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West Suburban Homeschool Nature Group

WSHNG is a non-profit homeschool cooperative in the western suburbs of Chicago. Our get-togethers are free or as low-cost as possible. You're welcome to be part of our vibrant community of nature enthusiasts.

Kick off a new homeschool year outdoors with us 🌿 at our Back 2 Homeschool Picnic. Bring a food dish to pass as we reconnect and welcome new families. WSHNG will provide sandwiches, crafts and activities for the group.&nbsp; We&rsquo;ll keep it simple and relaxed&mdash;time to play, explore, and chat with other parents about nature walks, co-ops, and the year ahead. All homeschool families are welcome as we work together to keep learning in nature accessible to everyone. 🧺

Back 2 Homeschool Picnic

🚒 **Event Overview:**Join us for an exciting and educational visit to the Aurora Regional Fire Museum! Students will explore the history of firefighting through a **guided museum tour** followed by an age-appropriate educational program. Two different learning experiences will be offered based on age group: **Younger Students Program**Students will enjoy a tour of the museum and then learn about **firefighter gear and uniforms**. They will discover how firefighters stay protected while responding to emergencies and what each piece of equipment is used for. **Ages 10+ Program**Students will tour the museum and then explore **&ldquo;10 Fires That Shaped History.&rdquo;** This program highlights significant historical fires and how they influenced firefighting techniques, safety regulations, and building practices. --- 👨&zwj;👧 **Age Range:**Two program options available:👧 Younger students program🧑 Ages **10 and up** 💰 **Cost:**$9 per student &mdash; Younger students program&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;**$10 per student &mdash; Ages 10+ program ✍️ **Sign-Up:****Registration is required.** Please indicate which program your student will attend when signing up. #️⃣ **Group Size:**Minimum **15 students per class** required. --- 🎒 **What to Bring:**🥪 Lunch or snacks💧 Water👟 Comfortable walking shoes📓 Optional notebook for learning notes --- 📢 **Expectations:**👥 Please stay with the group for safety.🚽 Restrooms available inside the museum.👨&zwj;👩&zwj;👧 Parents/guardians are responsible for their children at all times.👍 Adhere to the WSHNG Code of Conduct.🚒 Please respect museum exhibits and follow staff instructions. --- ❌ **Cancellations:**💵 Most tickets are non-refundable. We want to be respectful of the time, effort, and resources our event host dedicated to WSHNG. If you must cancel, we request that you first find someone to fill your spot, so that we are attending with the number of people for which the event host planned. Please arrange the money exchange amongst yourselves. 📧 Please email us at [<a fr-original-style="" href="mailto:events@whsng.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">events@whsng.org</a>](mailto:<a fr-original-style="" href="mailto:events@whsng.org" rel="noopener noreferrer noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">events@whsng.org</a>) as soon as possible to let us know. Thank you! We can&rsquo;t wait to see you there! --- 🗒️ **Additional Notes:**☀️ Events are rain or shine (unless otherwise stated).🌧️ In case of inclement weather, updates will be posted on our Facebook group and Google Calendar.🐜 Don&rsquo;t forget to check for ticks after outdoor activities!🔥 This program offers a great opportunity to learn about fire safety and the history of firefighting. --- 🌿 **About WSHNG**West Suburban Homeschool Nature Group (WSHNG) is a non-profit homeschool cooperative in the west suburbs of Chicago. As a group, we work together to ensure our children are learning and growing together in nature. It is our belief that homeschooling as a group should be accessible to everyone, which is why our get-togethers are free or as low-cost as possible. We understand the flexibility that homeschooling offers, so our meet-ups are designed to accommodate varying schedules. Whether you can join us weekly or as your schedule permits, you&#39;re welcome to be part of our vibrant community of nature enthusiasts. --- 🤲 **Donate**Generous donations allow us to offer more educational opportunities at an affordable cost to our participating families. No amount is too small. We appreciate any and all donations and acknowledge their significance in making all that we do possible. If you would like to donate to WSHNG, click here. Thank you from all of our WSHNG families! --- ⚠️ **Disclaimer:**By attending a WSHNG event, you acknowledge that parents/guardians are responsible for their children at all times. Neither West Suburban Homeschool Nature Group, event host, nor event organizers assume liability for injuries or lost items. West Suburban Homeschool Nature Group&#39;s Waiver &amp; Release of Liability as well as Code of Conduct apply to all events.

