Wild Indigo Life Learners

Splash Country Water Park, - Aurora, IL

2011-08-19T04:39:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Pauline for organizing this day! It was a perfect way to spend a hot summer day.

Summer Park Rotation

2011-05-08T12:31:00.001-07:00

1st Wednesday - Kelly Park, Wheaton
2nd Wednesday - Seven Gables, Wheaton
3rd Wednesday - Country Lakes, Naperville
4th Wednesday - Lake Ellyn Park, Glen Ellyn

*Park location is subject to change.

Aurora Regional Fire Museum

2011-02-03T08:11:00.000-08:00

Aurora Regional Fire Museum

Aunt Nina's Sweet and Treats

2010-12-24T03:41:00.000-08:00

Our last outing before the holiday season was spent indulging in some yummy treats while touring Aunt Nina's Sweets and Treats. The staff was kind enough to give us a tour of their delightful store along with some fun games and of course lots of taste testing! This was perfect for children of all ages!

Happy Holidays to each of you and thank you for adding a little spice to our life learning adventures.

WONC - Tour of Naperville Radio Station

2010-11-20T10:34:00.000-08:00

We were welcomed to WONC in downtown Naperville by a very cheerful freshman. She did an awesome job of showing us around the station and answering questions.

At the end, the kids were able to say "hi" to the listeners.

Isle La Cache

2010-11-15T06:43:00.000-08:00

On the 10th of November, WILL kids enjoyed an afternoon of learning about Native American Games. We found out that the games weren't only for fun but generally also taught children the skills needed for many of the daily chores and for bigger events. I think kids of all ages enjoyed the day outdoors moving!

Enviromental Learning Center

2010-10-26T08:59:00.000-07:00

Click in the picture to see the album.

This are the pictures of the Environmental Learning Center. We had such a wonderful fall day with the kids... lots of walking, discovering and learning about animals...

Mokena Environmental Learning Center

2010-10-24T09:49:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday a group of almost 30 kids attended Mokena Enviromental Learning Center's classes on Wild Edible Herbs, Animal Tracks, and Dead Logs. It was a gorgeous day to be out moving and learning.

Not Back To School Picnic 2010

2010-09-08T17:48:00.000-07:00

Wild Indigo Life Learner's Not Back To School Picnic was spent in a setting full of possibilities.

Friendships were explored....

Food was eaten.....

And there was plenty of fun.

Thanks Cote and family for hosting our picnic. Also, thanks to everyone who came out today to celebrate having our children at home to learn in a free environment. Together we made this a perfect day!

WILL Summer Fun!

2010-08-04T06:52:00.000-07:00

Batavia Beach

Phillips Park

Park day pics

2010-07-04T16:42:00.000-07:00

I love the silly faces photo.

Enjoy!

Summer Park Rotation

2010-05-24T19:28:00.000-07:00

Summer Schedule 2010
(June-September)
*Meeting Time: 1:00-3:30

Week #1 (First Wednesday of the month)
Country Lakes, Naperville
This park has a great playground and huge hill the kids enjoy running on.
It also has several covered tables.
1835 North Aurora Road (Entrance to the park is off of Genesse Drive)
Naperville Park District Website:
http://www.napervilleparks.org/parksfacilities/

September 1: Not Back To School Picnic (location TBD)

Week #2 (Second Wednesday of the month)
Hudson Crossing Park, Oswego
Great for wading in water, catching crayfish or playing on equipment.
Washington Street (U.S. Rt. 34) at Harrison Street in downtown Oswego
Oswego Park District Website: http://www.oswegolandparkdistrict.org/

Week #3 (Third Wednesday of the month)
Seven Gables, Wheaton
Provides playground equipment for toddlers as well as older kids as well
as bike paths, soccer field and open area for free play.
North on Naperville Road to Danada Drive. Left on Danada to Brighton.
Right on Brighton to Winner's Cup. Right on Winner's Cup to park on right.
Wheaton Park District Website: http://www.wheatonparkdistrict.com/

Week #4 (Fourth Wednesday of the month)
Naperville Riverwalk, Naperville
Walking distance to Naperville, playground equipment and more.
Take west Jefferson off Washington. Make a left hand turn at last parking entrance. Follow until right turn which takes you to the parking near equipment.

