Youth Brochure 2020

South Platte Park

Summer 2020

Summer 2018

ssprd.org/nature

Page | 1 www.ssprd.org/nature

South Platte Park What’s Inside

Carson Nature Center Youth Nature Programs

3000 W. Carson Drive Ages 4-5 ................................ pg 3
Littleton, CO 80120 Ages 5-8 ................................ pg 4-6
Ages 9 – 13 ............................. pg 7
(303) 730-1022 Nature Camps ......................... pg 8
www.ssprd.org/nature
Outdoor Recreation
Early Bird Discounts!
Horseback Riding...................... pg 9
Look for this symbol for BIG savings Watersports............................ pg 9
on camps through February 18!
Prices are 10% off the regular prices NatureTeens
shown in the listings.
NatureTeen Volunteers .............. pg 10
Talking Animals
Other Programs
Children discover how animals
communicate by listening, imitating, and Family Nature Programs ............. pg 11-12
Scout Programs........................ pg 13
playing games while exploring on the trails. Field Trips.............................. pg 13
Birthday Parties ....................... pg 13
#674720 May 28 Tue Rent-a-Naturalist ..................... pg 14
Studio Rental .......................... pg 14
9:30-11:30am $15/$12R SPP
Registration & FAQs .................. pg 15
Program number Age Exceptions ........................ pg 15
for registration.

Fee: ‘R’ indicates Location: SPP
resident of South indicates South
Suburban District. Platte Park.

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Underground Animals Predator and Prey

What does life underground have to offer? Children pretend to be animals that hunt
Build a child sized prairie dog town to for their food, such as coyotes, hawks,

crawl through and discover that spiders and more. They will feel what it is
underground life gives you shelter and like to sneak through the park as they stalk
protection. You'll lay out your burrow, just
their snack. Jun 29 Mon
like a prairie dog, complete with rooms for #674730 $19/$15 R SPP
sleeping, listening, drying and nursery. As 9:30-11:30am

you act out being a prairie dog, you'll learn Busy Bees

when to jump into your burrow and when

to leave it. You'll also play with worms and Peek inside the hive to learn about the life
of a honey bee. See if you can find the
learn about their life underground.

#674750 May 26 Tue queen, worker, and drone as you watch

9:30-11:30am $19/$15 R SPP live bees inside a glass hive. Live the life of

From Toad to Turtle a bee as we dress you up and have you
perform the “bee chores” that all young
Learn about amphibians and reptiles that
bees do in their hives. Our “little bees”
are in South Platte Park. We’ll touch a will learn that if they work hard, they can
enjoy the sweet taste of nectar!
toad, turtles, salamander and snake. Then
#674760 Jul 1 Wed
we’ll hike into the park to spot some of
9:30-11:30am $19/$15 R SPP
them in the wild.

#674780 Jul 2 Thu

9:30-11:30am $19/$15 R SPP

Gurgle Blurp

Kids can cool off as they explore the world

of water and mud. They will discover what

animals live in the ponds and streams along

the South Platte River as they capture,

examine, and release things.

#674710 Aug 10 Mon

9:30-11:30am $15/$12R SPP

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Animal Detectives Crazy ‘Bout Crawdads

Explore the Park seeking animal clues, and Wade the lakes searching for these

solve the mystery of who passed by and amusing creatures, then catch them and
return them to their homes.
why!

#677930 Jun 16 Thu #677900 May 29 Fri

9-11am $12/$9 R SPP -3pm $15/$12 R SPP

#677831 Jul 14 Tue 677901 Jun 8 Mon
9-11am $12/$9 R SPP 1-3 pm $15/$12 R SPP

Fairyhouses to Forts #677902 Jun 24 Wed
1-3 pm $15/$12 R SPP
Venture into the woods to build a pint-
sized home for a fairy, child or creature. #677903 Jul 1 Wed
1-3 pm $15/$12 R SPP
Limited only by imagination, each child
will create unique lodging for their

imaginary creature of choice, using only #677904 Jul 8 Wed
1-3 pm $15/$12 R SPP
natural “found” materials. Milkweed pods

become fairy hammocks, and fallen

branches become a lean-to in the busy #677905 Jul 21 Tue
1-3 pm $15/$12 R SPP
hands of a child.

