!

Ages 8-12

Dr. Megan Jaskowiak

This class provides an introduction to a fascinating world that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Children will learn how to use several different types of microscopes. They will learn to sample, identify, and develop microscopy skills while studying the samples brought back from different sites.

Science, NatureSharon OberyFebruary 6, 2019Major

Mixed Media Makers - CLASS FULL

Ages 7-10 - CLASS FULL

Students will work in a variety of mixed media: drawing, painting, printmaking, weaving, paper mache, clay, cardboard and natural materials to create 2D & 3D art. They will learn about other mixed media artists and cultures who use these methods for creating art. The ultimate goal being to create and have fun!

ArtSharon OberyFebruary 6, 2019Major

Mural, Mural, Mural!

Ages 10+

This class offers students the opportunity to collaborate on creating a large-scale mural. Participants will learn various mural-making techniques, including design planning, surface preparation and painting methods. The class emphasizes teamwork, creativity and the practical aspects of bringing a mural from concept to completion.

Art, NatureConcentric DesignFebruary 6, 2019Major

Mythological Forest Creatures - CLASS FULL

Ages 7–11 - CLASS FULL

Gretchen Fitzpatrick

Have you ever wondered if fairies, gnomes, Bigfoot or other mythological creatures really exist? In this class we believe! Campers will spend the week exploring the many mythological creatures that live deep in the forest. Students will make art in clay, painting and found objects. They will also learn basic skills of tracking, camouflage and wild edible herbs through games and stories. Of course, camp wouldn’t be complete without some games, songs and creating a mythological creature of their own.

Nature, Art, SurvivalConcentric DesignFebruary 6, 2019Major

Patchwork and Flow

Ages 10+

Discover the art of patchwork and bring your creative ideas to life! In this class you can design custom patches, create a patchwork hat, dye and personalize a T-shirt, or craft a unique bandana. Feel free to tackle one project or explore them all! We’ll start with a simple sketch to plan your design. From there, you’ll use fabric paint and hand sewing techniques to make your vision a reality. This class is open to all skill levels – whether you’re a beginner or experienced, there’s something for everyone.

Nature, ArtConcentric DesignFebruary 6, 2019Major