Exploring a Wetland Join Kim Lohan for a hike to a beaver dam. Notes: This is an easy, relatively flat 1.8 mile hike. Bring: Water bottle, lunch and wear good walking shoes. Registration closes: 2023-03-15

Thursday, Mar 23, 2023

Crozet, VA

Beaver Den Join Kim Lohan for a hike to a beaver den. We will take a walk in the woods and learn in nature. This easy hike is 1.8 miles. We will explore trees, wetland plants, spy an eagle's nest and look for other forest dwellers. Once we arrive at the beaver den, we'll have a seat and eat our lunch and Kim will give a short talk about beaver characteristics. Notes: Children must stay with their parents and the group. Good walking shoes or rain boots are necessary. Pack water bottles and a lunch. All garbage must be taken out with you. This field trip will be held in Crozet, exact location emailed ahead of trip.

10:00AM - 01:00PM

Ages: 5-13

Participant children ages 5-13 $5.00 Adult: $0.00 Sibling under 5 years old $0.00

16/16

University of Virginia The University is an iconic public institution of higher education, boasting nationally ranked schools and programs, diverse and distinguished faculty, a major academic medical center and proud history as a renowned research university. Registration closes: 2023-03-01

Friday, Mar 24, 2023

Charlottesville VA

UVA Tour Historical tours are about an hour long and cover the history of the University of Virginia from its founding to the present day. Each tour is slightly different; feel free to ask your guide to cover specific information. Students and parents will be taken through the Rotunda and the Academical Village to gain insight to Thomas Jefferson’s vision of an institution of higher education and what the University has become since.

10:00AM - 11:00AM

Ages: 5+

Participant: $2.00 Adult: $2.00 Sibling Under 5 $2.00

28/40

State Climb Rock Climbing Gym and Aerial Silks Studio State Clim is a 501(c)3 nonprofit Rock Climbing Gym and Aerial Silks Studio. State Climb promotes social, mental, and emotional health through physical activity and community engagement. Registration closes: 2023-03-15

Friday, Mar 31, 2023

115 E Locust St, Culpeper, VA, 22701

Rock Climbing and Aerial Silks Participants will have a 2 hour block that they can free climb and/or work on the aerial silks. No experience necessary. Adults are welcome to participate! Shoe rental for climbing is included in the price. Staff will be available to help with belaying and working with the group for some climbing how-tos. A silks instructor will also be there to instruct those new to the sport on basic moves. Those who wish to try aerial silks should NOT wear jeans or decorative clothing with zippers/clasps/etc. Those under 13 years old will need to have a parent or guardian onsite with them while during the visit. ** Waivers must be completed prior to participation. This can be done onsite the day of, or if your child is carpooling with someone else (or just to save time on) please complete this ahead of time at stateclimb.com. You will need to set up a profile and add child(ren) as member(s) of your household to sign the waiver. ** FAQ and Parking Info: https://stateclimb.com/first-time-visitors Notes: Participating adults should register as participants. Adults who are attending but not participating should register as accompanying adults. I will send out more info to participants as we get closer and will invite interested field trip attendees to join us afterward at Rockwater park for picnic lunch, Fitcore Extreme obstacle course, 14 foot climbing boulder, playground and trails (weather permitting).

10:00AM - 12:00PM

Ages: 7+

Participant adults and students participating in climbing and/or silks $12.00 Chaperone non-participating adult $0.00 Sibling non-participating sibling $0.00

31/30

Frontier Culture Museum The Frontier Culture Museum is the biggest open-air living history museum in the Shenandoah Valley, as well as one of the highest rated family-friendly attractions and one of the top tourist destinations in Virginia. Registration closes: 2023-04-01

Wednesday, Apr 12, 2023

1290 Richmond Rd, Staunton, VA 24401

Frontier Culture Physical Education Program People in the past were far more active than most Americans today. This program engages students in historic outdoor games and work activities at various exhibits. This program supports Physical Education Standards. *Virginia Standards of Learning: K.1 K.4 1.1 1.4 2.1 2.4 3.1 3.4 4.1 4.4 5.1 5.4 6.1 6.4 7.1 7.4 8.1 8.4* Notes: Participants can bring a picnic lunch to enjoy with friends in the picnic area after the program. For those attending the scheduled program, admission is good for the day. If you intend to stay beyond the end of the program, please go to the Visitor Center to get wristbands. Physical activities in the program will be geared for ages 8-18, however parents can opt to have their children ages 6 and up register as a participant if they feel the program would be appropriate for them. Children ages 5 and under should register as a sibling and are free.