Aurora Fire Dept Museum

Show your West Suburban Homeschool Nature Group pride with gear that celebrates outdoor learning 🌳. Every item helps keep our hikes, workshops, and seasonal gatherings going for homeschooling families. Wear your merch on the trail, at meetups, or on everyday adventures to spark curiosity about nature and support our growing community of explorers 🍂.

Show your West Suburban Homeschool Nature Group pride with gear that celebrates outdoor learning 🌳. Every item helps keep our hikes, workshops, and seasonal gatherings going for homeschooling families.Wear your merch on the trail, at meetups, or on everyday adventures to spark curiosity about nature and support our growing community of explorers 🍂.

Merch Shop

🌿 Support WSHNG: Keep Outdoor Education Accessible for Local Homeschool Families West Suburban Homeschool Nature Group (WSHNG) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving more than 60 homeschool families across the western suburbs of Chicago. Each week, our families gather for hands-on, nature-based learning experiences, including field trips, co-op classes, guest educators, and outdoor exploration. As our community continues to grow, so does the need to keep these opportunities accessible and affordable for every family. Our Goal: Raise $5,000 to keep programming free (or very low-cost) for our students. Your sponsorship directly supports: &bull; Field trip fees &bull; Educational supplies &bull; Guest instructors &bull; Seasonal programming &bull; Financial accessibility for families in need We believe community-based education should be available to everyone &mdash; regardless of income. With your partnership, we can continue offering meaningful, outdoor learning experiences that build confidence, curiosity, and connection. 🌱 Sponsorship Levels$250+ Community Sponsor Logo featured on our website $500+ Supporting Sponsor Website logo + event recognition + social media thank-you $1,000+ Presenting Sponsor All of the above + logo featured on the back of our seasonal WSHNG member T-shirts Your support makes a direct and visible impact within our local homeschool community.Thank you for investing in education, families, and the next generation of nature explorers.

🌿 Support WSHNG: Keep Outdoor Education Accessible for Local Homeschool FamiliesWest Suburban Homeschool Nature Group (WSHNG) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving more than 60 homeschool families across the western suburbs of Chicago.Each week, our families gather for hands-on, nature-based learning experiences, including field trips, co-op classes, guest educators, and outdoor exploration. As our community continues to grow, so does the need to keep these opportunities accessible and affordable for every family.Our Goal: Raise $5,000 to keep programming free (or very low-cost) for our students.Your sponsorship directly supports:• Field trip fees• Educational supplies• Guest instructors• Seasonal programming• Financial accessibility for families in needWe believe community-based education should be available to everyone — regardless of income. With your partnership, we can continue offering meaningful, outdoor learning experiences that build confidence, curiosity, and connection.🌱 Sponsorship Levels$250+ Community SponsorLogo featured on our website$500+ Supporting SponsorWebsite logo + event recognition + social media thank-you$1,000+ Presenting SponsorAll of the above + logo featured on the back of our seasonal WSHNG member T-shirtsYour support makes a direct and visible impact within our local homeschool community.Thank you for investing in education, families, and the next generation of nature explorers.

🌿 Soporte WSHNG: Mantenga la Educaci&oacute;n al Aire Libre Accesible para Familias de Educaci&oacute;n en Casa Locales El Grupo de Naturaleza de Educaci&oacute;n en Casa West Suburban Homeschool (WSHNG) es una organizaci&oacute;n sin fines de lucro 501(c)(3) que sirve a m&aacute;s de 60 familias de educaci&oacute;n en casa en los suburbios del oeste de Chicago. Cada semana, nuestras familias se re&uacute;nen para experimentar aprendizaje pr&aacute;ctico basado en la naturaleza, que incluye excursiones, clases cooperativas, educadores invitados y exploraci&oacute;n al aire libre. A medida que nuestra comunidad sigue creciendo, tambi&eacute;n crece la necesidad de mantener estas oportunidades accesibles y asequibles para cada familia. Nuestro Objetivo: Recaudar $5,000 para mantener la programaci&oacute;n gratuita (o de muy bajo costo) para nuestros estudiantes. Su patrocinio apoya directamente: &bull; Tarifas de excursiones &bull; Suministros educativos &bull; Instructores invitados &bull; Programaci&oacute;n estacional &bull; Accesibilidad financiera para familias necesitadas Creemos que la educaci&oacute;n comunitaria debe estar disponible para todos, independientemente de los ingresos. Con su colaboraci&oacute;n, podemos seguir ofreciendo experiencias de aprendizaje al aire libre significativas que fomenten la confianza, la curiosidad y la conexi&oacute;n. 🌱 Niveles de Patrocinio$250+ Patrocinador Comunitario Logo destacado en nuestro sitio web $500+ Patrocinador de Apoyo Logo en el sitio web + reconocimiento en eventos + agradecimiento en redes sociales $1,000+ Patrocinador Presentador Todo lo anterior + logo destacado en la parte trasera de las camisetas de miembros estacionales de WSHNG Su apoyo tiene un impacto directo y visible dentro de nuestra comunidad local de educaci&oacute;n en casa.Gracias por invertir en educaci&oacute;n, familias y la pr&oacute;xima generaci&oacute;n de exploradores de la naturaleza.