Week # 5 (Fifth Wednesday in June)
Cantigny - Military Vehicles Display
http://www.firstdivisionmuseum.org/museum/exhibits/vehicles/default.aspx#M3_half_truck

*Please note that park locations may change without notice on the blog.

More park pictures!

2010-05-10T10:17:00.000-07:00

Click here to open the album

Minds at play.

2010-05-09T12:14:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to post this picture because I just LOVE IT!

April2010

2010-05-02T18:39:00.000-07:00

I am trying something new. This photo is a link to a web album with more of the park day pictures. Click the picture to see more pictures. If you don't like the new format let me know.

May 2010

2010-04-28T06:29:00.000-07:00

May 5 and 7, NOW Foods Tour, 9:45-11ish (Contact: Kim D.)
The tour begins at 10:00 am. They are asking us to arrive 15 minutes early to
distribute badges. Dates for families to tour NOW foods and directions will be emailed.

May 12, Cosley Zoo, Wheaton, 12-3:00
1356 North Gary Ave. Wheaton, Illinois 60187
See farm animals, picnic, and play.

May 19, Hudson Crossing Park, Oswego, 12-3
Washington Street (U.S. Rt. 34) at Harrison Street in downtown Oswego
Hudson Crossing Park is great for wading in water, catching crayfish or playing on equipment. Also walking distance to downtown Oswego.

May 26, Fischel Park, Downers Grove, 12-3
1000 Grove St, Downers Grove, IL 60515
This park offers a playground and is close to the downtown area where the older kids can wander through town, but still be close by.

Jurica Nature Litttle Ones II

2010-04-16T14:53:00.000-07:00

Jurica Field trips....younger kids

2010-04-16T14:52:00.000-07:00

Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum - Teens

2010-04-04T09:49:00.000-07:00

On this bright sunny day, Wild Indigo Life Learners met at Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum in Lisle. While the younger crowd explored the museum, the "teen" group was given a tour of the campus by a freshman museum student. Afterwards they headed back to the museum for a little of their own exploration time in the museum.

2010-03-27T13:58:00.000-07:00

Wild Indigo Life Learners
April 2010

*This month our schedule will be determined by Mother Nature. If the forecast looks warm enough to offer a park day by 5:00 the Tuesday evening before our scheduled event, we will cancel the indoor activity and plan to be outside instead.

April 7 12:00/1:00-3:00 Option Day – We will have two options scheduled for today. Choose what works best for your family.
Option A: Ice skating 1-3
The public skate time at Darien Sportsplex is from 1-3 every weekday.
Skating costs 5$ for residents, 6$ for non-residents and 2$ extra if you need to rent skates.
There is a tiny game room and a good size area with tables to sit/play games/eat lunch at.
http://www.dariensportsplex.com/
Option B: Fishel Park, Downers Grove 12:00-1:00
This park is located just off the corner of Grove and Main Street.

April 14 12:00/1:00-3:00
Plan A: Naperville River Walk Park, Downtown Naperville, 12:00-3:00
Plan B: Fox Bowl, Wheaton 1:00-3:00
$2.50 a game with free shoe rental.

April 21 , 12:00-3:00
Plan A: Indian Boundary Skate Park
Boundary Road & W. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook, IL
This is a skate park, but offers so much more – nature trail, playground equipment, and soccer field.
Plan B: If the weather does not participate, we will cancel for today since we have the tour on Friday.

April 23 10:00-3:00 (Contact is Kim) - Rescheduled
10:00-11:00 NOW Foods Tour
395 S. Glen Ellyn Road, Bloomingdale
RSVP kakdowns@att.net by
11:00-3:00 Lake Ellyn Park (meeting point to be determined)
645 Lenox Road in Glen Ellyn (on Lenox Road at Linden Avenue) in northeast Glen Ellyn.

April 28 12:00-3:00 - We will be doing Plan A today! Thank you sunshine.
Plan A: Seven Gables Park, Wheaton
1750 S. Naperville Rd.
Wheaton, IL
Plan B: Open Gym, Gary United Methodist Church
224 N. Main Street, Wheaton
A $2-$5 Donation to church appreciated

petsmart/whole foods tour pics take two

2010-03-23T22:15:00.000-07:00

whole foods/ Petsmart field trip photos

2010-03-23T22:11:00.000-07:00

Whole Foods ~ PetSmart Tours

2010-03-17T18:47:00.000-07:00

Today WILL kids and moms met at Whole Foods for our annual tour of the store. This tour is always informative as well as full of lots of yummy samples.