10:00AM - 12:00PM

Ages: 6-18

Participant: $7.00 Adult: $9.00 Sibling children 5 and under $0.00

38/50

Westmoreland State Park Westmoreland is one of Virginia's oldest state parks. Located in the Northern Neck along the Potomac River, the shoreline possesses an abundance of fossils from the Miocene (and even some newer eras). Registration closes: 2023-04-22

Tuesday, Apr 25, 2023 - Friday, Apr 28, 2023

145 Cliff Rd, Montross, VA 22520

		Group Camping We have reserved the large group campsite in loop C at Westmoreland State Park. https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/westmoreland#cabins_camping Notes: There is room for 4-6 vehicles at the group site parking, though it's tight. Extra vehicles will need to park a short walk away in the overflow/trail parking at the entrance to the camp loop. The showerhouse is across the street--a very short walk and within sight. The group site has a very large tent pad, which all tents must stay on. There's a large central fire ring, some picnic tables, and a couple of grills adjacent to the tent pad. The state burn regulations are still in effect in April. If there is no campground host, only gas stoves are permitted until 4pm. No campfires or charcoal--even in the ring or grills. If there is a camp host, we will be permitted to have fires during the day. Participants should be able to prepare breakfast/lunch without wood fire/charcoal on the off chance that there is no camp host in the park.	Tue, Apr 25, 04:00PM - Fri, Apr 28, 01:00PM	Ages: 5-18	Participant: $15.00 Adult: $15.00 Sibling Under 5 $0.00	13/40
		Ranger-Guided Hike The ranger is still refining the program offerings, however, it is likely (but not set in stone) that this hike will include the fossil beach on the Potomac.	Wed, Apr 26, 10:30AM - Wed, Apr 26, 12:00PM	Ages: All ages	Participant: $3.00 Adult: $3.00 Sibling: $3.00	22/40

George Washington Birthplace Just a short drive from Westmoreland State Park for those joining CHEC's camping trip, George Washington Birthplace National Monument is located in the Northern Neck of Virginia. It encompasses 551 acres of the former Popes Creek Plantation, the American ancestral home of the Washington Family where George Washington was born. In addition to a Colonial Revival farm, burial ground, visitor center, and historic structures, the park also has picnic grounds and a public beach. Registration closes: 2023-04-22

Thursday, Apr 27, 2023

1732 Popes Creek Road Colonial Beach, Virginia 22443

Guided and Self Guided Tours Just a short drive from Westmoreland State Park for those joining CHEC's camping trip, join us for a ranger-led tour of the George Washington Birthplace National Monument located in the Northern Neck of Virginia. It encompasses 551 acres of the former Popes Creek Plantation, the American ancestral home of the Washington Family where George Washington was born. In addition to a Colonial Revival farm, burial ground, visitor center, and historic structures, the park also has picnic grounds and a public beach. Notes: This is not a private tour, so we may be joined by other members of the community. The tour takes place at 2:30pm (and lasts 45 minutes), but it is recommend that everyone arrive 30 minutes early. We will also try to get there even earlier to enjoy lunch at the picnic area and some time at the beach first. After the tour, the remainder of the park is self-guided. The rangers also recommend picking up junior ranger books to work on during the visit.