🌿 Soporte WSHNG: Mantenga la Educación al Aire Libre Accesible para Familias de Educación en Casa LocalesEl Grupo de Naturaleza de Educación en Casa West Suburban Homeschool (WSHNG) es una organización sin fines de lucro 501(c)(3) que sirve a más de 60 familias de educación en casa en los suburbios del oeste de Chicago.Cada semana, nuestras familias se reúnen para experimentar aprendizaje práctico basado en la naturaleza, que incluye excursiones, clases cooperativas, educadores invitados y exploración al aire libre. A medida que nuestra comunidad sigue creciendo, también crece la necesidad de mantener estas oportunidades accesibles y asequibles para cada familia.Nuestro Objetivo: Recaudar $5,000 para mantener la programación gratuita (o de muy bajo costo) para nuestros estudiantes.Su patrocinio apoya directamente:• Tarifas de excursiones• Suministros educativos• Instructores invitados• Programación estacional• Accesibilidad financiera para familias necesitadasCreemos que la educación comunitaria debe estar disponible para todos, independientemente de los ingresos. Con su colaboración, podemos seguir ofreciendo experiencias de aprendizaje al aire libre significativas que fomenten la confianza, la curiosidad y la conexión.🌱 Niveles de Patrocinio$250+ Patrocinador ComunitarioLogo destacado en nuestro sitio web$500+ Patrocinador de ApoyoLogo en el sitio web + reconocimiento en eventos + agradecimiento en redes sociales$1,000+ Patrocinador PresentadorTodo lo anterior + logo destacado en la parte trasera de las camisetas de miembros estacionales de WSHNGSu apoyo tiene un impacto directo y visible dentro de nuestra comunidad local de educación en casa.Gracias por invertir en educación, familias y la próxima generación de exploradores de la naturaleza.

As a WSHNG Member, you will receive - Priority sign-up and early access to activities- First dibs on field trips and outings with limited spots- First dibs on co-op kits (limited stock)- Voting rights- Eligibility to be a committee chair- Access to Members-only website The WSHNG Annual Membership fee is $20 per family for an entire year! If you are not a WSHNG member, a fee will be added to each transaction (events/outing, merchandise) to assist with covering WSHNG&#39;s operation expenses. Non-members will still have access to the Facebook page.

As a WSHNG Member, you will receive- Priority sign-up and early access to activities- First dibs on field trips and outings with limited spots- First dibs on co-op kits (limited stock)- Voting rights- Eligibility to be a committee chair- Access to Members-only websiteThe WSHNG Annual Membership fee is $20 per family for an entire year!If you are not a WSHNG member, a fee will be added to each transaction (events/outing, merchandise) to assist with covering WSHNG's operation expenses. Non-members will still have access to the Facebook page.