Since many of our teen group have participated in this tour many times, Whole Foods was open to trying something new with us. From 1:00-2:00 the younger group took a tour of the store while the older group was given the hypothetical task of planning a meal for a touring band and their crew with a $2000 budget.

It was fun listening as they planned since the group comes from varied diet backgrounds. They included meat, tofu, side dishes, dessert and alcoholic beverages. After discussing their food choices with Shelly, the concierge, they were told that Whole Foods is often given this same job of preparing meals for touring bands. How cool is that? Shelly shared that a band recently spent $7000 on a meal based around different fish from Whole Foods.

From 2:00-3:00 the younger group left Whole Foods and headed to Pet Smart for a tour of little critters. While they were busy, the older crowd was given their second task. They were to work together and choose ingredients for a parfait. They then met and made their own parfaits out of icecream, berries, granola, and candy. Plus, they got samples of pizza and were able to pick out a treat from the bakery. Yay for the moms who also picked out treats!

I think we all had a fun, informative day. Many thanks to Whole Foods and Pet Smart for a great afternoon out.

*Whole Foods does not allow photos inside the store. Therefore, pictures were not taken of the tour.

March 2010

2010-02-24T04:42:00.000-08:00

Wild Indigo Life Learners
March 2010

March 3 11:30-3:00 Morton Arboretum, LisleBundle up and get ready to hike, run, explore and enjoy the great outdoors. Meet in the children’s area and we will go from there.
http://www.mortonarb.org/visit.html
If weather does not permit outside group, the Kramers can host the older kids at their house if there are one or two families that would like to host for the younger crowd.

March 10 1:00-3:00 Fox Bowl, Wheaton
$2.50 a game with free shoe rental.
We can plan sledding beforehand, if there is snow and interest (Please post ideas for sled hill by 7:00 PM the night before)

March 17 1:00-3:00 Whole Foods and PetSmartTour, Wheaton
1:00-2:00 (Toddlers to age 10) This age group will tour Whole Foods and eat lots of goodies while the older group hangs out in the dining area, visits Borders Bookstore, or Panera.
2:00-3:00 The older kids (11 and up) will meet in the demonstration room of Whole Foods to make special snacks.
2:15-3:00 Pet Smart Tour for younger group – Head over to Pet Smart for a guided tour of the unique characteristics of the animals at Pet Smart.
**Please RSVP to kramercathy@sbcglobal.net by March 10.

March 24 Open Gym, Gary United Methodist Church
224 N. Main Street, Wheaton
A $2-$5 Donation to church appreciated

March 31 – 1:00-3:00 (please allow extra time for parking) Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum
5700 College Road, Lisle, IL 60532
Toddlers to 10ish – The kids will be museum explorers and get to discover animals and their habitats. They will have a chance to touch various animal specimens from insects to moose fur.
(See attachment for activity planned)
Older students (11ish and up) will explore the University campus and depending on the weather, do an animal survey or an art activity.
**Please RSVP to kramercathy@sbcglobal.net by March 23 if you plan to attend.

February 2010

2010-02-03T05:59:00.000-08:00

February 3 – NO WILL Today.

February 10– 1:00-3:00 Bowling, Fox Bowl, Wheaton
$2.50 a game with free shoe rental.
We can plan sledding beforehand, if there is snow and interest (Please post
ideas for sled hill by 7:00 PM the night before)

February 17 – 1:00-3:00 Panera, Fox Valley Mall, Aurora
Join us at Panera (Ruby Tuesday entrance on lower level of mall) for lunch/snack
and stay to play board games and Nintendo DS or head to the climbing area (smaller kids), take a power walk with a friend, or stroll casually through the mall.

February 24 – 12:00-3:00---Open Gym, Gary United Methodist Church, 224 N. Main
Street, Wheaton
A $2-$5 Donation to church appreciated

Open Gym

2010-01-30T03:18:00.000-08:00

Many thanks go out to WILL member Darcie and her church for setting up the open gym every 4th Wednesday for our group. Our first visit was not only a blast but gave us many things to do!