02:00PM - 03:30PM

Ages: 0-100

Participant: $0.00 Adult: $0.00 Sibling: $0.00

21/50

Crozet Creamery Reminiscent of a bygone era, Crozet Creamery makes your favorite ice cream flavors in small batches from scratch daily using the finest ingredients. Come enjoy our hand crafted flavors in the heart of Crozet—one of the most comfortable and beautiful spots in Albemarle County. Crozet Creamery's taste bud and diet inclusive menu features dairy-free options too. Notes: Two tour times are be available. Both tours will be identical in content, so attendees will want to select 1. Registration closes: 2023-04-22

Wednesday, May 03, 2023

2025 Library Avenue, Crozet VA 22932

		Shop Tour and Demonstration (Option 1) Student participants will tour the ice cream shop and talk about how ice cream is made. Our guide will make a gallon batch, and give a waffle cone demonstration. The trip includes student choice of ice cream scoop at the end. Notes: There is plenty of room for adults to wait and watch while students are behind the counter, and adults and younger/non-participant siblings may purchase scoops at the end of the trip for regular price if they wish. Children under age 5 should be registered as a sibling and will stay with parents during trip. 2 tour times are being offered to allow for more participants to attend. Attendees should register for only 1 tour as both will cover the same content.	10:00AM - 10:45AM	Ages: 5-18	Participant: $11.00 Adult: $0.00 Sibling under age 5 (non-participant) $0.00	24/27
		Shop Tour and Demonstration (Option 2) Student participants will tour the ice cream shop and talk about how ice cream is made. Our guide will make a gallon batch, and give a waffle cone demonstration. The trip includes student choice of ice cream scoop at the end. Notes: There is plenty of room for adults to wait and watch while students are behind the counter, and adults and younger/non-participant siblings may purchase scoops at the end of the trip for regular price if they wish. Children under age 5 should be registered as a sibling and will stay with parents during trip. 2 tour times are being offered to allow for more participants to attend. Attendees should register for only 1 tour as both will cover the same content.	11:00AM - 11:45AM	Ages: 5-18	Participant: $11.00 Adult: $0.00 Sibling under age 5 (non-participant) $0.00	22/24

Wildrock ce in nature for family bonding, creative play, and quiet reflection. Wildrock creates joyful experiences that counteract the stresses of daily life and inspire a healing relationship with the natural wWildrock is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting Nature Play for Health and Happiness. Registration closes: 2023-04-22

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

6600 Blackwells Hollow Road Crozet, VA 22932

		Nature Playscape Free Play Geared toward PreK-6th graders, this program is for those wanting the maximum amount of time for free play and exploration on the three-acre nature playscape. Find over twelve play zones inviting imaginative play. Climb on a giant oak “Sally Mander,” discover an oversize nest with wooden eggs, make mud pies in nature’s kitchen, and wade in a spring-fed stream. The Playscape may be enjoyed by all ages, however, most play elements are geared to children three to twelve. Notes: Parking is limited to 26 spaces, so if CHEC ends up having a large number of participants, you may be asked to park at the nearby park (a 5 minute walk to WildRock) Pack a lunch if you wish to stay from 12:30-1pm and picnic. Wildrock asks that visitors pack out all garbage from snack and lunch. Rain or Shine! Wildrock does not cancel programs due to weather except in extreme conditions. A signed waiver is required for participants and will be distributed prior to the trip. Additional FAQs for what to bring/wear and parking will be distributed to participants prior to the trip.	10:00AM - 12:30PM	Ages: 3-10	Participant: $10.00 Adult: $10.00 Sibling babies in arms $0.00	29/50
		Eco-Escape Room: Mystery in the Meadow Geared toward grades 6 and up, students divide into small groups to tackle ecology-themed challenges all across Wildrock’s campus. Challenges introduce stewardship principles and some of the ecological processes unfolding at Wildrock every day. Each team brings back what they have learned for a capstone conversation at the end of the 2 hour challenge. The narrative for the escape room is campy, involving mysterious beings that have trapped Wildrock in time, and requires participants to investigate several processes in nature that take time. Scientific discussion may include topics such as erosion, succession, decomposition, ecosystem engineers, and seed dispersal. Participants will have time during the escape room to experience the property and roam freely on the Discovery Loop trail with peers. Notes: Parking is limited to 26 spaces, so if CHEC ends up having a large number of participants, you may be asked to park at the nearby park (a 5 minute walk to WildRock) Pack a lunch if you wish to stay from 12:30-1pm and picnic. Wildrock asks that visitors pack out all garbage from snack and lunch. Rain or Shine! - Wildrock does not cancel programs due to weather except in extreme conditions. A signed waiver is required for participants and will be distributed prior to the trip. Additional FAQs for what to bring/wear and parking will be distributed to participants prior to the trip.	10:00AM - 12:30PM	Ages: 11-18	Participant: $10.00 Chaperone participating adult $10.00 Sibling: $0.00	10/25