WSHNG Annual Membership

🐢 Event Overview:Students will get the opportunity to meet several reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates from around the world while learning about their habitats, adaptations, and the important roles they play in nature. This highly interactive program allows participants to safely see many of the animals up close and even enjoy hands-on opportunities with select animals. Along the way, we&rsquo;ll explore topics such as:&bull; Camouflage&bull; Defense mechanisms&bull; Ecosystems&bull; Conservation&bull; Animal adaptations Kids are encouraged to ask questions and explore their curiosity about wildlife in a fun, engaging learning environment. 👨&zwj;👧 Age Range:All ages welcome! 👧🧒👦💰 Cost:FREE✍️ Sign-Up:RSVP required so we can plan space and materials.#️⃣ Group Size:No maximum &mdash; everyone is welcome to join! 🎒 What to Bring:🥪 Lunch or snacks💧 Water👟 Comfortable shoes🧥 Weather-appropriate clothing (if waiting outdoors)📷 Optional camera for photos 📢 Expectations:👥 Please stay with the group for safety.🐍 Follow all presenter instructions when interacting with animals.👨&zwj;👩&zwj;👧 Parents/guardians are responsible for their children at all times.👍 Adhere to the WSHNG Code of Conduct.🙌 Gentle hands and respectful behavior around animals. ❌ Cancellations:💵 Most tickets are non-refundable. We want to be respectful of the time, effort, and resources our event host dedicated to WSHNG. If you must cancel, we request that you first find someone to fill your spot, so that we are attending with the number of people for which the event host planned. Please arrange the money exchange amongst yourselves.📧 Please email us at&nbsp;<a fr-original-style="" href="mailto:events@whsng.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">events@whsng.org</a> as soon as possible to let us know. Thank you! We can&rsquo;t wait to see you there! 🗒️ Additional Notes:☀️ Events are rain or shine (unless otherwise stated).🌧️ In case of inclement weather, updates will be posted on our Facebook group and Google Calendar.🐜 Don&rsquo;t forget to check for ticks after outdoor activities!🦎 Some participants may have opportunities to touch animals &mdash; participation is optional. 🌿 About WSHNGWest Suburban Homeschool Nature Group (WSHNG) is a non-profit homeschool cooperative in the west suburbs of Chicago. As a group, we work together to ensure our children are learning and growing together in nature. It is our belief that homeschooling as a group should be accessible to everyone, which is why our get-togethers are free or as low-cost as possible. We understand the flexibility that homeschooling offers, so our meet-ups are designed to accommodate varying schedules. Whether you can join us weekly or as your schedule permits, you&#39;re welcome to be part of our vibrant community of nature enthusiasts. 🤲 DonateGenerous donations allow us to offer more educational opportunities at an affordable cost to our participating families. No amount is too small. We appreciate any and all donations and acknowledge their significance in making all that we do possible. If you would like to donate to WSHNG, click here. Thank you from all of our WSHNG families! ⚠️ Disclaimer:By attending a WSHNG event, you acknowledge that parents/guardians are responsible for their children at all times. Neither West Suburban Homeschool Nature Group, event host, nor event organizers assume liability for injuries or lost items. West Suburban Homeschool Nature Group&#39;s Waiver &amp; Release of Liability as well as Code of Conduct apply to all events.

Crosstown exotics

We&rsquo;re putting together our West Suburban Homeschool Nature Group Yearbook for the 2026&ndash;2027 school year, and our yearbook club would love to help capture your students in it!🌿 Photos will be just $10 per student.&nbsp; You are more than welcome to submit your own photo, but if you&#39;d like a professional headshot-style image, we&rsquo;ll be offering mini sessions on September 30th and October 1st during WSHNG at the following times:🕙 September 30th-10:00&ndash;10:30 AMBefore co-op&nbsp; 🕦 October 1st- 10:30 AM&ndash;11:00 AMBefore nature group&nbsp;✨ Sign up and pay using this link: 👉&nbsp;All proceeds will go directly to WSHNG to help cover the cost of a camera and yearbook equipment for our students ❤️&nbsp;I will be bringing my antique desk and some cute background items!&nbsp;Morgan Doti will help our yearbook students capture your students!&nbsp;📘 Yearbooks are expected to be available in June, and pricing will be around $15&ndash;$20 each. Final details coming soon!Can&rsquo;t wait to see all these smiling faces in print! Let me know if you have any questions 💚