#677910 May 29 Fri

9-11am $12/$9 R SPP

#677911 Jun 5 Fri #677906 Jul 27 Mon
9-11am $12/$9 R SPP 1-3 pm $15/$12 R SPP

#677912 Jun 9 Tue
9-11am $12/$9 R SPP

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Insects and Spiders Transformers

Catch different kinds of insects in special From nymph to dragonfly and tadpole to
nets to examine their shapes, sizes, colors, frog, meet nature’s transformers while

and more! Explore the world of insect dipping in the pond. Find out how critters
life-cycles, body parts, needs, and undergo amazing changes during their

diversity. May 28 Thu lives. Jul 2 Thu
#677970 $12/$9 R SPP #677950 $15/$12 R SPP
9-11am 1-3pm

#677971 Jun 9 Tue #677951 Jul 16 Thu
9-11am $12/$9 R SPP 1-3pm $15/$12 R SPP

#677972 Jul 20 Mon Be a Beaver
9-11am $12/$9 R SPP
After investigating some of the beaver

#677973 Aug 10 Mon structures in the park, we’ll build our own.
9-11am $12/$9 R SPP
Come prepared for water, mud, and

beaverish fun!

Dragons and Damsels #677940 Jun 10 Wed

1-3pm $12/$9R SPP

Explore the ponds and lakes with nets #677941 Jul 6 Mon
in hand for these voracious predators 1-3pm $12/$9R SPP

discovering the wonder of metallic blue

dragonflies and damselflies. #677942 Jul 23 Thu
1-3pm $12/$9R SPP
#678030 May 28 Thu

1-3pm $12/$9 R SPP

#678031 Jun 22 Mon
1-3pm $12/$9 R SPP

Creepy Critters – NOT!

Learn to handle many creatures safely.

Watch and feed captive snakes, frogs,

turtles and more. Sessions are identical;

register for one.

#678010 May 26 Tue

1 – 3pm $19/$15 R SPP

#678011 Jun 29 Mon
1 – 3pm $15/$10 R SPP

#678012 Aug 10 Tue
1 – 3pm $19/$15 R SPP

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Nests and Eggs Gold Panning

What’s inside an egg? Examine nests of What better way to spend a warm summer

many different birds, then build your own afternoon than prospectin’ for gold in the

and search for wild nests to watch birds in river? Learn how to pan for gold in the

action. South Platte just like they did during the

#677980 Jun 1 Mon Gold Rush, and take home your bounty!

9-11am $12/$9 R SPP #677920 Jun 26 Fri

1-3 pm $15/$12 R SPP

In Reel Time! #677921 Jul 3 Fri
1-3 pm $15/$12 R SPP
Beginning Fishing Skills

Calling all would-be anglers! Fishing in one #677922 Jul 10 Fri
1-3 pm $15/$12 R SPP
of our lakes has never been easier. Learn

basic skills and try them out on our sunfish.

Kids will also learn about fishing safety, #677923 Jul 31 Fri
1-3 pm $15/$12 R SPP
rules and ethics. We’ll provide the sinkers,
#677924 Aug 7 Fri
bobbers, hooks and bait. Fee also includes 1-3 pm $15/$12 R SPP

a fishing rod to keep. Price is $12/$9 if

you bring your own SPP-issued rod from a

prior year. This program is catch and

release.

#678000 Jun 18 Thu

8-10am $35/$29R SPP

Easy Ways to Register

(303) 347-5999
www.ssprd.org/nature

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Geocaching for Kids Nature Photography

Join the global high-tech treasure hunting for Kids
craze of Geocaching! Use apps and GPS
In this outdoor program, kids will learn
units to find caches in the Park and how to use their cameras or cell phones to

wherever your travels take you! You’ll also get the picture they want. They’ll also
learn composition, flash lighting and more!
learn how to play ethically and visit several

caches. Equipment provided for use during #678860 Jul 22 Wed

the class. 8-11am $19/$15R SPP

#678820 Jun 10 Wed

9am-12pm $19/$15R SPP Primitive Survival Skills

#678821 Jul 16 Thu Make a fire with sticks, build a “wickiup”
9am-12pm $19/$15R SPP
shelter, make rope from plants, use an
atlatl to launch spears, create a gourd

canteen and much more.

