Freedom's Story Civil War Presentation

See the equipment, touch the gear, hear the gun shot, smell the gun powder, taste the ginger bread! History immersion for all five senses!

We had the pleasure of attending a presentation by David Plett with Freedom's Story Presentations. If you love the idea of having history brought to life by a teacher who loves what he does, then you ought to see about attending or scheduling a presentation! You can learn more about Freedom's Story Presentations by going here. You can learn about pricing by going here and feel free to *like* Freedom's Story Presentations on Facebook while you are there! 

Here David Plett has the children demonstrate
casualties to gain a better understanding of what it was like.

As David gears up, he demonstrates how equipment was worn,
explains the names of the items and what they were for.
There are some surprising reasons behind the style,
material and design of each item!

Fire!
The most exciting and anticipated moment for the kids!

We didn't know the history behind the flags
which were used in battle. Fascinating!

 
Everyone breaks half-way to explore the camp.
This really helped the kids to keep focus for the
second half of the two-hour presentation! :)

 Oh how the taste buds were happy!
You simply *must* try this Civil War Gingerbread!

Cost: This will vary according to the number of students you have attending. You can learn about pricing here.

Tips: 

*It's easier to host on private property or at a church.
*It was easy to have a bring-your-own-chairs-or-blankets and whatever-else-you-may-need type of event.

*You will want to make sure you have restrooms available at the location you choose to have the presentation held at.

*Consider parking space.
*Consider shade.

*Lost and Found is inevitable! Set up some sort of plan for you, the organizer, to contact folks.
*You'll want a list of names so people can check in with you; it makes it easier to collect money from last minute folks.
*Have people pay via PayPal ahead of time and/or mail checks to you before the event so you are not footed with the bill.
*Let folks know refunds are not available; prices are set according to the number of students and people need to count on that final pricing.

*Consider the proximity of vehicle traffic (it can make hearing the presentation challenging).
*Consider wind factor; it does effect how sound carries.
*It helps to have people crowd in when a microphone isn't being used.
*Get the word out! Let Legacy Guardian Homeschool Resources and Even Planners know you are organizing or hosting the presentation and we'll announce it on our website and calendar! You can also post on homeschool newsgroups!

Restrooms: 

That will depend on the location you choose! :)

Best Time of Year: 

Spring through Summer!

Ages: 

All. Seriously! 

*Special Note: David Plett is raising money to fund his trip to the 2013 Gettysburg's 150th Anniversary Reenactment.  He is now 1/3rd of the way funded! Will you please consider organizing/attending a Freedom's Story Presentation to help him reach his goal and to help your children experience Civil War history in a unique way?

*If you need help with organizing your event, Legacy Guardian Homeschool Resources and Event Planners will be happy to assist you! :)

Fort Stevens- KOA Kabin Stay Review

Not too long ago, hubby had the spontaneous inclination to go on a one-night camping trip! But where to go?

Destination: Ft. Stevens
We decided it had been long enough since we last visited Ft. Stevens. He called to find out if there were any last minute cancellations for yurts and it just so happened that there was. However, the last yurt available was a walk-in only and that means they can't hold it for a party.

The Challenge...
*Drop everything,
*Pack up all necessary items,
*Load our vehicle,
*Gas up,
*Move 'em on out,
*Get the yurt before someone else did!

Ready. Set. Go!

The Arrival...
After our long journey, we arrived at Ft. Stevens State Park and hubby rushed in to snatch the last yurt. When he came out of the building he announced that the yurt had just been "sold" a few minutes before we arrived. "No way!" was heard from our crew. Well, unfortunately, yes. Now what were we to do? We had traveled so far, there wasn't much of the day left to explore the beach and we couldn't just head back home so soon.

KOA Kabins to the Rescue!
Now, for the record, we had never stayed at one of these before. Located directly across from the entrance to the Ft. Stevens camp ground, it turned out that it was a great price for all that we got!

I can't tell you how welcoming this sign was after our long trip!
We found the staff  to be friendly and welcoming, too.

The campground is SO nice!

It's extremely well lit at night. We felt very safe walking from the cabin to 

the restroom when it was dark out. In addition, the restrooms were so
clean, so warm and had warm water! Plus, there are showers there!

We rented a two-room cabin for our crew.
The cabin was so clean!
This is the back room with a queen bed.

Now it's still quite chilly at night at the beach,
and this little guy heated the two rooms extremely
well once it was placed on the floor near the doorway
from the back room to the front room. If it's left on the
table in the back room, the front room remains cold.
Just so ya know.

This is the front room with the bunks to the right side of the front door
(this view is from the back room).

And, this is the set of bunks to the left side of the front door
(this view is from the front door.... sorry about that shadow there).

As I suggested, there wasn't much day light left when we arrived, so we got settled in and then ate dinner and roasted some mallows. It was pleasantly quiet within the campground during sleeping hours.

