Thursday, August 13, 2009

Summer School

Most kids just can't wait to get out of school for the summer.  We can't wait to get in!  Summer offers a multitude of wonderful learning possibilities and we take full advantage.  Since Daddy is very busy in the Summer months, Mommy and Boys have lots of time for field trips!  Our most favorite destination...Camp Mamaw/Papoo.  Unit Study #1- A hike to the creek to see Papoo's new bridge.  I spent many Summers playing in the creek and want my boys to have the same wonderful memories as I do.  Upon arrival, the bridge, although impressive, is not nearly as enticing as the water.  Outfitted with wading boots, the boys jump right in.  The first object was to get to the big rock.  creek5

Dagon, of course, is the first to get this accomplished.  But Seager was not far behind.  creek7

Next objective was to find a lizard.  Papoo, our creek guide, was enlisted to help in the search.  creek6

The elusive creek lizard proved to be a difficult find, but...Seager was quite surprised to find a "baby lobster".  Crawfish were very easy to spot and our fearless guide let the boys see one up close.  creek1

Strangely enough, neither boy was interested in holding the little critter.  creek2We did eventually find that lizard and a satisfied Seager went to do some fishing while Dagon rearranged every rock he could pick up.  This is my favorite shot with Seager on the bridge and Dagon being Dagon.  creek3Unit Study #2 - Gardening with Mamaw.  I also spent many hours as a kid in the garden.  While I didn't have nearly as much fun hoeing weeds as playing in the creek, I did always enjoy all the fresh vegetables that were the result.  Mamaw enlisted some helpers to pick a few things for dinner.  garden1garden2garden3And what summer camp would be complete without a swim!  Dagon, having gained the strength he needed, became a fish and swims like a pro.  Not as fast as Seager yet, but he keeps trying.  poolUnit Study #3 - Fishin'!  Teach a kid to fish and you'll spend your afternoon baiting hooks and getting hooks out of bushes.  Seager is actually a pretty good caster, but Dagon is lacking in patience.  We were successful in the end!  Many thanks to Aunt Lori on this day of learning!  IMG_4191IMG_4184

Unit Study #4 - Disaster preparedness.  With all the rain and flooding, we performed drills in the event of rising water... prepare

I have no idea what Dagon is preparing for.  misc 009

School is also about friends!  Our fellow homeschoolers, Challaghan and Rory, fish5

invited us to their Grandma's pool.  Since it was just the boys, both Moms and Grandma, clothing was optional (for the boys) and Seager took advantage.

fish4    Dagon chose to be modestly fearless.  fish2

So, while everyone else is paying Summer rates at the beach with the rest of the Southeast, we go to Summer School.  No crowds, just lots of schoolwork disguised as fun.  And, I hope, lots of wonderful memories.

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