Flashlight Safari
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This is one of our favorite things to do at night. It's where you keep quiet, blend into the night...
maybe catch some eyeshine with your flashlight and really get into the night!
It takes some time to get ready for it, but, it's worth it.

      I Before you go:
A. get permission from owners of area
         B. get some adults to supervise
C.  use a Nature Trail or plan a route that won't damage
a plant or animal's home
D.Pick the stories to tell, and decide where you'll stop for your activities.
Talk about staying quiet and concentrating on listening to the night sounds.Talk about what you can expect while you're out.
Talk to a park ranger about these things, too. They know about the wildlife and history etc...and might have some good ideas for activities.
II Safety
      A. check out the trail before you go... look for holes, fallen logs,
        branches, poison ivy, etc...
                   B. stay away from areas with poisonous snakes, or
dangerous animals
C.Do not carry food!
D.Don't wear perfumes, or deodorants...bugs like them.
E. plan for groups with 10 or less
kids and three adults
F. Bring a First Aid Kit
G. Also bring a Trail Kit that has:
compass
a map
bug spray
water
flashlight and spare batteries
trash bag
H. Have adults take headcount:
at beginning of trip
after any activities
at end of field trip
walk slowly in single file 
I. Before you sit or lie down, check out the ground!
III Comfort
A. Make everyone wear warm, dry
clothes that are dark, and blend in with surroundings.
B. Wear dark, hightop waterproof  boots
to prevent water from getting in, snake bites, and poison ivy.

Directions-   Start after the sun has set completely. It's good to sit for about five minutes
to let everyone's eyes get used to the dark before you start walking. Make sure you stay Quiet.Walking single file
with adults in the front and in the back, walk to the first stopping area. Take turns reading nocturnal folktales to eachother.
(We like Native American ones best.) A campfire (if it's allowed) is nice to sit around for this part.
Be sure to douse the fire before you leave. Walking without the flashlights on is neat if you can see well enough.
At the next stop, all sit in a circle facing out. Spend time listening and watching.Move on.
At the next stop, sit the same way again and this time, shine the flashlights out. See any eyeshine? Move on.
At the next stop, sit the same way and then have everyone lie down and watch the stars.
See how many constellations you can find...quietly.Move on.
You can do these in any order you like...and add your own.
Do you have any ideas for the Flashlight Safari?
Send them to us!