Pleasantries!

Once morning rolled around, we went for some all-you-can-eat- pancakes for breakfast (included in the cost of our stay).

Inside was cozy and filled with picnic tables to sit at.
The pancakes were served fresh and warm. :)

Then what did we notice as we sat and ate? FUN activities!

First stop was the huge air pillow to jump on.

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

 

Mini golfing....

 

For an extra cost, they had bike rentals.

 

They have a couple of play park areas within the camp

and this one was our favorite! It's near the pool.

Oh, did I mention KOA has an indoor pool, too? Sweet!

 

What play park is complete without swings?
(Note: the swings pose a challenge for bigger kids as they are low to the ground...)

You see that structure in the distance? I'll come back to that in a moment....

 

Seriously! A life-size chess game! 

 

This is what is contained in the structure you saw in the swing photo.
How convenient is this?!
(In the background of this photo is the indoor pool.)

Staying at the KOA Kabins was an unexpected twist to our stay at the beach. We surly enjoyed it and had a great time creating memories while there! We recommend this campground!

Cost: This will vary. The two-room cabin we stayed in ran $115 for one night... a great deal for a big family! You can contact them here for pricing and to reserve a cabin.

Tips: 

*Bring your own bedding.

*They have a market, so if you forget something you may be able to purchase it there.

*If you enjoy swimming and don't want to freeze while playing in the ocean, bring swimwear for their indoor pool!

*For an extra cost, you can have pizza delivered to your cabin.

*In the two-room cabins, place the heater where it will be able to reach both the front and back room.

Restrooms: 

Available, clean, warm, have warm water, and showers!

Best Time of Year: 

Year round!

Ages: 

All

Ling Farm- Texas Long Horn Cattle

Well I just have to say that the more farmers we meet, the more we appreciate them!

 Ling Farm

Mr. Lingenfelter is a nice, down to earth, intelligent man. He has years of experience and tons of knowledge to share about naturally farming cattle. Why does it matter the way beef that you eat is raised? Well, just ask Mr. Lingenfelter and he'll share that information with you.

 Isn't it pretty with all of the hills and fields?

Do "steer" clear... the cattle have been here deary.

I cannot emphasize the need for boots enough!

(You'll learn the proper farm phrases for these...)

These neighboring horses have a secret.

Read more under "Extras" below.

It's amazing how diverse the markings, coloring

and shape of the horns are among the cattle!

The younger kids got to see how the mothers care for their young.

Mr. Lingenfelter tried to get one of the cattle to 

approach us so the kids could pet it, but it had other ideas. :)

Maybe your group will get to pet one!

Now if you are interested in purchasing one of these,

all cleaned up and natural looking, it only costs $100.

(I say only because they can go for a great deal more!)

If you want it polished, they run about $350.

Yep, that would be one that still has the hide on it.

You might inquire as to why... and the methods

that may be used to remove it...

(You just might be surprised!)

Cost: Free

Tips: 

*They are kid friendly there!

*Stroller friendly... but the wheels will get some cow pie on them.

*It's a farm so wear appropriate footwear (rain boots were perfect!).

*It's outdoors so be prepared for inclement weather.

Restrooms: 

No

Important: 

*Well, as with most livestock farms, there are hot wire fences. That's just how it is and for good and valid reasons. So, caution your children not to touch them!!!

*There is also barbed wire for the fencing so let you kids know to watch out for that, too.

Extra:

On the way to the field that the cattle were grazing in, we got to see some splendid horses from the neighboring field. They pranced right up to the fence. You might just ask Mr. Lingenfelter something special about those horses. ;)

Best Time of Year: 

Year round if Mr.Lingenfelter is willing and if you are prepared for inclement weather.

Ages: 

All

Recommended Resources to Further Your Education:

"Food, Inc." DVD (the library has it).
"The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan
"The Omnivore's Dilemma: Young Readers Edition" by Michael Pollan

Address and Phone:

503.769.1257

Recycling Tour

From their website:
MARION COUNTY –
Capitol Recycling & Disposal Service, Inc.
Salem, Oregon: 503-363-8890

EARTH WALK – This self-guided tour features a 1/4-mile outdoor nature trail with exceptional exhibits related to the role recycling plays in saving the environment. Fun and educational for all ages, the tour includes:

Worm Composting Spend some time at the Wriggler Ranch

Plastics Recycling Get up close and personal with a life-sized Dinosaur!

A footbridge made entirely from recycled plastic lumber and much more!

 The tour takes about an hour (or less) and is located at Salem-Keizer Transfer Station (right across the road from the Recycling entrance) 3250 Deerpark Drive SE.

Take Gaffin Rd exit off Hwy. 22 (east) just minutes past COSTCO.
Open 7 days a week 8:00 am until 5:00 pm.
Adult supervision and appropriate outdoor clothing, closed-toe shoes required.