#678800 May 27 Wed
SPP
9am-3pm $69/$59R

#678801 May 28 Thu
9am-3pm $69/$59R SPP

#678802 Jun 30 Tue
9am-3pm $69/$59R SPP

Native American Life

Skills of the Great Plains

You’ll learn how to set up and live in a full

sized tipi and build native furniture out of
willow branches. You’ll also learn how to

sew with an awl, sinew and leather, and

practice skills with a bow drill. Finally,

learn the Ute and Cheyenne way of using

bows and arrows.

#678870 May 29 Fri

9am-3pm $69/$59R SPP

#678801 Aug 11 Tue
9am-3pm $59/$49R SPP

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Kids Nature Clubhouse Junior Rangers

6-10 yrs 10-12 yrs

Discover how much fun nature can be by A true nature adventure! Explore the

playing in the forests and ponds. forests, have hands-on opportunities with
wildlife, float the river or Cooley Lake,
Naturalists guide activities and nature

games, provide a safe atmosphere and experience a night hike, sleep-over and

spark curiosity. Space limited; register much more. Overnight stay Wednesday

early. night to Thursday morning, then return

#674000 Jun 22-26 Mon-Fri Friday.

9am-12pm $109/$99R SPP #674010 Jun 1-5 Mon-Fri

#674001 Jun 29 – Jul 3 Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm $229/$235R SPP
9am-12pm $109/$99R SPP
#674011 Jun 15-19 Mon-Fri
SPP
#674002 Jul 6-10 Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm $229/$235R
9am-12pm
$109/$99R SPP #674012 Jul 13-17 Mon-Fri

#674003 Jul 27-31 Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm $229/$235R SPP
9am-12pm $109/$99R SPP
Advanced Rangers 2.0

#674004 Aug 3-7 Mon-Fri 11-14yrs
9am-12pm
$109/$99R SPP This 2-day camp is packed with all their

favorite adventures! We’ll start with a day

Zombie Survival Camp at Jefferson Lake for fishing, picnicking,

geocaching and hiking, then camp

9-12 yrs overnight at Chatfield State Park. The

Can you survive a zombie apocalypse? second day will include breakfast, a hike
Learn primitive survival skills such as
through Waterton Canyon and canoeing
shelter-building, obtaining food, avoiding
dangers and finding resources. You will before returning home. Prerequisite: One

session of Advanced Jr. Rangers or TWO

form alliances, build base camps and then sessions of Jr. Rangers in the past. Drop

put those skills to the test during an off is Jul 28 at 8:30am, pickup Jul 29 at

apocalypse. A feast of pizza awaits the 4:30pm.

last day….if you make it! #674030 Jul 28-29 Tue-Wed

#674040 Jun 8-12 Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm $129/$135R SPP

9am-12pm $189/$199R SPP

#674041 Jul 20-24 Mon-Fri
9am-12pm $189/$199R SPP

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Programs include:

• Horseback riding
• Sailing
• Stand up paddling
• Archery and more!

Page | 9 Check the Outdoor
Recreation section of
South Suburban’s catalog
for updates and
information!
www.ssprd.org

www.ssprd.org/nature

The NatureTeen program is a youth volunteer Application
experience designed to foster leadership
skills, mentoring roles, and job skills for Applicants must fill out this application form,
youth ages 14-18. Most shifts include outdoor
leadership and guidance for children in and provide 1-2 references. Please send this
nature programs and camps. Some camps are link to those submitting references for you.
weekly from 9am-12pm, others are stand
alone and meet for 2-3 hours. A total of ten An application fee of $50 applies for training,
NatureTeens will be accepted for summer and all NatureTeen applicants must register
shifts. Other opportunities will be available and submit payment through South Suburban
throughout the year. Parks and Recreation. Simply click here to
register.
Requirements
NatureTeens Tryouts
All NatureTeens must commit to an average
of 50 hours from the end of May through mid- NatureTeen Tryouts will be held at South
August, and commit to working at least one Platte Park on Saturday, April 18 2020 from
major event during the summer. Shift and 1-3pm. It is strongly suggested that you
program information will be available at the attend to try us out, and so that we can
tryouts on April 18 (see Tryout information to meet you! We will have activities and shift
the right). information for all NatureTeen applicants.
Priority for the NatureTeen program will be
All NatureTeens accepted into the program given to those who do attend.
must also attend a mandatory training
session on May 29. No exceptions can be Mandatory Training
made to the minimum age and mandatory
training requirements. A mandatory NatureTeen Training Session
will be held at South Platte Park on
Wednesday, May 27 from 8-11am. Training
will cover first aid, child safety, leadership
skills, mentoring roles, equipment and much
more. An optional water safety training
session follows until 4pm. If you cannot
attend the mandatory training on May 29
from 8-11am, please do not continue with
the application process. If accepted as a
NatureTeen, not attending this training will
result in forfeiture of participation and the
application fee.