We shot lots of hoops,

A large group played Marco Polo,

Games,

Crafts,

Space to enjoy a good book,

Opportunites for moms to catch up with each other while still being close to kids,

and a downtown area for the teen group to explore.

2009-12-19T18:13:00.000-08:00

Here are some additional photos of the wonderful Bowling / Birthday Party

Happy Birthday Bowling Party

2009-12-16T18:27:00.001-08:00

Our bowling outing today was made extra special when Lilith celebrated her 6th birthday with everyone. We sang "Happy Birthday" and enjoyed cupcakes.

Rock Bottom Brewery

2009-12-16T18:26:00.000-08:00

Brewmaster Tim Marshall of Rock Bottom Brewery in Lombard lead us through the process of making beer on our first trip to the brewery. We learned there is a lot of science that goes into the process of brewing beer as well as good record keeping. Afterwards the group enjoyed lunch together at the brewery.

Isle A La Cache Museum, Romeoville

2009-12-04T06:34:00.000-08:00

Wild Indigo Life Learners took their first trip to Isle A La Cache Museum in Romeoville and it was a huge success! The staff did a great job of accommidating not only our large group but a group that ranged from toddler to 14. We were able to enjoy the museum, make clay projects to take home and hike the trails surrounding the museum. This is definitely a place to return.

December 2009 Schedule

2009-11-24T08:49:00.000-08:00

December 2 Class and Trails, Isle A La Cache Museum, Romeoville
Time: Arrive between 11:00-1:00 to explore the museum and trails and no later than 1:00 if participating in the class. The class holds 30 kids and it will be on the first come first serve basis with the cost per family depending on how many people show up but not to exceed $5 total per family.
Isle A La Cache has miles of trails that can be hiked, if weather permits, and if people are so inclined they can go cross country skiing. Picnic tables and bathrooms are available. They also have many indoor activities in the general museum that can keep everyone (maybe younger ones more than older) entertained for at least and hour or possibly two.
Youth group programs offered to kids ages 5-12 will be announced and will be one hour long for each program.
Cost: $5 or less per family
Address: 501 E. Romeo Rd. (135th Street), Romeoville, IL 60446
http://www.fpdwc.org/isle.cfm

December 9 Tour, Rock Bottom Brewery, Lombard
Time: 11:30-1:30 (Please email kramercathy@sbcglobal.net by 12/1 with a confirmation number of adults and children that will be attending)
Our group will be lead by the head brew master through the scientific process used in brewing Rock Bottom’s drinks.
This trip does end earlier than our usual time. Afterwards we could dine at Rock Bottom, meet at Panera in Downers Grove, or head over to Yorktown Mall. Let me know if you like one of these ideas or have ideas of your own.
Location: 94 Yorktown Center, Yorktown, IL 60148
http://www.rockbottom.com/DisplayLocationRBR.php?FKLocationID=10144

December 16 Bowling, Fox Bowl, Wheaton
Time: 1:00-3:00
Join us for an afternoon of bowling. Outside food will be allowed but no messy foods such as popcorn or chips. Also, there is food available to purchase.
Cost: $2.50 per game with free shoe rental.
Address: 1101 Butterfield Road, Wheaton.
http://www.foxbowl.com/

December 23 & 30 Winter Holiday
See you January 6, 2010!

Halloween

2009-10-30T16:51:00.000-07:00

The day of our Halloween party many families were home sick and then it rained all day. However, several of us still made it out to celebrate.

First we took a hike in the rain.

Then explored the cave.

We checked out the nature center and then did some "trick or treating" from room to room.

Thanks to all the families that made it out on this rainy day and "get well soon" to all the families who missed out on the fun today.

