Field Trips

We are thrilled to announce the remaining field trips and service projects for the remainder of our school year! In today’s Monday Message, we are announcing field trips and service projects happening in semester two. These field trips will be released on Tuesday, December 6 at 9 a.m. via iLEAD Exploration’s Facebook page and email . Each of these field trips/service projects have limited space, so if you are interested in signing up for one, please check your email right at 9 a.m. on December 6 and click the link to sign up immediately.

Stanley Ranch Museum in Garden Grove
Date: Wednesday, January 18
Time: 10 a.m.-noon
Cost: $1/learner, $5/adult
Join us for a tour of historic homes and businesses in Garden Grove dating from the town’s 19th century origins!
Questions? Contact Kendra Cosgrove at kendra.cosgrove@iLEADexploration.org

Service Project: Support our Police at Shady Grove Park in Chino
Date: Friday, January 20
Time: 10 a.m.-noon
Cost: Free
Bring markers, crayons and paper! We will write letters and color pictures for our hardworking police officers to show our gratitude and encourage them! Bring a lunch and stay for a park play date.
Questions? Contact Holly Havenhill at holly.havenhill@iLEADexploration.org

Irvine Park Zoo
Date: Friday, January 27
Time (two tours available): 10-11:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Cost: $3
Come join us for a guided tour of the OC Zoo. Topics covered include habitats, adaptations, feeding habits, and general information about animals native to the southwestern U.S. Tours also include a short animal presentation. Questions? Contact Tricia Lorenzen at tricia.lorenzen@iLEADexploration.org

Service Project: Blankets, Beanie & Sock Drive (Plus Card Making) at Eastgate Park in Garden Grove
Date: Wednesday, February 1
Time: 10 a.m.-noon
Cost: Free
Help the homeless stay warm by donating blankets, beanies and socks. Make cards for the homeless and then play at the park with other independent study families.
Questions? Contact Allison Smith at Allison.Smith@iLEADexploration.org

Watts Tower Art Center in Los Angeles
Date: Thursday, February 2
Time: 10 a.m.-noon
Cost: $1/learner
The Watts Tower is an L.A. gem! Schools from all over Los Angeles plan visits to explore and learn about these historical structures. Learners will be taken on a guided tour through the towers. They will be led through current art exhibits, and will watch a documentary on Simon Rodia’s Watts Towers. Finally, the day will close out with an interactive, artist-led, art activity. This field trip will broaden their understanding of art and engineering, inspiring them to create their own artistic inventions. Bring a sack lunch to eat on the picnic tables outside after the tour!
Questions? Contact Adrienne Lynch at adrienne.lynch@iLEADexploration.org

ChocXO Tour in Irvine
Date: Friday, February 3
Time: 2-3 p.m.
Cost: $7/learner, $10/adult
Come get excited for chocolate and Valentine’s Day with a tour of a real chocolate factory in Irvine! Have a sweet time seeing the process from start to finish of creating chocolate. Enjoy some truffles at the end of the tour.
Questions? Contact Tricia Lorenzen at tricia.lorenzen@iLEADexploration.org

Planes of Fame Air Museum in Chino
Date: Monday, February 6
Time: 10:15 a.m.
Cost: $3/learner, $8/adult, children 4 and under are free
Come join us at The Planes of Fame Air Museum! Walk through the hangars and discuss topics of aviation including its early development, the Wright Brothers and the role it has played in society. Learn about the parts of planes and the different types of aircraft!
Questions? Contact Holly Havenhill at holly.havenhill@iLEADexploration.org

Service Project: Project Linus at Melinda Park in Mission Viejo
Date: Friday, February 10
Time: 10 a.m.-noon
Cost: Free
Project Linus is a nonprofit organization that provides homemade blankets to children in need. We will be making blankets that will be delivered to children who may be seriously ill, traumatized or otherwise in need of love and warmth. We will meet at Melinda Park to make blankets. Feel free to stay longer to have a picnic lunch and to enjoy the park. Questions? Contact Julie Cumming at julie.cumming@iLEADexploration.org

Service Project: Park West-Advanced Rehab Center in Tustin
Date: Tuesday, February 14
Time: 10 a.m.-noon
Cost: Free
Pass out Valentines to the residents and then join us at Peppertree Park (right down the street) for a Valentine exchange of our own!
Questions? Contact Kendra Cosgrove at kendra.cosgrove@iLEADexploration.org