WSHNG Yearbook Photos

Group visit Date: 10/5/26Time: 10:30am-11:30am# of Students: ~20-30Ages or Grade Level: Preschool to HSFocus of the visit: &nbsp;We will allow for time to explore the exhibit building, provide a brief introduction to our site, then head out on a naturalist led walk on our Giant&#39;s Hollow Trail to talk about how animals prepare for winter. Food/Beverages:All lunches and snacks need to remain on the bus or in vehicles during your visit. Only water bottles are permitted on the trails. Please remember that there is no feeding of wildlife at the Nature Center. We can help acquire a free permit for your group to picnic at a nearby preserve if requested. &nbsp;&nbsp;Clothing/Footwear:Please remind all participants that most of the program will be outdoors, depending on the season/weather the trails may be muddy and uneven. It is important that everyone is dressed appropriately for the weather and wears suitable shoes/boots. Long pants and closed sturdy shoes are always recommended.During days above freezing, ticks are present when hiking outdoors. &nbsp;&nbsp;Upon Arrival: &nbsp;Let your group know to park in the main lot and head up the paved trail from the parking lot to the nature center building. Check in with a naturalist at the front desk to begin your guided experience.&nbsp; Discover how animals and plants get ready for winter at Crabtree Nature Center 🐾🍂 as we hike, observe, and ask questions together. Kids will look for tracks, seeds, and other clues that show how nature changes with the season. This outing supports our mission of learning and growing together in nature while keeping homeschool community events low-cost and welcoming. Bring your curiosity, weather-appropriate gear, and a sense of adventure. 📢 **Expectations:**👥 Please stay with the group for safety.🚫 **Strollers are not recommended** due to pathway conditions.👨&zwj;👩&zwj;👧 Parents/guardians are responsible for their children at all times.👍 Adhere to the WSHNG Code of Conduct.🌿 Stay on designated trails and respect wildlife.---❌ **Cancellations:**💵 Most tickets are non-refundable. We want to be respectful of the time, effort, and resources our event host dedicated to WSHNG. If you must cancel, we request that you first find someone to fill your spot, so that we are attending with the number of people for which the event host planned. Please arrange the money exchange amongst yourselves.📧 Please email us at [events@whsng.org](mailto:events@whsng.org) as soon as possible to let us know. Thank you! We can&rsquo;t wait to see you there!---🗒️ **Additional Notes:**☀️ Events are rain or shine (unless otherwise stated).🌧️ In case of inclement weather, updates will be posted on our Facebook group and Google Calendar.🐜 Don&rsquo;t forget to check for ticks after outdoor activities!🍂 Dress for outdoor walking and fall weather conditions.---🌿 **About WSHNG**West Suburban Homeschool Nature Group (WSHNG) is a non-profit homeschool cooperative in the west suburbs of Chicago. As a group, we work together to ensure our children are learning and growing together in nature. It is our belief that homeschooling as a group should be accessible to everyone, which is why our get-togethers are free or as low-cost as possible. We understand the flexibility that homeschooling offers, so our meet-ups are designed to accommodate varying schedules. Whether you can join us weekly or as your schedule permits, you&#39;re welcome to be part of our vibrant community of nature enthusiasts.---🤲 **Donate**Generous donations allow us to offer more educational opportunities at an affordable cost to our participating families. No amount is too small. We appreciate any and all donations and acknowledge their significance in making all that we do possible. If you would like to donate to WSHNG, click here. Thank you from all of our WSHNG families!---⚠️ **Disclaimer:**By attending a WSHNG event, you acknowledge that parents/guardians are responsible for their children at all times. Neither West Suburban Homeschool Nature Group, event host, nor event organizers assume liability for injuries or lost items. West Suburban Homeschool Nature Group&#39;s Waiver &amp; Release of Liability as well as Code of Conduct apply to all events.

