NH/VT Family Adventure Project Ideas and Possibilities . . . . .

 

Philbrick-Cricenti Bog in New London

Montshire nature trails

Saunt-Gaudens National Historic Site

Valley Quests

Murdough Experimental Greenhouse at Dartmouth

Brookfield Floating Bridge

251 Club of Vermont

Hood Museum of Art

 

Things to do in New Hampshire

30 Great Things to Do in Vermont

Quechee Gorge

Velvet Rocks Trail in Lebanon, NH

Covered Bridges of New Hampshire

Covered Bridges of Vermont

Claremont Historic Walking Tour

Things to Do in Vermont with Kids

Family Friendly Activities in New Hampshire

Seven Weirdest Places to Go in New Hampshire

78 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in NH

18 Weirdest Places You Can Possibly Go in Vermont

57 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Vermont

 


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Or borrow one my books for a night or two to find many more ideas:

Off the Beaten Path:  Guide to Unique Places in New Hampshire

Insiders’ Guide:  Fun with the Family in Vermont and New Hampshire

Best-Loved Family Adventures in the Connecticut River Valley

–VT and NH guides

 

 

Weekly Challenge: Nature Exploration

There are so many ways to explore as you spend time outdoors.  I have always loved the sea, the woods, the mountains, . . . . , and summer is a perfect time to breathe deep and soak them in.  When I was in fourth grade, I used to roam the woods with a wildflower field guide like this one.

Now there are so many cool apps you can take along on your phone!  Has your family tried any?

During one of my early morning swims at Highland Lake, I got out my Merlin app, and it identified two pages of birds singing in under a minute of recording that day, these plus common loon, wood duck, American goldfinch, gray catbird, and pine warbler.  I never would have been able to identify all of those just by ear.  Using Merlin has helped me learn the calls of many more birds this summer.

So . . . . this week’s challenge is to do some nature exploring and find out something new to you.  Maybe try an old-fashioned rock field guide, an online plant identifier, taking a walk with a NH/VT expert you know, or . . . . Share your discovery in the comments, or have your parents e-mail me anything you’d like me to post.  Happy NH/VT exploring!

 

NH/VT Studies Summer Challenges

Here are two really fascinating state studies opportunities, one for NH kids and one for VT.  They both have aspects your whole family might enjoy as you adventure together.  Have fun!  If you take on your state’s challenge, keep us updated for the summer blog news, okay?
***The Vermont Good Citizen Challenge:
–“This summer’s Good Citizen Challenge asks participants to learn about their communities — and current events — and find ways to lend a hand.”  In addition to a chance to win special prizes,  “all who finish the Challenge will receive a Good Citizen sticker and patch, a pocket-size U.S. Constitution, and an invitation to a VIP reception at the Vermont Statehouse this fall.”

***The NH 603 200th Anniversary State History Scavenger Hunt:
–Starts July 1st.
–“The 603 History Hunt is a statewide scavenger hunt for the State of New Hampshire.  The 603 History Hunt presents players with a series of challenges. There are dozens of challenges players can choose. Some can be completed from just about anywhere in the state, while others are tied to a specific region or location within New Hampshire. Challenges may ask players to complete a variety of tasks, such as film a video, take a photograph, answer a trivia question, or scan a QR code. A point value is attached to each challenge. Players choose which challenges to complete and how many challenges they want to undertake, and they earn points accordingly.  Prizes are awarded based on points earned.”

Good Citizen Challenge 2022

Various Vermont sponsors put on this summer challenge.  Last year’s 3rd/4th graders have already completed some of the required activities as part of their state studies.  Let me know if you need a photo proving some that we have done, such as the State House visit.

All participants who complete a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal row in the challenge win an invitation to a VIP reception at the State House in September, and the grand prize includes a trip to Washington, DC!

Notice that there are additional prizes available to students who complete all of a certain category.  Explore the instructions and have fun!

All entries must be received by September 5, 2022.

Good Citizen Challenge 2022

Vermont “Gritters”

After Scotland’s gritters (snowplows) went viral last winter with their captivating GPS and their hilarious names (Grit Expectations, Gritty Gritty Bang Bang, Snow Bother, Sprinklebell, . . . . ), even the frostiest hearts melted.  Vermont decided to join in the fun this fall.  Every school in Vermont has the opportunity to name one of the nearby snowplows.

The Vermont Agency of Transportation says, “The new Name a Plow program offers an opportunity for children to put on their thinking caps and come up with creative names for AOT’s snowplows. The fleet has 250 full-size plows, and the Agency will aim to match every participating school with a truck.  The Agency will assign each name to an orange truck at the Maintenance District garage located closest to the school. District plow drivers will visit each school with the truck that it named. A decal or sign displaying the plow name and the school name will be placed on each named truck.”
Our students submitted wonderful ideas such as Thunderbolt, Frosty the Snowplow, and Baby Snowda.  The winner is Darth Blader, submitted by Emily in 5th grade!  We will look forward to meeting Darth Blader and its driver as soon as the snow flies.