November Activities

2009-10-25T09:09:00.000-07:00

November 4 - Morton Arboretum, Lisle
Time: 11:30-3:00
Join us for a day of exploring, hiking and fun with friends. Let’s plan to meet in the children’s area. If arriving late, please contact a friend by cell phone.
Address: 4100 Illinois Route 53 in Lisle, IL—is just west of Interstate 355 and north of I-88 on Illinois Route 53 (sometimes known as Lincoln Avenue or Lincoln Highway).
Cost: $7 Adults (18–64)
$5 Youth (2–17)
http://www.mortonarb.org/

November 11- Cantigny
Time: 11:30-3:00
Cantigny offers walking trails, a museum, and of course tanks to climb on with friends. Please join us at the tanks and then we can decide where to go from there.
Address: 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton, IL 60189
Cost: Free due to Veteran’s Day!
http://www.cantigny.org/

November 18 Pilcher Park, Joliet
Time: 11:30-3:00
Pilcher Park has a fabulous nature center as well as beautiful walking trails. Come with us and enjoy the great outdoors before Mother Nature hits us with cold days inside.
Address: 2501 Highland Park Dr., Joliet 815-741-7277
Cost: Free
http://www.jolietpark.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=23&Itemid=172&Itemid=172

November 25 – Thanksgiving Break
Thank you to each member of WILL that contributes to making this group a success! Together with Many Rivers Unschoolers, we are making great leaps towards providing for the needs of our children. It is fun to watch each of your children grow and develop into such wonderful people and to observe and be a part of the friendships between parents in the group. I am thankful to have each of you along my family’s unschooling journey. Enjoy your Thanksgiving break! ~Cathy

Indian Boundary Park

2009-10-05T10:57:00.000-07:00

Our last September park day was spent exploring a new park. It provided equipment, walking trail, and lots of running space.

Joliet Senior Walk Volunteers

2009-10-05T08:03:00.000-07:00

Several of the WILL/MRU older kids participated in a volunteer opportunity offered by the Joliet Park District. The kids arrived in time to help the seniors carry their food to the table, get drinks, provide cookies and help with clean up before enjoying a little food themselves. Great job guys. The park district received many great comments on your work.

Yeah.....I had my camera on the wrong setting for most of the pictures.

October 2009 Activities

2009-09-26T07:28:00.000-07:00

September 30 –Indian Boundary Park, 990 West Boughton Rd, Bolingbrook
Contact Person: Cathy
Time: 11:30-3:00
This park offers a playground (meeting place), trails, tennis courts, a skate park and open fields for playing ball.

October 7 – Honey Hill Orchards, Waterman - or - Seven Gables Park, Wheaton
Contact Person: Dawn
Time: The tour will begin at 12:30 PM. We can arrive early (11:30ish) to picnic there before the tour. Before and after the tour, we are free to pick raspberries, apples, and pumpkins, see the animals, and otherwise enjoy a day in the country. Here's hoping for lovely fall weather!
Tour cost: $5 / person
If you would like to be added to the group, please email Dawn with how many will be attending and the ages of your kids (the “goodie bags” attempt to be age appropriate) by 10/5. Also, please submit money to Dawn by 10/5 and make sure to contact her as early as possible if your plans change.
http://www.honeyhillorchards.com/
Seven Gables Park, Wheaton
Time: 11:30-3:00
For those not attending Honey Hill Orchards there is still the option of meeting up with friends at Seven Gables Park in Wheaton.

October 14 – Phillips Park, Aurora
Contact Person: Cathy
Time: 11:30-3:00
We will plan on meeting at the playground equipment. The zoo is walking distance from the equipment.
http://www.phillipsparkaurora.com/phillipspark/zoo/phillipsparkzoo.html

October 21 – Danada Hay Ride, 3S507 Naperville Rd, Wheaton
Contact Person: Dee
Time: 11:45-3:00 Hayride starts at 12PM
Cost: $5 per adult and $2 per kid. Money must be given to Dee by Oct. 15
Danada will have a bonfire going when we get there and it will stay lit until 45 minutes after the hay ride for no extra charge. Please bring your own roasting sticks and any food you would like to roast. (Hot dogs, smores, etc)

October 30 **Friday** – Halloween Party at Red Oak, 2343 S River St, Batavia
Contact Person: Cathy
Time: 12:00—3:00
Join us for an afternoon of exploring, hiking and trick-or-treating!
Please come dressed in your Halloween costume along with a bag of goodies to share and a bag to carry goodies home in.
http://www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org/?q=node/6

Park day

2009-09-19T11:23:00.000-07:00

This week's parkday can be summed up in two pictures. I love parkday!