Crabtree Nature Center- How Nature Prepares for Winter

🐾 Event Overview: Join us at Phillips Park Zoo for a free admission educational experience featuring an Animal Ambassador Chat! Students will have the chance to meet live animal ambassadors and learn about their behaviors, habitats, and the important roles they play in nature.This interactive program encourages curiosity and questions while providing an engaging hands-on learning experience about wildlife conservation and animal care. 👨&zwj;👧 Age Range: All ages welcome! 👧🧒👦💰 Cost: FREE✍️ Sign-Up: RSVP required so we can plan for group size and participation.#️⃣ Group Size: No maximum &mdash; everyone is welcome to join! 🎒 What to Bring: 🥪 Lunch or snacks 💧 Water 👟 Comfortable walking shoes 🧥 Weather-appropriate clothing 📢 Expectations: 👥 Please stay with the group for safety. 🐾 Follow all staff instructions when interacting with animals. 👨&zwj;👩&zwj;👧 Parents/guardians are responsible for their children at all times. 👍 Adhere to the WSHNG Code of Conduct. ❌ Cancellations: 💵 Most tickets are non-refundable. We want to be respectful of the time, effort, and resources our event host dedicated to WSHNG. If you must cancel, we request that you first find someone to fill your spot, so that we are attending with the number of people for which the event host planned. Please arrange the money exchange amongst yourselves.📧 Please email us at events@whsng.org as soon as possible to let us know. Thank you! We can&rsquo;t wait to see you there! 🗒️ Additional Notes: ☀️ Events are rain or shine (unless otherwise stated). 🌧️ In case of inclement weather, updates will be posted on our Facebook group and Google Calendar. 🐜 Don&rsquo;t forget to check for ticks after outdoor activities! 🦁 Plan to arrive a few minutes early to enjoy the zoo exhibits before the Animal Ambassador Chat. 🌿 About WSHNG West Suburban Homeschool Nature Group (WSHNG) is a non-profit homeschool cooperative in the west suburbs of Chicago. As a group, we work together to ensure our children are learning and growing together in nature. It is our belief that homeschooling as a group should be accessible to everyone, which is why our get-togethers are free or as low-cost as possible. We understand the flexibility that homeschooling offers, so our meet-ups are designed to accommodate varying schedules. Whether you can join us weekly or as your schedule permits, you&#39;re welcome to be part of our vibrant community of nature enthusiasts. 🤲 Donate Generous donations allow us to offer more educational opportunities at an affordable cost to our participating families. No amount is too small. We appreciate any and all donations and acknowledge their significance in making all that we do possible. If you would like to donate to WSHNG, click here. Thank you from all of our WSHNG families! ⚠️ Disclaimer: By attending a WSHNG event, you acknowledge that parents/guardians are responsible for their children at all times. Neither West Suburban Homeschool Nature Group, event host, nor event organizers assume liability for injuries or lost items. West Suburban Homeschool Nature Group&#39;s Waiver &amp; Release of Liability as well as Code of Conduct apply to all events.

Phillips Park Zoo – Animal Ambassador Chat

Bring your own pumpkins for a relaxed afternoon of pumpkin painting 🎃. We&rsquo;ll spread out with paint, brushes, and simple supplies so kids of all ages can create, talk, and laugh together. This event keeps costs low while giving families time to slow down and connect. 🍂&nbsp;Come enjoy hands-on art, community, and a little seasonal fun alongside other West Suburban Homeschool Nature Group families. Pumpkin painting will be immediately after co-op! There is a playground for the kids to enjoy as well. Feel free to bring a picnic!

Pumpkin Painting with WSHNG

🍂 Adults-Only Friendsgiving 🍂 Join us for an adults-only Friendsgiving, a relaxed evening to connect with fellow homeschool parents and guardians without the hustle of a regular co-op day. Share good food, swap stories, and get to know the community that learns and explores alongside your kids. 💛 Our group is built on keeping nature-based homeschooling accessible for every family, and that includes caring for parents, too. Come as you are, bring what you can, and enjoy some time with friends, old and new! 🎁 OPTIONAL GIFT EXCHANGE: &ldquo;Your Favorite Things&rdquo; Want to join the gift exchange? Bring your tried-and-true favorite things to share with another member of the group! We recommend a wrapped gift valued around $25. It can be something you absolutely love, something you use all the time, or something you think other homeschool parents will love discovering. Gift exchange is completely optional, so no pressure if you&rsquo;d rather just come, eat, and enjoy the evening! 🍁🥧 We can&rsquo;t wait to spend a little grown-up time together! ❤️

Friendsgiving (Adults Only)

🦖 WSHNG Fall Co-Op 🌿Theme: Dinosaurs &amp; Nature ExplorersGet ready to become real life scientists!! 🦕🌎This fall, WSHNG Co-Op will be exploring the fascinating world of&nbsp;dinosaurs! We&rsquo;ll be creating engaging, hands-on lessons, crafts, experiments, and activities inspired by the incredible world of dinosaurs! 📅&nbsp;Dates: Wednesdays, September 16th &ndash; November 18th ⏰&nbsp;Time: 10:30 AM 📍&nbsp;Location: Atten Park 1720 S Wiesbrook Rd, Wheaton, IL 60189 🦖 10 Weeks of Dinosaur Adventures!Each week will explore a different dinosaur or topic through hands-on learning and play. Thanks to our fundraising efforts, WSHNG will provide all supplies for co-op! 🎉 A Please help with our fall fundraisers! We want to keep WSHNG free/low costs and this is how we do it! Your support helps us continue providing hands-on programming and supplies for future semesters. 💚 🦖 We Need Our WSHNG Families!Co-Op works because we all pitch in! To make these 10 weeks amazing for our kids, we ask each family to participate.Volunteer Requirements:🌿 Teach ONE week OR 📚 Assist/Reader for TWO weeks Sign up to volunteer HERE: <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044EA9A92FA6FCC61-65191809-fall" id="isPasted" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044EA9A92FA6FCC61-65191809-fall</a> We&rsquo;re all working together to create a fun, hands-on experience for our kids! 💚🦕 We can&rsquo;t wait to explore the prehistoric world with you this fall!