Greenbank Observatory Operated by the National Science Foundation, the Green Bank Observatory has made a number of major scientific breakthroughs and offers a variety of educational workshops and activities for students of all ages. The Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT) in Green Bank, West Virginia is the largest fully steerable radio telescope in the United States and the world. Astronomers use Green Bank radio telescopes to observe the naturally occurring radio waves that come from stars, planets, galaxies, clouds of dust, and molecules of gas. Notes: The Observatory is about a 3 hour one-way drive from Charlottesville. For those interested in overnighting for Friday May 26 activities, please see field trip program listing "West Virginia Overnight at Snowshoe (Book Your Own Room)" for suggested lodgings. https://greenbankobservatory.org/visit/getting-here/ Registration closes: 2023-05-01

Thursday, May 25, 2023

155 Observatory Rd, Green Bank, WV 24944

		Lunch and Exhibit Hall (Option 1 - Pizza) If you choose this option, you are opting to buy pizza lunch. The cost per person covers two slices of cheese or pepperoni pizza, a small salad, and a bottled drink. There will also be an option to explore "Catching the Wave" Exhibit Hall, and/or play outdoors during lunch time.	11:30AM - 12:40PM	Ages: 0-100	Participant 18 and under $10.00 Chaperone Adults $10.00 Sibling: $10.00	17/50
		Lunch and Exhibit Hall (Option 2 - Bring Your Lunch) If you choose this option, you are opting to bring your own lunch. There will also be an option to explore "Catching the Wave" Exhibit Hall, and/or play outdoors during lunch time.	11:30AM - 12:40PM	Ages: 0-100	Participant 18 and under $0.00 Chaperone Adults $0.00 Sibling: $0.00	20/50
		Observatory Tour and Educational Workshops The tour includes a presentation about radio astronomy and the work done at Green Bank Observatory, followed by a bus tour of the campus to see the telescopes! The Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT) in Green Bank, West Virginia is the largest fully steerable radio telescope in the United States and the world. Astronomers use Green Bank radio telescopes to observe the naturally occurring radio waves that come from stars, planets, galaxies, clouds of dust, and molecules of gas. Participants will also enjoy 3 educational workshops (see program notes to vote for your preferred workshop topics). Notes: Students and a maximum of 1 parent/adult educator per family should register as participants, paying only the small CHEC admin fee. Additional adults coming with a family (spouses, partners, grandparents etc.) are asked to register as accompanying adults. Their $13 cost includes the museum's standard visitor charge and a small CHEC admin fee. Accompanying adult participation includes the guided bus Tour, exhibit hall entry, and science presentation. Accompanying adults will be able to participate in the workshops if there is extra space. Costs for this program does not include lunch, which you have the option of purchasing through a separate program registration. Registrants are asked to complete the following survey to indicate which workshops they are most interested in. The observatory will tally responses and conduct the 3 workshops that score highest for the group. PLEASE NOTE that while most workshop options are for all ages, there are several that are for 3rd or or 5th grade and up. If any of these workshops are selected, your younger child is welcome to attend but content will be geared for a slightly older crowd. Survey: https://forms.gle/QcxbYF4mc7g7Cqcv6 If you are unable to complete the survey form, email Joyce (joyce.smaragdis@gmail.com) to select your workshop choices.	12:45PM - 05:30PM	Ages: 0-100	Participant children ages 6-18 AND parent/adult educators (1 educator per family) $2.00 Chaperone adults NOT registering as the parent educator for the family $13.00 Sibling children 5 and under $0.00	35/50