Camping pictures

2009-09-19T06:59:00.001-07:00

On Unschooling

2009-09-15T17:35:00.001-07:00

I took Lilith and Kyson to the Field Museum today for a program that a fellow unschooler organized. It was fun, except for three annoying kids who kept interrupting the scientist who was presenting the program. After the third interruption, I started looking around the crowd to find the parent of the annoying kids. I could not find her. After a few more interruptions and annoyances, she came into the room and gave her kids a stern look. It did not help. The kids were blurting out answers to question and just not giving the other kids a chance to enjoy the experience. They did not seem to understand concepts like wait, share, or polite behavior. At some point, the scientist sent the kids off to explore, which gave the parents a few minutes to get to know one another. I always find those time engaging and interesting so I was excited when the opportunity presented itself. The mother of the rude kids also seemed excited to get to know new people. She walked up to me and asked my name. She also asked if I was a homeschooler. I responded with yes, and that we unschool. She responded by saying that they homeschool, but they are the opposite of unschooling. It a tart and rude response, but I was intrigued. What is the opposite of unschooling? She told me that she is a member of a virtual school that runs through the Chicago Public School System. That was interesting and I told her about the program that I had heard of while in California that was similar. She informed me that it was actually the same program; Chicago has picked up the idea from California. She went on to describe her day and while there were definite differences between her approach and mine, I would not consider her approach to be the "opposite of unschooling." I have been thinking about this interaction all day and I just wanted to write about my thoughts.

My initial thought is that the reason that I am familiar with the virtual school approach is because of my unschooling friends in California. Their kids loved the program. They went to school one day a week and spent the rest of the time exploring the materials, at their leisure. They are unschoolers and they love virtual school.

My second thought was that people who do not fully understand what unschooling is all about have usurped the term "unschool". These usurpers have taken the term and morphed it into something that does not describe the happiest, most fulfilled unschoolers that I know. That is just annoying to me.

My other thought was that terms like curriculum based homeschool, unschool, eclectic homeschool, and etc. are just ways of segregating individuals. The segregation leads to prejudice, hurt feelings, and alienation. Unschooling is as varied and as individual as any other form of education. The goal is to find the combination that works best for each child in the family. So what is the opposite of unschooling? I think the opposite of unschooling is an environment that stifles a child and interrupts learning opportunities. I may need to refine my definition, but this is a start.

Park day Photos

2009-09-10T13:37:00.000-07:00

I really enjoy being the park day photographer...hope I don't get fired. :)

What's everyone looking at?
A SNAKE!

Wow.

Our park day baby.

Just Playin' in the Rain

2009-08-26T16:59:00.000-07:00

The rain is not distract this small group of families from having fun today!

Park day

2009-08-19T16:49:00.001-07:00

Today we celebrated getting the park back to ourselves. Everyone brought food to share and we played at one of our favorite parks. There was lots of excitement and fun all around.

We had plenty of goofy smiles.

Some quiet time with friends,

an acrobatic show,

puppy love,

A group game of freeze tag,

and friendship!

Everyone had a great time. I am thinking that this might become an annual event!

More Fun in the Sun

2009-08-14T17:39:00.000-07:00

At $2 a person, it was impossible to not want to return to Batavia Quarry again. We had a perfect day in the sun.

With dads joining us

Sports....basketball and football

Holding babies

Playing in the sand

Cooling off in the water

And relaxing after a fun day!

Fun in the Sun

2009-07-30T05:38:00.000-07:00

After many cool rainy days this summer, WILL members were finally given a warm sunny day. Thanks to the organization of Pauline and Mack, we were able to get into the
Harold Hall Quarry Beach in Batavia for $2 each. It was a perfect location for this perfect day!

A Day At Blackwell Forest Preserve

2009-07-22T17:20:00.000-07:00

Today was different than most of our park days. There were no slides and no swings. Instead, we had outdoor games and free play.

Spock, a new puppy to one of our families joined us for park day.

We played games together.

Climbed a hill

Heard baby noises

Laughed together

Played hard

Tried new sports

Talked

Played with friends

Watched games of badminton

And played electronics!

Bubbles

Friends of all ages

Baby surrounded by two sibling puppies reunited

boat rides

and fun!