Garten Services, Inc.
Anne Logan: 503-581-4472

PAPER RECYCLING – Tour a recycling plant where people with disabilities work to sort paper.
Educational presentations to visiting classes available. Tours and presentations scheduled the last Tuesday of each month. Call for other available times. Visitors must wear closed-toe shoes, please. Warm clothes and coats needed during cold weather months. (Grades 3 and up)

The Gardner House

This quaint cottage turned Bed & Breakfast and Cafe is ran by Mr. and Mrs. Loftus. While you enjoy a cup of coffee and coco with your kids, have lunch, or enjoy a treat, you can learn some very interesting facts about Mr. Loftus' father. His father was on an Apollo Mission team! Mr. Loftus can also tell you a bit about the moon rock he has on display and some other interesting artifacts on display in relation to a space mission...

The Gardner House

Learn:

What  team was Mr. Loftus' father on?

Details about one of the Apollo missions.

A rare known fact about Neil Armstrong!

What a treasure to have a local person willing to share second hand knowledge with our children! What a neat opportunity to enhance your study on space exploration!

Cost: The information is free but proper etiquette calls for ordering something when in a cafe. ;)

Tips: 

*Their menu is very affordable!

*No room for strollers.

Restroom: 

Available

Best Time of Year: 

Year round because it's indoors!

Ages: 

All

James and Loni Loftus

Gardner House Bed and Breakfast and The Gardner House Cafe, 

633 N. 3rd Ave., Stayton OR  97383

503.769.5478

Pheromone Art Gallery (Insects and More!)

***Sadly, the gallery in Salem closed at the end of February.
You can keep your eyes open for a new one opening up in Portland though.
We had a breathtaking visit to the Pheromone Art Gallery in Salem!

Pheromone Art Gallery

(See photos)

Interview with Christopher Marley

He has a neat testimony to share.

Find out which Designer Artist Christopher Marley gives the true credit to.

Another interview with Christopher Marley

(Learn about his creative process and if he creates each individual piece.)

The art is copyrighted, naturally, so photos weren't allowed. To see photos of them doesn't do these magnificent creatures God has created justice anyway! You really must see them in person! So many of them look like jewels and they are all so beautifully and creatively displayed!

The variety of beetles, walking sticks, and butterflies is just amazing! Just amazing! You will also see sea life, botanicals, fossils, and minerals uniquely displayed.

The staff is very knowledgeable and can answer many questions that you have! :)

Cost: Free to view... expensive to buy. :).

Tips: 

*They are kid friendly there! There is a small table toward the very back with a coloring station set up. They even have some of the coloring pages kids have colored hanging up for your enjoyment. :)

*Room for a stroller.

*If you can't find parking along the street, you can park at the Chemeketa Parkade.

Restrooms: 

Not sure.

Extra: 

Each piece is very expensive but they do sell a couple of books compiled of Artist Christopher Marley's art. They also sell stationary cards, book marks, calendars, posters, and coloring book of his art.

Best Time of Year: 

Year round because it's indoors!

Ages: 

All

Address and Phone:

255 Liberty St. NE

Salem, OR 97301

503.385.1786

Crater Lake

This quote from Jack London is aptly said...

We were studying geographical terms and decided one year to vacation at Crater Lake. Our now 4 year old still remembers what a crater is! It was perfect for expanding on our studies about volcanoes, craters, lakes, etc.

Have you ever seen water so blue and clear???

Just magnificent!

Isn't he just so cute? Look at those cheeks!

When I was a kid, our family visited Crater Lake.

I sat on the stone wall around the rim and one ran right across my lap!

They also hung around my feet!

I thought it was so neat and it has always been a fond memory.

So of course it was special to me that our kids 

got to see a chipmunk  so up close!

Some people feed them by hand...

which of course makes them so used to people...

but one must use caution (naturally) because

this still is a wild critter and could bite.

See that dark spot? That's the Old Man of the Lake.

We were so excited that we saw him!

The lake is tremendous in size so rare is the glimpse of this guy!

There is a ton of information about the lake and

the rangers give really informative talks about the whole area.

Crater Lake is a MUST visit!

Cost: FREE! But you do need a park pass.

Important:
Make sure you have all your necessary gear!

Tips: 

If you plan on camping at Crater Lake, make reservations far in advance! Otherwise, there are other campgrounds not too far away that we found to be pretty vacant (they did have camp hosts).

Food and other items in the neighboring mini-mart were priced pretty steep! So be well prepared!

Restrooms: 

Are available.

Extra: 

There are lots of birds to enjoy! 

The chipmunks like people... we observed them liking sunflower seeds!

Best Time of Year: 

Probably Spring, Summer, Fall... but be sure to check weather conditions before you plan your trip!

Ages: 

All