Fall Co-Op 2026

🏗️ **Event Overview:**Buildings are works of art in which we live, work, and learn! Join us for **All About Architecture (For Kids!)**, a special guided walking tour designed just for students.Participants will discover the stories behind local landmarks such as the **railroad, the County Courthouse, and more**, while learning how architecture shapes our communities. This engaging experience blends history, design, and storytelling in a fun and interactive way.👟 Please note: This program includes approximately **1.5 miles of walking**, so participants should wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.---👨&zwj;👧 **Age Range:**All ages welcome! 👧🧒👦💰 **Cost:**$5 per person✍️ **Sign-Up:****RSVP required** to secure your spot.#️⃣ **Group Size:**Minimum **30 students required**.If there is enough interest, we may add a **second time slot**.---🎒 **What to Bring:**👟 Comfortable walking shoes💧 Water🧥 Weather-appropriate clothing🥪 Optional snacks---📢 **Expectations:**👥 Please stay with the group for safety.🚶 Be prepared for a walking tour (approx. 1.5 miles).👨&zwj;👩&zwj;👧 Parents/guardians are responsible for their children at all times.👍 Adhere to the WSHNG Code of Conduct.🏛️ Be respectful of public spaces and historic sites.---❌ **Cancellations:**💵 Most tickets are non-refundable. We want to be respectful of the time, effort, and resources our event host dedicated to WSHNG. If you must cancel, we request that you first find someone to fill your spot, so that we are attending with the number of people for which the event host planned. Please arrange the money exchange amongst yourselves.📧 Please email us at [events@whsng.org](mailto:events@whsng.org) as soon as possible to let us know. Thank you! We can&rsquo;t wait to see you there!---🗒️ **Additional Notes:**☀️ Events are rain or shine (unless otherwise stated).🌧️ In case of inclement weather, updates will be posted on our Facebook group and Google Calendar.🐜 Don&rsquo;t forget to check for ticks after outdoor activities!🏙️ This is a walking-based program &mdash; dress accordingly.---🌿 **About WSHNG**West Suburban Homeschool Nature Group (WSHNG) is a non-profit homeschool cooperative in the west suburbs of Chicago. As a group, we work together to ensure our children are learning and growing together in nature. It is our belief that homeschooling as a group should be accessible to everyone, which is why our get-togethers are free or as low-cost as possible. We understand the flexibility that homeschooling offers, so our meet-ups are designed to accommodate varying schedules. Whether you can join us weekly or as your schedule permits, you&#39;re welcome to be part of our vibrant community of nature enthusiasts.---🤲 **Donate**Generous donations allow us to offer more educational opportunities at an affordable cost to our participating families. No amount is too small. We appreciate any and all donations and acknowledge their significance in making all that we do possible. If you would like to donate to WSHNG, click here. Thank you from all of our WSHNG families!---⚠️ **Disclaimer:**By attending a WSHNG event, you acknowledge that parents/guardians are responsible for their children at all times. Neither West Suburban Homeschool Nature Group, event host, nor event organizers assume liability for injuries or lost items. West Suburban Homeschool Nature Group&#39;s Waiver &amp; Release of Liability as well as Code of Conduct apply to all events.

DuPage Historical Museum

Incredible Bats is a hands-on evening for homeschool families to discover the world of bats together 🦇. Meet live bats up close, learn how they navigate the night, and explore why they matter to our local ecosystems. This event supports our mission of learning and growing in nature as a community. Parents, kids, tweens, and teens are all welcome&mdash;come curious, ready to listen, and ready to ask questions 🌙.

West Suburban Homeschool Nature Group

West Suburban Homeschool Nature Group

Events

Events

Crosstown exotics

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WSHNG Yearbook Photos

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Crabtree Nature Center- How Nature Prepares for Winter

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Phillips Park Zoo – Animal Ambassador Chat

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Pumpkin Painting with WSHNG

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Friendsgiving (Adults Only)

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Fall Co-Op 2026

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DuPage Historical Museum

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Incredible Bats

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