Co-Op
Co-Op
Embedded Files
SPRING SESSION IS OPEN! JOIN US OUTSIDE.
What is a True Co-Op?
What is a True Co-Op?
The word co-op has been used loosely to describe many homeschool enrichment programs. In its truest form, a homeschool co-op (cooperative) is a group of families working together to create a rich learning environment for their children. It is built on the idea that we all bring something valuable to the table—whether it’s organizing activities, leading a group, assisting with crafts, or simply showing up and supporting one another. In a cooperative, we all play a role in making the group academically, socially, emotionally, and logistically successful.
Why Does This Matter?
Our group will succeed because of the collective effort we put into making this happen. Since we want to keep this semester free and accessible to everyone, it’s essential that we all chip in where we can. This means:
-Volunteering to lead or assist with activities.
-Signing up to help manage group sizes when needed.
-Being present and engaged during meetups.
-Planning outside of co-op hours.
Why Is It Free?
By working together and sharing responsibilities, we can offer an enriching, family-oriented experience without the need for membership fees or high costs. Our goal is to create a supportive, inclusive space where families can connect, learn, and explore nature without barriers.
As we move into this semester, let’s keep this spirit of cooperation at the heart of what we do. The more we can each contribute, the more rewarding this experience will be for everyone!
What is the Overall Vibe of the Co-Op?
We are a kind and welcoming community. We look out for each other and work together to ensure WSHNG is a safe, enjoyable place for all who participate.
What might that look like?
-Introducing yourself and personally welcoming new members
-Jumping in to help a child with their craft when the child’s parent/guardian is struggling with a toddler or baby
-Looking out for the safety and well-being of all the children, not just your own
-Kindly communicating with other parents/guardians to address any issues or concerns amongst the children and/or the adults, modeling healthy communication and conflict resolution to the children
We adhere to a Code of Conduct to ensure we are protecting the physical, emotional/psychological, and social health of all participating children and adults.
What Does Our Co-op Look Like?
Weekly nature-based co-op class,
which includes reading, writing,
and a craft and/or activity
10-week spring, summer, and fall semesters
16-week winter semester, with bi-weekly co-op and nature hikes to help everyone slow down and navigate the cold.
Volunteers needed!
Volunteers needed!
To make this co-op amazing for our kids, we ask each family to participate:
Volunteer Suggestions:
Teach ONE week OR
Assist/reader for TWO weeks
Sign up here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044EA9A92FA6FCC61-61702427-spring#/
Even helping once or twice truly makes a difference—we all work together to make this special
Weekly Flow
Weekly Flow
10:00 – 10:30 AM (Optional)
Free play & social time
Please be respectful of our ongoing clubs who meet during this time!
WSHNG Co-Op Update
We have an important update regarding how we’ll be sharing co-op information this semester.
Moving forward, co-op events will no longer be posted on our main Facebook page. Since we’ve transitioned to an RSVP system, communication will now be more streamlined and private for participating families.
We will ask you to ONLY RSVP "going" on facebook one week before the event, so that we have an accurate headcount for each week.
This facebook group will be your go-to place for all co-op information, updates, and weekly details.
(Link is sent via email to families who signed up for the semester. We are capping participation to 45 students for the spring semester. Co-Op is FULL.)
In addition, we will no longer be posting co-op photos on the main page. This change helps us better respect and manage family preferences regarding photo sharing, and ensures our community knows which images should remain private.
All weekly updates will be shared:
Inside the private Facebook group
Through the email you provided at signup
Thank you so much for your understanding and support as we make this transition. It will help us create a more organized, respectful, and connected co-op experience for everyone!
Code of Conduct (Please Read)
Code of Conduct (Please Read)
To ensure a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment for everyone, all participants are expected to follow our Code of Conduct.