July Schedule

2009-07-06T10:57:00.000-07:00

Wild Indigo Life Learners July Schedule
*Meeting Time: 11:00-3:00
*Each family responsible for their own lunch/drinks
*Rain dates will be at Whole Foods in Wheaton, (unless otherwise posted)
*Check emails for updates/changes in schedule
-----------------------------------------------------------
*Changes to summer schedule
-----------------------------------------------------------
July 1 –Country Lakes
1835 North Aurora Road (Entrance to the park is off of Genesse Drive)
Naperville Park District Website:
http://www.napervilleparks.org/parksfacilities/

July 8 – Ty Warner*
$4 residents, $2 nonresidents
The corner of Plaza Drive and Blackhawk Drive in Westmont
http://www.wpd4fun.org/Facilities/Ty-Warner-Park-Spray-Park.htm

July 15 – Seven Gables
North on Naperville Road to Danada Drive. Left on Danada to Brighton.
Right on Brighton to Winner's Cup. Right on Winner's Cup to park on right.
Wheaton Park District Website: http://www.wheatonparkdistrict.com/

July 22 – Blackwell
Please bring outdoor games and toys.
The main entrance is on the north side of Butterfield Road, 1/4 mile west
of Winfield Road and one mile east of Route 59.
Dupage Forest Website:
http://www.dupageforest.com/PRESERVES/blackwell.html

July 29 – Batavia Water Park*
$4 with group rate
400 S. Water St. Batavia, IL
http://www.bataviaparks.org/park14.htm

Seven Gables

2009-05-20T20:13:00.001-07:00

A few photos to share of our recent park day at Seven Gables in Wheaton. Unfortunately, the little ones moved quicker than me and I wasn't able to get many photos of them. Thanks to all who attended this warm, beautiful day! We enjoyed ourselves.

Another great day

2009-04-29T16:56:00.000-07:00

We have reached our stride. I love the feeling of relaxing once I get to park day, as opposed to relaxing before or after park day. All of my kids have friends, and I spend all day laughing at the kid's antics.

Today Daniel was "sprung" from the prison of the Children's Garden by Kim. Thanks Kim! The teen crowd spent the day playing tag, chase and racing. Can you believe it? We have a group of teens who get together and start playing, running and laughing. Teen angst?!? We had none of that today. That is not to say that there are no issues. Sure there are some, but I will take prank calls over my other choices any day.

The younger kids spent the day looking for tadpoles, playing hide and seek and running away from us parents. It was not a warm day and although the kids were wet no one complained. It was awesome!

I feel like our adjustment period is over. I am surrounded by people who continually support and show love to my children. What more could I ask for? During the course of the day today Kyson was reprimanded by more than one person for various indiscretions. My response is something like: Thank goodness for more sets of eyes. I love the idea of having an entire community of people who love my kids enough to watch out for them and “spring them” from horrible adults who want kids to remain enclosed in a children’s garden.

Summer Schedule

2009-04-22T18:03:00.001-07:00

Wild Indigo Life Learners Wednesday Wanderings
Summer Schedule 2009 (May-September)
*Meeting Time: 11:00-3:00
*Each family responsible for their own lunch/drinks
*Rain dates will be at Whole Foods in Wheaton, (unless otherwise posted)
*Check emails for updates/changes in schedule

Week #1
Country Lakes* Naperville
This park has a great playground and huge hill the kids enjoy running on.It also has several covered tables.1835 North Aurora Road (Entrance to the park is off of Genesse Drive)Naperville Park District Website:http://www.napervilleparks.org/parksfacilities/

Week #2
Hudson Crossing Park, Oswego
Great for wading in water, catching crayfish or playing on equipment.
Washington Street (U.S. Rt. 34) at Harrison Street in downtown OswegoOswego Park District Website: http://www.oswegolandparkdistrict.org/

Week #3
Seven Gables, Wheaton
Provides playground equipment for toddlers as well as older kids as wellas bike paths, soccer field and open area for free play.North on Naperville Road to Danada Drive. Left on Danada to Brighton.Right on Brighton to Winner's Cup. Right on Winner's Cup to park on right.Wheaton Park District Website: http://www.wheatonparkdistrict.com/

Week #4
Blackwell Forest Preserve, Wheaton
Bike path, scenery hill, open area for games and imaginative play. Please bring outdoor games and toys.The main entrance is on the north side of Butterfield Road, 1/4 mile westof Winfield Road and one mile east of Route 59.Dupage Forest Website: http://www.dupageforest.com/PRESERVES/blackwell.html

Week #5
To be determined. Please keep ideas in mind for the fifth Wednesday in July and September.