West Virginia Overnight at Snowshoe (Book Your Own Room) For those attending CHEC activities in West Virginia on May 25th and 26th who wish to book overnight lodgings, the following options are available: OPTION 1) Lodging at the base of the mountain/off the highway: Inn at Snowshoe (2.5 star Motel) - CHEC Discounted Rate (tell them you are with CHEC to get this rate): $90.76 (inclusive of taxes and fees/subject to change) 877.441.4386 https://www.snowshoemtn.com/plan-your-trip/lodging/the-inn-at-snowshoe (reviews: https://www.expedia.com/Snowshoe-Hotels-The-Inn-At-Snowshoe.h5800682.Hotel-Reviews) OPTION 2) Lodging at the top of the mountain/in the Village: Alleghany Springs $255 (no group rate available) (1 queen bed and pull out sofa, inclusive of taxes and fees/subject to change) - (reviews: https://www.expedia.com/Snowshoe-Hotels-Allegheny-Springs.h5798666.Hotel-Information) OPTION 3) Other lodging options can be found on VRBO, Expedia, other travel sites and here: https://www.snowshoemtn.com/plan-your-trip/ OPTION 4) West Virginia State Parks, Cass Company Houses: https://wvstateparks.com/places-to-stay/cabins/cass-scenic-railroad-cabins/ Notes: For those attending the steam train field trip on May 26, the Cass Scenic Railroad train station (Cass Depot) is a 25-minute drive from Snowshoe Village. Registration closes: 2023-05-01

Thursday, May 25, 2023 - Friday, May 26, 2023

Snowshoe, WV

Pearl Buck Birthplace Pearl Buck (1892-1973) was born in Hillsboro, West Virginia. She grew up in China, where her parents were missionaries, and returned to the United States where she was educated at Randolph-Macon Woman’s College. Pearl Buck earned a Pulitzer Prize for her novel “The Good Earth,” and she was the first American woman to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. The Pearl S. Buck Birthplace museum is a historic home in Hillsboro, West Virginia. Notes: The museum is a 1 hour drive from the Cass Scenic Railroad for those also attending that activity. Registration closes: 2023-05-01

Friday, May 26, 2023

8129 Seneca Trail , Hillsboro, WV, 24946, USA

Pearl Buck Birthplace Group Tour CHEC’s field trip will include a curated tour of Pearl Buck's birthplace home, her literature and life accomplishments. https://pocahontascountywv.com/pearl-s-buck-birthplace/

02:30PM - 04:00PM

Ages: 0-100

Participant children ages 6-18 $16.00 Chaperone adults $16.00 Sibling children 5 and under $0.00

7/20

Cass Scenic Railroad Cass Scenic Railroad State Park is a state park and heritage railroad located in Cass, Pocahontas County, West Virginia. The park includes the Cass Scenic Railroad, an 11-mile long heritage railway operated by the Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad. Registration closes: 2023-05-01

Friday, May 26, 2023

Cass Depot, 12363 Cass Road, Cass, WV, 24927

Cass Scenic Whittaker Trip The Cass Scenic Railroad is the same line built in 1901 to haul lumber to the mill in Cass. The locomotives are the same Shay locomotives used in Cass during that time, and in the rain forests of British Columbia for more than a half-century. Many of the passenger cars are old logging cars that have been refurbished. CHEC’s 2-hour steam train ride to Whittaker Station will depart from the Cass depot for an eight-mile round trip excursion that includes a 30-minute layover at the top of the mountain where you can enjoy the views and a snack. Cass is the home to the world’s largest fleet of geared Shay locomotives. Five Shays, one Heisler, and one Climax reside here. The legendary turn-of-the-century class C-80 Shay, #5 has been toiling up Cheat Mountain for 115 years, making it one of the oldest engines in continuous service on its original line, and the oldest operable Shay in existence! Trip Summary Departing the Cass depot, the trip to Whittaker Station takes two hours for the eight-mile round trip. Passing the water tower and machine shop, the railroad begins to climb lower slopes of Cheat Mountain along picturesque Leatherbark Creek. The train then zigzags through two switchbacks, the engines alternately pushing then pulling passenger cars because the grade is so steep. After passing the entrance to Cass Cave, the railroad levels off for the stop at Whittaker Station, surrounded by green meadows and fine views of the countryside. There is a cool, shady picnic grove with tables where excursionists may rest and enjoy the scenery. Notes: Arrive 10:30. Train departs at 11am and returns at 1pm.

