[ MAUKA MAKAI ]
FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM
Zac Trevorrow and other kids are not afraid to pet the big bullfrog at the Hawaii Nature Center's "Frog Frenzy."
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naturallyHawaii Nature Center helps
kids discover the critters and
creations of the great outdoors» More to do at Nature Center » Summer options
Summer vacation is just around the corner, giving many children a few glorious months of freedom. Parents may be looking for ways to whisk away the boredom that sets in when kids have too much time on their hands.
One alternative for younger children is the Hawaii Nature Center's summer programs. They provide educational activities that can keep kids busy and out of trouble.
At one recent program, keikis got an opportunity to learn all about frogs. Carolyn Zane, a first grade teacher at Kanoelani Elementary School, hosts an array of frogs and creatures in her classroom. Pacific tree frogs, poison dart frogs, a Japanese wrinkled frog and a big, slimy bullfrog are all a part of the collection that she shared during the program.
To feed them, she said, "I have to keep crickets and roaches of all different sizes," she said. "Kids also bring in centipedes and scorpions."
NANCY ARCAYNA / NARCAYNA @STARBULLETIN.COM
Children make frog masks out of party horns and paper plates at the Hawaii Nature Center's "Frog Frenzy" workshop.
Zane believes that if children grow up learning how to take good care of animals, they will take better care of their families.
She also believes that live animals spark children's curiosity. Twelve children studied the displays with curiosity. They quickly made friends with Zane's bullfrog and took turns petting him. He looked back at the kids with his bulging eyeballs and let them shake hands with his slippery, webbed feet.
Bullfrogs have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. They also have one of the loudest calls, explained Zane.
Some frogs have long and sticky tongues that can be used to catch bugs. These roll out like upside-down party horns and snap at bugs, said Lara Lagos, the class leader. The children made frog masks out of party horns and paper plates that were painted green to create the same effect.
"When a frog swallows a meal, his eyeballs will close and squish down into his head," said Lagos. This is because the eyeballs apply pressure and actually push a frog's meal down his throat, she explained.
NANCY ARCAYNA / NARCAYNA @STARBULLETIN.COM
Kids and their parents comb a stream for Japanese wrinkled frogs, in hopes of having a jumping contest.
The party went in search of Japanese wrinkled frogs for a frog-jumping contest. The excited critters must have been scared away, though, because the group searched to no avail.
Rose Watanabe attended the frog session with her 5-year-old daughter Kiana.
"At the age of 1, she already loved spiders," said Watanabe, who does not share the same passion for creepy crawlers.
"I don't know much about bugs," she said, but Kiana is the type who will pick up anything. These sorts of programs are valuable because people explain things to her, added Watanabe. "It broadens my horizons too."
The programs also allow parents to share new experiences with their children.
FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM
A bullfrog takes a break in his jar.
Jeff Zeller and his 6-year-old daughter Julie have been coming to programs for three years. A couple weeks ago, Julie had the fastest slug in the slug race.
Aaron Miyamoto, a Nature Center volunteer, talked about the different species of frogs that can be found on Oahu as the children watched some poisonous dart frogs roam about an aquarium.
The critters are commonly found in shallow water sources in Manoa.
Miyamoto explained that the creatures are much more toxic in their natural rainforest habitat. "The government introduced them to Hawaii in the early 1900's to control mosquitoes," he said.
Miyamoto ended by telling the group he had tried some frog legs at Matteo's. "They were pretty good, tasted like chicken."
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More to do at the
Hawaii Nature CenterCost to attend programs is $14 for a child-parent team ($7 per team for nature center members). Call 955-0100 to register.
Pooters, Nets and Magnifiers:
Crawl through a grassy field, scout the forest floor and skim the stream in search of many-legged friends. For ages 5 and up. 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday
Solar Energy: Learn more about the power of the sun, and prepare a treat in a solar oven. Participants will hike through the Makiki forest to view how plants and animals have evolved by using the sun's rays. For ages 5 and up. 10 a.m. to noon next Sunday
Night Insect Safari: Find out why light is attractive to insects, and learn the secrets of the forest night shift. For ages 8 and up.
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 7
Nature Rovers: Explore the meadow to feel wet moss, smell blooming flowers and meet some baby grasshoppers. For ages 4 to 7. 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. June 11
Harvest Party: Learn about composting, creating healthy soil and planting and growing vegetables, including dry-land taro. For ages 3 and up. 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. June 15
Incredible Insects, Bugs and Spiders: Explore the world of creepy, crawly things. 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. June 17
Toy Boats Afloat: Build a variety of boats using natural, artificial and recycled items, and sail them down the Makiki Stream. For ages 5 and up. 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. June 21
Web of Life: Learn how everything in nature is connected and interdependent. For ages 5 and up. 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. June 24 Secret of Flowers: Discover the colorful, fragrant treasures of nature and their hard-working pollinators. For ages 5 and up. 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. June 28
S.N.A.P.
The Summer Nature Adventure Program is offered to members of the Hawaii Nature Center (annual membership fee is $50):Designed for: Children 5 to 8. Participants must have completed Kindergarten.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: $175; $275 for extended hours, to 5 p.m.
First session: July 28 to Aug. 1
Second session: Aug. 4 to 8
Click for online
calendars and events.