Service Project: Baby 2 Baby in Los Angeles
Date: Wednesday, February 15
Time: 10 a.m.-noon
Cost: Free (Please only bring children ages 10+)
Come volunteer at Baby2Baby! Volunteers will participate in sorting through and organizing donated children’s items and putting together gift bags for children in the program (125,000 low-income children across L.A.). Baby2Baby provides coffee, music and good company at all of their sessions — all you need to provide is your time and a desire to serve!
Questions? Contact Adrienne Lynch at adrienne.lynch@iLEADexploration.org

The Science Behind Pixar in Los Angeles
Date: Thursday, February 16
Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Cost: $7.95/learner, $11.50/adult

Enjoy a unique look into the Pixar filmmaking process at the California Science Center, and explore the science and technology behind some of the most beloved animated films and their characters. This interactive exhibition showcases the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) concepts used by the artists and computer scientists who helped bring these favorite films to the big screen.
Questions? Contact Adrienne Lynch at adrienne.lynch@iLEADexploration.org

The Reptile Zoo in Fountain Valley
Date: Wednesday, March 1
Time: 11:30 a.m. – close
Cost: $8/learner
Join us for a special time of learning from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. where our learners will have a hands-on experience with 10-15 animals from around the globe. Families will also have all-day admission into the museum.
Questions? Contact Kendra Cosgrove at kendra.cosgrove@iLEADexploration.org

Service Project: Read Across America at Shady Grove Park in Chino
Date: Thursday, March 2
Time: 10 a.m.-noon
Cost: Free
Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss! Come join iLEAD families and any others you would like to invite! Bring picnic blankets, a pile of favorite books, and have your learners be prepared to read to another child that is younger than them! Kindergarteners can read words and describe pictures to toddlers, older learners can read to younger learners! Make new friends and help instill the love of learning and reading in others! Bring a packed lunch and feel free to hang around and have a picnic lunch or play on the playground afterward!
Questions? Contact Holly Havenhill at holly.havenhill@iLEADexploration.org

Malibu Creek State Park Hike in Topanga Canyon
Date: Tuesday, March 7
Time: 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Cost: Free
Join a docent for a walk along the creek and through a wooded valley. Learn about the area’s animals, plants, early inhabitants and movies filmed in the park. Bring a picnic lunch, sunscreen, walking shoes and plenty of water. See Andrea Huntsman at the park entrance to get a flier to place in the car in order to waive the $12/car parking fee.
Questions? Contact Andrea Huntsman at andrea.huntsman@iLEADexploration.org

Service Project – The Pet Rescue Center at Melinda Park in Mission Viejo
Date: Friday, March 10
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Cost: Free
Learn about pet rescue, adoption and animal care! Bring a towel or blanket and canned pet food to donate to the pet rescue.
Questions? Contact Tricia Lorenzen at tricia.lorenzen@iLEADexploration.org

Knotts Berry Farm Westward Movement Tour in Buena Park
Date: Monday, March 13
Time: 10 a.m.-noon
Cost: $12/tour, $43 if you would ALSO like admission to the park for the day (Learners may use funds for this trip)
Come and join us on a tour of the westward movement. We will be experiencing the life of the pioneers as we visit a one-room classroom, visit the blacksmith and other businesses. We will learn about the progression of transportation west from the covered wagon to the stagecoach to the transcontinental railroad. Our tour will be two hours, but you have the option of paying a discounted price for park admission.
Questions? Contact Julie Cumming at julie.cumming@iLEADexploration.org

Star Ecostation in Culver City
Date: Monday, March 13
Time: 10 a.m.-noon
Cost: $6/learner, 2 and under free
Each field trip lasts two hours, consisting of a one-hour assembly and a one-hour tour of the facility, with lessons aligned with California State Science Standards. Throughout the field trip, learners will study the latest developments in environmental protection and the ways in which wildlife interact with various ecosystems, embodying the STAR Eco Station mission of “preservation through education.” The learners also receive an up-close and hands-on experience with our rescued exotic wildlife, including tortoises, pythons, alligators, parrots, arachnids, lizards, and maybe even some small furry friends! The tour includes different environmental exhibits that showcase ways that learners can help protect animals in the wild. Questions? Contact Maggie Pulley at maggie.pulley@iLEADexploration.org