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Coyote Trails Biomimicry:

Coyotes are the ultimate survivors. Explore Designs by Nature

the Park with a naturalist seeking coyote Biomimicry is when humans look to nature

dens and pups, learn about their role in the for inspiration to help solve engineering or

environment and how to live with them in technical problems. This interesting

your neighborhood. Ages 6+.Family rates program features some fantastic

available. Ages 6+ creatures that humans get ideas from. You

675920 Apr 30 Thu will meet 5 live animals! Ages 5+

6-7:30pm $5-$12 SPP 676240 Mar 28 Sat

Nesting 10-11:15am $9-$15 SPP

Great-Horned Owls A Chorus Line of Frogs

Learn about owls living in the city, then Biomimicry is when humans look to nature

hike with a naturalist seeking hidden adult for inspiration to help solve engineering or

owls, nests and even fuzzy owl chicks. technical problems. This interesting

Family rates available. Ages 6+ program features some fantastic

675930 Apr 25 Sat creatures that humans get ideas from. You

10am-12pm $5-$12 SPP will meet 5 live animals! Ages 6+

675931 Apr 25 Sat 676260 May 4 Mon
1-3pm $5-$12 SPP
7-8:30pm $9-$15 SPP

Parent/Child Birding Owls of the World

Learn to get started in this fun and easy Get up close and personal with live owls from

hobby as a family. You'll be able to use six different continents. You'll also see the

your new skills at parks, while camping, or tools used by owls worldwide and their

anywhere your family outdoor adventures importance to global ecosystems. Indoor

take you! Children must be accompanied program, bring a camera! Ages 6+

by a registered adult. Ages 6+ 676230 Jul 25 Sat

670650 May 30 Sat 10-11:15am $5-$15 SPP

10-11:30am $5-$12 SPP

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Perseids Meteor Shower HawkQuest Night-Out

Star Party Watch a trained hawk swoop past you, and

Join us for the biggest shower of summer! get close-up views of live eagles, owls and

We’ll look for meteors on the peak night falcons. Program meets at South Platte Park.

while enjoying a relaxing evening outside. All All ages.

ages. Doors close for entry at 9:30pm. #670730 Aug 11 Tue

670000 Aug 12 Wed 6-7:30pm $5 per person SPP

8pm-12am $5-$12 SPP Hooked!

Cooley Lake Family Fishing Clinic

Nature Walks Fishing has never been easier or more

fun! Learn basic skills and practices from

Explore Cooley Lake wildlife area during a SPP Guides, then put your skills to use the

naturalist-guided walk. This area has limited river or lakes. We'll provide basic tackle and

public access to protect wildlife. These walks bait. Bring your own rod, no fly fishing reels,

usually occur the second Saturday of each please (but we will demo a fly rod for those

month, and additionally a few Sunday walks interested). Program is held at Trailmark

per year will be held. All ages, always free! Park, 8853 W Trailmark Pkwy, Littleton. Due

670505 May 9 to free fishing weekend, licenses are not

6705052 May 10 Mother’s Day required on this date.

670506 Jun 13 670700 Jun 6 Sat

6705062 Jun 21 Father’s Day 8-11am $19 / $15 R Trailmark

670507 Jul 11 Free Gold Panning!

670508 Aug 15

Pan for gold in the South Platte River, and

Full Moon Walks visit different eras in Littleton’s past during

Challenge your senses as a naturalist guides this Western Welcome Week event..

you on an exciting, moonlight adventure Equipment and instruction provided. Take

through a riverside forest. Ages 6+. Times home what gold you find. All ages welcome.

vary based on moonrise and sunset. See No fee necessary to participate! Water shoes

website for more information. Ages 6+ recommended, bare feet not permitted!