10:30AM - 01:00PM

Ages: 0-100

Participant children 4 -11 years old $44.00 Chaperone ages 12 and up $61.00 Sibling children 3 and under $0.00

26/50

Museum of the Shenandoah Valley The mission of the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley is to preserve and enrich the cultural life and heritage of the Valley. Registration closes: 2023-05-15

Thursday, Jun 01, 2023

901 Amherst Street, Winchester, VA 22601

		Gallery Tour This will be a guided tour through the museum galleries to include the work of John Chumley (1928–1984), one of the Shenandoah Valley’s foremost twentieth-century painters. Painting from a studio on his farm in Middletown, Virginia, John Chumley immortalized the Valley’s natural and built landscape, its people, and his growing family. His mastery of the realist style and his adept manipulation of light and color resulted in works that elevated the everyday to the exceptional. With Lyric Brush: John Chumley’s Valley presents nearly forty of John Chumley’s works as well as several objects that served as props and inspiration for the artist’s paintings. The exhibition also features works by three of John Chumley’s children who continued the family’s artistic legacy into the next generation. In addition to the changing gallery noted above, we may stop in one or more of the other galleries time permitting: The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley (MSV) contains four gallery spaces: In the Shenandoah Valley Gallery, objects, multi-media presentations, and dioramas explore the sweep of Valley history, and two additional rooms display changing exhibitions highlighting the Valley’s decorative arts. The Founders Gallery presents rotating exhibitions featuring objects from the MSV Shenandoah Valley Collection and the collection acquired by MSV benefactor Julian Wood Glass Jr. The R. Lee Taylor Miniatures Gallery is home to a fascinating collection of furnished miniature houses and rooms assembled by R. Lee Taylor (1924–2000), the Museum’s late Curator of Gardens. This gallery also presents four miniature shadowboxes created by Valley miniatures artist William P. Massey (active late 1930s to late 1940s). The Changing Exhibitions Gallery displays continually changing exhibitions throughout the year.	10:00AM - 11:30AM	Ages: 2-18	Participant: $2.00 Adult: $2.00 Sibling babies in arms $0.00	21/50
		Garden Tour - Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects® Made with LEGO® Bricks Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects® Made with LEGO® Bricks is an award-winning exhibition that uses beautiful works of art made from simple toy blocks to explore animal endangerment, the balance of ecosystems, and mankind’s relationship with nature. From the proud power of a mother polar bear to the quiet serenity of a coral reef, the exhibition’s 13 displays of Sean Kenney’s art spark a sense of wonder in people of all ages. Notes: We will plan to meet in the Museum Lobby at 12:30pm before heading to the gardens for our tour. Dress appropriately for weather as our tour will be outdoors in the museum gardens. Everyone will get a sticker when we begin the tour that will allow access to the museum galleries at no extra cost if you wish to stay longer after the garden tour. There are also trails open for exploration if you wish to stay after. Babies in arms are free. All other participants should register as either a participant or accompanying adult.	12:30PM - 02:00AM	Ages: 2-18	Participant: $5.00 Adult: $5.00 Sibling babies in arms $0.00	32/50

Frys Spring Beach Club Registration closes: 2023-06-02

Monday, Jun 05, 2023

2512 Jefferson Park Ave

CHEC Pool Party! Come join CHEC for our annual end-of-the-year pool party at Fry's Spring Beach Club! The party runs from 10:30am until 2:30pm (please make sure to be out of the beach club by 2:30pm). The beach club has a large pool, playground, tennis courts, a snack bar, and more! There are usually beach chairs available, but you might want to bring your own, as well as towels, sunscreen, and water. When you get to the beach club, just tell the person behind the check-in desk that you are with CHEC. Notes: The cost is $10 for kids under 18 and $12 for adults.

10:30AM - 02:30PM

Ages: 0-100

Participant Ages 0-18 $10.00 Chaperone 18+ $12.00 Sibling: $10.00

85/100