Dec. 3, 2009
Vol. 39, No. 463

Contact: Breanne Preisen, Killens Pond State Park, 302-284-4299, or Necia Beck, Delaware State Parks, 302-739-9175, Necia.Beck@state.de.us

Killens Pond offers fun programs all winter long

FELTON – The winter weather doesn’t stop the fun at Killens Pond State Park. Park staff has a full line-up of indoor and outdoor activities planned from December to February. The public is invited to bundle up and bring the family to one or all of these programs. 

Many of the activities take place in the new Killens Pond Nature Center at 5025 Killens Pond Road in Felton. More information is available at 302-284-4299 or online at www.destateparks.com.

Introduction to Archery - 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 13
This is a fun-filled session for young hunters. Participants will first learn safety and archery skills in the park’s Hunter Education Archery Trailer, and a little about deer behavior with a naturalist. Afterward, a fun hayride through the park ends with hot cocoa. The program begins at the new Nature Center and reservations may be made by calling 302-284-4299. Cost: $4 per participant.

Holiday Crafts - 10 a.m. – noon Saturday, Dec. 19
Nature provides all the resources needed to create great holiday decorations. Master Gardner Wendy Aycoth helps participants to create a wreath or door swag. Staff invites the public to bring gardening gloves to the Nature Center for this fun program. Cost: $10 per participant includes all materials.

Holiday Crafts (continued) - 1– 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19
With the help of Wendy Aycoth, participants will create whimsical ornaments from nature’s bounty at the Killens Pond Nature Center. As the ornaments dry, a hayride through the park will uncover its winter beauty. Hayriders should bring a blanket to snuggle up in. The ride ends with a cup of hot cocoa. $4 per participant. Participants may attend both programs for $12 per person and should be sure to pack a bag lunch!

Crazy Kids Crafts - 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16
Kids are invited to the Nature Center to use up some energy exploring the center, taking part in a variety of crafts and experiments and finishing up with a hayride. Reservations may be made by calling 302-284-4299. Cost: $4 per participant.

Winter Fest - 2 – 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30
The winter is in full swing and the park’s festivities have just begun. Park naturalists will lead a fun day of winter activities, including winter crafts, a hayride and a hike. The program starts at the new Nature Center, and reservations may be made by calling 302-284-4299. Cost: $4 per participant.

Healthy Living Hike - 1 p.m. Sundays in January
This healthy hike through the park will help participants stick with their New Year’s resolutions. This free program starts at the Nature Center. Reservations may be made by calling 302-284-4299.

Hot Cocoa Hayrides - Saturdays, 4 p.m. Jan. 2 and 5 p.m. Jan. 30
A winter hayride will uncover the beauty of the park’s forests and fields. Private hayrides may also be arranged. Hot cocoa will be available after each hayride. Hayrides start at the Nature Center. Reservations may be made and private hayrides can be scheduled by calling 302-284-4299. Cost: $4 per adult, $2 per child under 12.

Owl Prowls - Saturdays, 5 p.m. Jan. 2 and 6 p.m. Jan. 30
Participants will explore the mysteries of the night and discover all the animals that are out and about in the pond and woods. Owl Prowls start at the Nature Center; reservations may be made by calling 302-284-4299. Cost: $2 per participant.  

Mini Day Camps
Kids are invited to the Killens Pond Nature Center for fun-filled mini day camps! Camps may be cancelled if there are fewer than five participants. Information and registration are available by calling 302-284-4299.

Winter Fun Day Camp - 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Dec. 28 - 30
Children ages 7 to 12 will discover the wonders winter has to offer by creating awesome crafts, gooey science experiments and playing fun games all the time! Cost: $35 per day, $90 for all three days.

Survivor Camp - 8:30 – 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 18
Kids will learn how the Inuit survived the harsh winter weather and will do a little surviving of their own in this action-packed camp. They will learn how to build a shelter and make a fire for cooking. Cost: $35 per camper.

Wild About Animals Camp - 8:30 – 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15
Kids will learn about the animals of the park and how naturalists do their jobs, and will help take care of the Nature Center’s reptile and amphibian collection. Cost: $35 per camper.