Kids in 2nd-5th grades had fun planting 100 milkweed plants at Southwind Park and learning about monarch butterflies through games and hands-on activities during the Kidzeum's pollinator summer camp. Kidzeum is partnering with District 186 to present summer day camps that focus on STEM/STEAM literacy and social-emotional learning through exploration and play. Kidzeum executive director Leah Wilson is committed to incorporating outdoor experiences during the camps and was pleased to use the abundant green space at Southwind Park. Susan Helm and Brenda Larison, dedicated local volunteers who have planted pollinator gardens throughout the city, collaborated with Kidzeum and the Springfield
Park District. The students planted the milkweed next to a new butterfly garden at Southwind Park made possible by the Schnirring and Germeraad families. Students can still sign up for the week-long summer camps. District 186 is covering the cost for students in the district. For more information, go to kidzeum.org/education/summer-camps.