New Blog & Unschooling

2009-04-19T06:35:00.000-07:00

WILL has a new blog! As I was searching for photos to use in the header, I was reminded of how fortunate we are to have come together as a group. We are a unique group of families in that we are each following a path that appreciates and honors our children's voices, that follows an educational path that fits the individual needs of each of our children and a path that allows us to be a part of our children's everyday life.

I searched through photo after photo and saw so many happy faces from children laughing together, to parent's helping their children on playground equipment, to adults sitting with each other playing games or talking. However, when I found the photo of the bikes sitting alone, I knew this was the photo to use. It reminds me of how our children are explorers. They can intently be following a certain path and then stop along the way to explore and appreciate the beauty of life. They are free to stop when needed and search for that which makes them whole. I remember the day WILL took this bike ride. We had kids of all ages hanging from trees, climbing, imagining, and just being in the moment. To me, this is what unschooling is.

Cathy

April 2009 WILL Activities

2009-04-18T09:30:00.000-07:00

April 1- 11:30a.m., Morton Arboretum, LisleLet’s meet in the Children’s area, using the visitor center as a warming area if needed. Dress for the weather.
Cost: $7 Adults, $5 Youth, free children under 2
Morton Arboretum website: http://www.mortonarb.org/

April 8 - *1:00.*, Bowling, Fox Bowl, Wheaton
Join us for an afternoon of bowling. Outside food will be allowed but no messy foods such as popcorn or chips. Cost: $2.50 per game with free shoe rental. 1101 Butterfield Road, Wheaton.
http://www.foxbowl.com/.

April 15 – 11:30a.m, Cosley Zoo, Wheaton
http://www.wheatonparkdistrict.com/pgs/parks/cosley/default.html
Enjoy the zoo area together and then have some fun playing in Cosley’s open area where we can also have lunch.

April 22 – 11:30 Cantigny, Wheaton
We will be climbing on the tanks in the tank park and visiting the First Division Museum.
Cantigny Website: http://www.cantigny .org/]
Cost: $5 a car

April 24, *Friday* - 11-12:30 Open Gym at Premier Gymnastics in Oswego
Quick details: $5 / child; comfortable clothes; parents are asked to stay on the floor with their children and assist. If you need further information, please let Dawn know.

April 29 11:30 Blackwell Forest Preserve, Warrenville
The main entrance is on the north side of Butterfield Road, 1/4 mile west of Winfield Road and one mile east of Route 59.
Dupage Forest Website: http://www.dupageforest.com/PRESERVES/blackwell.html
-11:30 a.m. Bike ride, Meet just inside park entrance, lst parking lot on right.
Bring your bikes and join us on a 6 mile bike ride to McKee Marsh and back. The entire length of the ride will be on a bike path.
-12:30 p.m. Picnic & Lawn Sports, West Shelter
Bring lunch for your family and any of your favorite lawn games such as croquet, bocce, horseshoes, etc…

Cosley Zoo - Wheaton

2009-04-18T08:38:00.000-07:00

The day didn't turn out to be as sunny as predicted, but it didn't stop WILL kids and parents from having a fun day.

First we checked out the animals.

Then we relaxed and enjoyed a little time playing make believe, chase, talking, and other fun activities created by the kids.

Hey, Let's Go Bowling!

2009-04-18T08:01:00.000-07:00

We found that bowling met the needs of all age groups during the cold weather and decided to return in March and April.

Mom's played Scrabble.

We met new friends.

Food, jokes and laughter were happening here.

Babies enjoyed as out of town family shared the day with us.

Smart moms thought ahead to bring activities for those not interested in bowling.

Hmmm....I think more giggling went on here than bowling.

Strike! Strike! Strike!

Thanks to everyone who helped make this a great day!

Valentine's Day Bowling Party

2009-04-18T07:39:00.000-07:00

WILL members celebrated Valentine's Day with bowling, treats and an exchange of Valentines.

Valentine's Day Floral Class

2009-04-18T07:17:00.000-07:00

Thanks go out to Tamara who hosted a Valentine's Day floral class for homeschooling parents and children.

We received a tour of the back room where Tamara shared with us how a floral shop runs.

Then, everyone got to work on their own creations!

It was a lovely day spent with friends while also exploring a creative side!