$12 adults / $8 youth out of District Sat, Aug 8 9:30-11:30am SPP

$9 adults / $5 youth within District

670592 Apr 7 Pink Supermoon

670593 May 7 Supermoon Owls

670594 Aug 3 Bats!

Page | 12 www.ssprd.org/nature

Complete Scout Have a WILD Birthday
Requirements at Party at South Platte
South Platte Park! Park!

Naturalists at South Platte Park can help Includes:
your Scout complete nature, ecology or
animal-based badge requirements by • Up to 12 participants
appointment. Bring one scout or bring the • 1.5-hour naturalist-guided program
troop! • Party room for 30 min
• Invitation templates
Call (303) 730-1022 to book • Party favors for guests
your troop today! • Additional children welcome for an

Tell your school you want a field trip at additional guide fee.
South Platte Park! We offer theme-based
programs that meet current standards, Themes include:
including:
• River Treasure Hunt
Ecosystem Adventures • Bug Bonanza
Animal Detectives • Geocaching
Plant Exploration • Crazy ‘bout Crawdads
Life Underwater • Princess Adventurers
Gold Panning • Wildlife Detectives
Insects and Spiders • Live Birds of Prey or Reptiles*
More!
$135 /$129 R
Call (303) 730-1022 for information. Call (303) 730-1022 or visit

ssprd.org/nature
to book yours today!

*Different fee structure. Call for details.

Page | 13 www.ssprd.org/nature

South Platte Park's 'Rent-a-Naturalist' Looking for a space for a group of up to 40
program and Certified Interpretive Guides for private parties, meetings, corporate
can bring nature-based programs, walks events or other gatherings?
and information sessions to your HOA
meetings, apartment complexes, scout South Platte Park’s Kingfisher Studio is a
groups, assisted or independent living beautiful space located adjacent to the
facilities, retirement communities and Carson Nature Center and overlooking the
more. park. It features a projector, fireplace,
refrigerator, cooling/heating, 8
Naturalists will bring binoculars, field rectangular banquet tables and 40 chairs.
guides, pelts and skulls, or any other There is also parking for your guests in our
equipment needed and tour your ‘reserved lot’.
neighborhood. Learn what wildlife is there
and why, and how to protect your Contact us at 303.730.1022 for
property. information, availability and rates.

Rent-a-Naturalist is also available for
Corporate Trainings, Scouts and can be
used to repeat any program in our catalog
for a private group.

$59/hour for South Suburban residents; $65
per hour for non-residents.

Page | 14 www.ssprd.org/nature

Online…anytime! Age Exceptions

www.ssprd.org/nature Age exceptions can be made if a child is
within two weeks of turning the minimum
Phone age, or within one month of exceeding the
maximum age for a program. To be fair to
(303) 347-5999 everyone, no other exceptions can be made.
Mon-Thu: 7:30am-7pm
Fri: 7:30am-5pm Photography
Sat: 9am-4pm
Any program photos taken by employees in a
In Person district-managed property belong to South
Suburban and may be used at its discretion.
Goodson Recreation Center
Indemnification and
6315 S. University Blvd Waiver of Liability

Littleton, CO 80121 By registering for any program, registrant
acknowledges that program activities carry
Mon-Thu: 7:30am-7pm certain risks for participants. Further, by
registering, registrant (or parent) releases
Fri: 7:30am-5pm and indemnifies District, its employees,
agents, leaders, instructors, contractors or
Sat: 9am-4pm volunteers from and against any and all
claims, demands, loss or injury to the person
Refund Policy or property, caused during participation of
the activity. This release and indemnity is
Refunds and transfers must be requested intended to be as broad as permitted by law.
3 business days prior to scheduled start of
activity. There is a $5 service fee per class Nondiscrimination
on requested refunds, or save the service
charge by requesting a South Suburban Gift We prohibit unlawful discrimination against
Card. Certain classes may have additional volunteers and program participants on the
cancellation charges and deadlines. If we basis of age, race, sex, color, creed, religion,
cancel a program, you will receive a full national origin, ancestry, disability, sexual
refund. Returned checks subject to orientation, transgender status, veteran
additional fees. status, genetic information, or any other
applicable status protected by state or local
Code of Conduct law.

Appropriate social behavior is requested for
all programs and facility use. Individuals are
encouraged to act in a way that will not hurt
another person physically, mentally or
emotionally. A participant may be asked to
withdraw from a program or to leave a
facility if behavior does not comply with
program/facility standards.

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