The BICO Monthly Outings Summary

March, 2006


OUTING #1 DATE: March 4, 2006

TEAM:  
Franciscan Youth Center

ACTIVITIES:  Snow Crystal Structure and Winter Weather Survival Lessons / Snowtubing

DESTINATION:  Ski Liberty , Carroll Valley, PA

Ski Liberty has facilities for alpine skiing, snowboarding, and snowtubing.  There are lodges for relaxation and refreshment.
 
GETTING IN:  Currently, the entry fee is $17 per person for 2 hour.  There is a discount available for a group of 20 or more, but check into this before the outing.  Also, Ski Liberty requires a signed release for all tubing participants. Participants under 18 require parental signature.

DIRECTIONS: From Baltimore, MD - approx. 60-90 minutes
From I-695 take I-795 north to Route 140. Follow Route 140 to PA line, it becomes Route 16. Turn right on Route 116. Liberty Mountain Resort is 3 miles on the right.


NEAREST HEALTH FACILITY:  Ski Liberty Ski Patrol

OUTING HIGHLIGHTS:   We split the kids up into two groups.  One group did winter weather survival scenarios, while the other did frostbite and ice crystal formation lectures/activities.  The kids were challenged by the lecture and activities related to winter survival and snow crystal structure.  The winter survival lesson included four winter survival scenarios that two groups of kids were supposed to brainstorm about.  The snow crystal structure lecture included an introduction into polar molecules, and how the oppositely (like) charged regions of the molecules attract (repel).  It finished by having the kids split up into groups to solve the paper snow crystal puzzle.  One group of kids completed the puzzle, which was a first for any kids group that we have had! 

Eating at Waverly Recreational Center before driving to Pennsylvania for the snowtubing.  Also, snowtubing early in March was great, because the crowds were smaller and the weather was warmer.  Most kids stayed out the entire two hours.  Also, the snowtubing was a big draw for the kids.

OUTING SUGGESTIONS:  Also, bring lincoln logs or something similar as a model for crystals.  In addition, talking about cloud condensation nuclei is of interest to some kids.



OUTINGS #2 DATE: March 18, 2006

TEAM: Dickey Hill Elementary School


ACTIVITIES:  Visiting Washington, D.C. Smithsonian Museums

DESTINATION:  National Mall, Washington, DC.

GETTING IN:  All Museums are Free of Charge!   To catch an IMAX movie at the at the Natural History Museum though can be as much as $10 per person.  If one has a membership to the Smithsonian, then this can be reduced to $6.50 for up to 14 "guests".

DIRECTIONS:  1 Hour from Baltimore
From Baltimore on MD Route 295 South towards Washington, DC.  
Take Ramp (RIGHT) onto US-50 [New York Ave] towards Washington.  Road name changes to US-1 Alt [US-50]. Road name changes again to US-50 [New York Ave NE].  Turn LEFT (South) onto 6th or 7th Street to Pennsylvania Avenue.  Take a LEFT onto Pennsylvania and bear to the RIGHT at fork that leads toward the U.S. Capital Building.   This road will take you to a parking lot near the the U.S. Capital reflecting pool.  Park in this lot.  All of the Smithsonian Museums are within walking distance of this lot.

NEAREST HEALTH FACILITY:  Alert a museum offical.

OUTING HIGHLIGHTS:  Stopped at Botanical Gardens, Natural History Museum, Union Station, rode Metro.  Kids probably liked Metro ride the most.  All activities went well.

OUTING SUGGESTIONS:  Parking in front of Capitol when congress not in session.



OUTINGS #3 DATE:
March 18, 2006


TEAM: Digital Harbor High School


ACTIVITIES:  Hike and Museum Visit

DESTINATION:  Trolley #9 Trail to Benjamin Banneker Park & Museum

This close-to-home 5000 sq. ft. modern museum gallery facility contains permanent exhibit on history of Benjamin Banneker and changing exhibits on history, art, and culture.  The grounds also afford a glipse of wildlife habitats and native threatened and endangered species.  There is also a historic stone farm house that is under restoration at this time.

GETTING IN:  Saturday Hours are 10:00 am - 4pm.  Free!  Donations accepted. Special Events may require a small admissions fee.

DIRECTIONS:  20 Minutes from Baltimore
>From I-95 South leaving Baltimore:

At exit 49B, take Ramp (RIGHT) onto I-695 [Baltimore Beltway Inner Loop] towards I-695 / I-70 / Towson.  
At exit 13, turn off onto Ramp towards MD-144 / Frederick Rd / Catonsville.  
Turn LEFT (West) onto SR-144 [Frederick Rd.] 
Turn RIGHT (North) onto Oella Ave

Banneker Historical Park & Museum
300 Oella Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21228


NEAREST HEALTH FACILITY:  St. Agnes Hospital
900 South Caton Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21229-5299

410-368-6000

OUTING HIGHLIGHTS:  The kids really liked going on nature trails (both the Trolley Trail and the trails at the Park) so close to home.  They said they hoped to go back sometime.  Also, the director gave us a guided tour of the museum and the Park’s nature trails, pointing out interesting natural features along the way like spicebush. 



OUTINGS #4 DATE:
March 25, 2006


TEAM: College Gardens Community Center


ACTIVITIES:  Nature Center Visit

DESTINATION:  Eden Mill Nature Center

The mission of Eden Mill is "to provide the opportunity for all people to develop a greater appreciation and awareness of the natural and historical resources of the area by encouraging their utilization of the facilities and programs to be established at Eden Mill."  

Nature Center:
Visit the nature center and enjoy learning about the plants and animals of the Piedmont Region through interactive displays and live animals. Sit on the observation deck and view the native and wintering birds of Eden Mill to continue or start your life list! Eden Mill also boasts 5 miles of pristine hiking trails rated from easy to difficult and an accessible Wetland Walking Trail! For Program Listings and Upcoming Events call 410-836-3050

Gristmill:
Eden Mill historic gristmill and museum reflects the life of farmers in Harford County two hundred years ago.  Learn how corn and wheat were ground into flour and cornmeal and how the gristmill of yesteryear was the hub of social life.  Private tours are available upon request for groups or organizations; to find out how your organization can step back in time to explore the history of Eden Mill please call 410-836-3050

GETTING IN:   HOURS-Call for current hours.  We typically have given a donation to the center.

DIRECTIONS:  1 Hour from Baltimore
From JONES FALLS EXPY / I-83 N in Baltimore:
Merge onto BALTIMORE BELTWAY INNER LOOP / I-695 E toward TOWSON / YORK PA (Go 3.9 Miles)
Take the MD-146 N / DULANEY VALLEY RD exit- EXIT 27B.  (Go 0.2 Miles)
Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto DULANEY VALLEY RD / MD-146. Continue to follow MD-146. (Go 15.9 Miles)
MD-146 becomes MADONNA RD. (Go 3.8 Miles)
Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto JERRYS RD. (Go 2.4 Miles)
Turn LEFT onto FAWN GROVE RD. (Go 0.3 Miles)
FAWN GROVE RD becomes RED BRIDGE RD. (Go 0.1 Miles)
Turn LEFT onto EDEN MILL RD (Portions unpaved). (Go 0.1 Miles)
End at
1617 Eden Mill Rd. Pylesville, MD.21132
410-836-3050


NEAREST HEALTH FACILITY:  Contact Nature Center Personnel.

OUTING HIGHLIGHTS:  The Eden Mill Nature Center is a wonderful place to take kids.  We went on a short hike, had lunch, did a craft on food chains, and the visited the nature center.  An Eden Mill instructor had a lot of activities planned to keep the kids entertained (and learning) the entire time.