View full policy: https://www.wshng.org/info/code-of-conduct
Please be courteous and respectful to all families, volunteers, and children
Help us care for and respect the natural spaces we are enjoying
We are committed to maintaining a positive and inclusive community
If any issues arise:
Please use our incident report system
Reports can be submitted anonymously if needed
All concerns will be taken seriously
We ask that everyone uses the systems we have in place so we can continue to support our community well.
Weather Plan
Weather Plan
We meet rain or shine (covered pavilion available!)
Kids are welcome to explore in the rain
Bring extra clothes & water!
In case of storms:
We will potentially relocate to the Warrenville Public Library TBD- Stay alert for updates
Updates will be posted in:
Facebook group
Google Calendar
Email notifications
Important Reminders
Important Reminders
This is NOT a drop-off program
Parents/guardians must stay and supervise
We encourage everyone to participate and engage
Older kids are encouraged to help younger ones
Tween & Teen Insect Investigation Program
Tween & Teen Insect Investigation Program
A 10-Week Field Science Experience
A 10-Week Field Science Experience
Dates & Times
Dates & Times
This is a 10-week hybrid program with a mix of in-person and virtual sessions:
This is a 10-week hybrid program with a mix of in-person and virtual sessions:
In-Person Sessions (1 hour each | 1:00–2:00 PM):
In-Person Sessions (1 hour each | 1:00–2:00 PM):
Tuesday, April 7
Tuesday, May 12
Wednesday, June 10 (Final Symposium – during co-op day)
Virtual Check-In/Learning Sessions (30–45 minutes each | 1:00 PM):
Virtual Check-In/Learning Sessions (30–45 minutes each | 1:00 PM):
April 14
April 21
April 28
May 5
May 19
May 26
June 2
This is not your typical research project… this is an immersive insect investigation experience!
This is not your typical research project… this is an immersive insect investigation experience!
Over 10 weeks, students will become field scientists, each specializing in one insect. Through guided weekly sessions, they will:
Over 10 weeks, students will become field scientists, each specializing in one insect. Through guided weekly sessions, they will:
Explore insect anatomy, behavior, and ecosystems
Conduct real-world observations
Build a hands-on scientific model
Write a research paper
Practice presenting like a scientist
Participate in a live Insect Science Symposium at the end
As a special highlight, students will also take part in a Lab Intensive Workshop, where they will gain general field study skills, etymology specific skills and so much more.
As a special highlight, students will also take part in a Lab Intensive Workshop, where they will gain general field study skills, etymology specific skills and so much more.
End Result:
Students will walk away with deeper scientific understanding, increased confidence, a completed project, and a truly memorable experience.
End Result:
Students will walk away with deeper scientific understanding, increased confidence, a completed project, and a truly memorable experience.
Age Range
Age Range
Designed for Tweens & Teens (approximately ages 10–16)
Designed for Tweens & Teens (approximately ages 10–16)
Younger siblings are absolutely welcome to attend with families and enjoy the surrounding park amenities while in-person meetings are happening.
Younger siblings are absolutely welcome to attend with families and enjoy the surrounding park amenities while in-person meetings are happening.
Cost
Cost
No Cost, Although a $10 semester donation per child is suggested to cover supply costs.
No Cost, Although a $10 semester donation per child is suggested to cover supply costs.
Sign-Up Requirements
Sign-Up Requirements
Registration is required.
Registration is required.
Register your student
Join the class email list
Share important information for communication
What to Bring
What to Bring
For both in-person and virtual sessions:
For both in-person and virtual sessions:
An email will be sent 2–3 days prior to each meeting with any materials or supplies needed.
An email will be sent 2–3 days prior to each meeting with any materials or supplies needed.
Additional Notes
Additional Notes
We meet rain or shine!
We meet rain or shine!
If inclement weather is expected, updates will be shared via:
If inclement weather is expected, updates will be shared via:
The Facebook event page
Email
Final Notes
Final Notes
We are truly building something special together—thank you for being part of this community and for pitching in to make it run smoothly.
If you have any questions, or can help with supplies, please email bbrown@wshng.org
We can’t wait to explore the world of insects with you this spring!
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