Bangor Parks & Recreation Department
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Wood Thrush Wilderness- Craft Making • Register • View Cart •

Wood Thrush
Engage your creative and adventurous spirit!
Join Jes Steele for some fun in learning to create naturally made crafts!




November 16th Holiday Gifts from Nature
Gourds and MORE!
5pm-8pm
NOW OPEN TO THE WHOLE FAMILY!
CALL TO REGISTER ANY CHILDREN 13 - 18
In this class, we will learn how to make three homemade gifts from natural items. These are wonderful gifts to continue to make and perfect for the holidays!
 
Most of the class, we will learn how to make Gourd Ornaments.
These gourds are already cleaned and have an attached ornament hanger.
Students can choose how they would like to paint their gourds either by freehand or pick one of our holiday designs or other images which includes flowers or butterflies. Students can wood burn the outline of the image and then add color using fine tip applicator brushes.
 
In the Fall, beekeepers collect the honey and wax from their bees.
This is the perfect time to learn how to process that wax to use for a couple of very cool projects. We will learn how to make salves from wax, honey, and oils. We will also learn how to make food cloth wraps.
These cloths are perfect for a holiday gift for the person who is trying to get away from using plastic wrap.
 
Join us in this class and learn some skills for life.
 
 
November 29th
Homemade Gift from Nature
Giant Gnomes and MORE!
5pm-8pm
NOW OPEN TO THE WHOLE FAMILY!
CALL TO REGISTER ANY CHILDREN 13 - 18
In this class, we will learn how to make three homemade gifts from natural items. These are wonderful gifts to continue to make and perfect for the holidays!
 
Who loves Gnomes?  In this class, we will make Giant Holiday Gnomes out of balsam, fir and white pine while using the framework of a tomato cage. To finish them off, we will add a nose and large holiday hat. These Gnomes will be about 3’ high and perfect for your holiday season.
 
A fun holiday gift, we will learn how to make Gnomes made from cork - this can be used as cork stoppers for your holiday wine. We will have material for hats, faux fur, beans, buttons, corks, and hot glue guns.
Fun creative little gnomes for your tree or your bottle, it's a great holiday gift.
 
Finally, we will learn how to collect and process balsam for your own balsam fir bags/pillows. In most gift shops here in Maine we sell the fragrance of the wilderness. Another perfect gift for yourself or a loved one.
 

December 4th All Things Chocolate
5pm-8pm
NOW OPEN TO THE WHOLE FAMILY!
CALL TO REGISTER ANY CHILDREN 13 - 18
Let’s get together for a three-hour class to go over some of my favorite chocolate treats. We will go over how to make homemade chocolate, turtles, peanut butter cups, peppermint patties, chocolate covered pretzels, and coconut clusters. There will be some to sample.
 
Students will make chocolate bombs for that cold winter day. We will also make chocolate ice cream, which will be a great recipe for a summer night. We will end with making homemade chocolate taffy … pulling and creating cool silly shapes. We will learn the basic tools and materials, ingredients, recipes, and step-by-step process. Impress everyone with some new recipes that I am sure will be their favorites!
 
December 16-Holiday Guide Pack Basket
9am-5pm
All level weavers are welcome EVEN if you have never weaved!
 
Weave a 17” tall basket with premium reed. These baskets are great for ice fishing, day hiking, going to music festivals, or going to the local co-op. Great gift for that someone special! Walk away with a pack basket you made and knowledge for life!
 
 *** We will have green and red straps for the holiday class. We will also have some colored reed for you to add to your basket if desired.
Colors include Wine, Scarlet Red, Dark Green, and Kelly Green.




Pack Basket

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
  • Jes Steele M.Ed.
  • https://www.woodthrushwilderness.com
  • Jes has a deep passion for the wilderness and for teaching. She has been working in the field of Adventure and Environmental Education for more than 30 years. This leg of her journey is about connecting more deeply with herself, others, and the wilderness. Join her for a program of connection, learning, and growing.
  • Credentials:
  • B.A. Ecopsychology and Outdoor Education from Prescott College, AZ
  • M.Ed. Adventure Education Plymouth State University, NH
  • Registered Maine Recreational Guide
  • National Registered EMT
  • SOLO Wilderness First Aid and Wilderness First Responder Instructor
  • American Red Cross First Aid & CPR Instructor and Lifeguard
  • American Canoe Association Level 1 & 2 Instructor
  • Leave No Trace Master Educator

Register Activity Ages Grades Days Date/Time Fees
 
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Holiday Gifts From Nature- Gourds + More 
18y - 99y N/A Th  11/16/2023
05:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Parks & Recreation Center - Kenduskeag Room 		$50.00 R, $60.00 NR
 
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Homemade Gifts From Nature- Giant Gnomes + More 
18y - 99y N/A W  11/29/2023
05:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Parks & Recreation Center - Kenduskeag Room 		$50.00 R, $60.00 NR
 
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All Things Chocolate 
18y - 99y N/A M  12/04/2023
05:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Parks & Recreation Center - Kenduskeag Room 		$50.00 R, $60.00 NR
 
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Holiday Guide Pack Basket 
18y - 99y N/A Sa  12/16/2023
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Parks & Recreation Center - Kenduskeag Room 		$120.00 R, $130.00 NR
* Adjustments and discounts will be applied during checkout if applicable. *

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