Medieval Times in Buena Park
Date: Tuesday, March 14
Time: 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Cost: $25.50 (Learners may use funds for this trip)
Come visit our 11th century style castle and learn the history of knights, horsemanship, chivalry and life woven into a 90-minute live action performance of jousting, swordplay and medieval games of skill. The show includes a lunch of oven roasted chicken quarter, garlic bread, sweet corn cobette, herb roasted potato, water and a chocolate chip cookie. Vegetarian meals are also available upon request. Questions? Contact Tricia Lorenzen at tricia.lorenzen@iLEADexploration.org

Hyperion Treatment Plant Tour in Los Angeles
Date: Thursday, March 16
Time: 1-2:30 p.m.
Cost: Free (only ages 9+ allowed on this tour)
The friendly staff will guide a tour of the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant. Attendees will learn what happens when things go down the drain in homes and businesses.
Questions? Contact Adrienne Lynch at adrienne.lynch@iLEADexploration.org

Starr Ranch in Trabuco Canyon
Date: Thursday, March 16
Time: 9-11:45 a.m.
Cost: $10
Come join us at Starr Ranch for songbird monitoring. The program begins with an introduction to songbird monitoring, its importance for conservation, and the ranch’s most common bird species. Participants then join biologists outside to view and identify wild birds up close, collect data on age and sex, and aid in release. Afterward, if you have time, stay for a guided nature walk. Questions? Contact Nicole Schwartz at nicole.schwartz@iLEADexploration.org

LACMA Tour in Los Angeles
Date: Tuesday, March 21
Time: 9:30 a.m.-noon
Cost: Free
Tours tailored for grade levels: Seeing Matters – Critical Thinking Through Art (grades 1-5) and Heroes, Legends, Gods and Myths (grades 5-12).
Questions? Contact Maggie Pulley at maggie.pulley@iLEADexploration.org

Service Project: Alexandria House in Los Angeles
Date: Tuesday, April 4
Time: 10 a.m.-12 noon
Cost: Free
Alexandria House is a transitional shelter for women and children. They are always in need of household items to help women transition into their own homes, and clothing for women and children. Let’s all do some spring cleaning and collect gently used household items and clothing that we can pass on to these families in need! We’ll meet by the playground at Harold Henry Park to sort and organize our donations while children play. Afterward, any interested families can join us in dropping off the items at Alexandria House, which is a short drive away.
Questions? Contact Gillian Bayer at gillian.bayer@iLEADexploration.org

Home Depot Tour in Westminster
Date: Friday, April 7
Time: 10-11:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
Tour The Home Depot in Westminster! Your child will have a great time touring the store and building a small wooden tool box for free! The Home Depot will provide a tour of the store in which the students get to see real tools and real materials builders use to perform their jobs. After the tour, each student will be given an opportunity to build and paint a small wooden tool box. The building project will take place at the store. By the end of the trip, each student will have a hands-on learning experience using community resources and direct interactions with real-life professionals who do this work on a daily basis. They will also get to bring home their finished products.
Questions? Contact Allison Smith at allison.smith@iLEADexploration.org

Service Project: Niguel Botanical Reserve in Laguna Niguel
Date: Saturday, April 22
Time: 9-11 a.m.
Cost: Free
On Earth Day, join iLEAD along with other volunteers as we help plant over 1,000 plants to make the Niguel Botanical Preserve beautiful! Gloves and tools are provided by the city.
Questions? Contact Nicole Schwartz at nicole.schwartz@iLEADexploration.org

Child Creativity Lab in Santa Ana

Date: Wednesday, April 26
Time: 10 a.m.-noon
Cost: $9/participant
Learners in third through sixth grades are invited to conquer the “Marble Ramp Run Challenge.” The first hour will consist of a guided STEM challenge and the second hour will be a time to explore and create.
Questions? Contact Kendra Cosgrove at kendra.cosgrove@iLEADexploration.org

Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga
Date: Friday, April 28
Time: 9:30 a.m.-1:45 p.m.
Cost: $14 learners/$15 adults
Come tour this beautiful location and enjoy Midsummer Night’s Dream-Improv warm-ups, living history, technique workshop and a lunch break (food not provided). There will also be a performance and time for Q&A.
Questions? Contact Maggie Pulley at maggie.pulley@iLEADexploration.org

Service Project: Milk + Bookies in Encino
Date: Tuesday, May 25
Time: 10 a.m.
Cost: Free
Bring books to donate to inner-city schools, decorate bookmarks, write special notes to the future readers, and play together at Lake Balboa Park in Encino!
Questions? Contact Erin Munavu at erin.munavu@iLEADexploration.org

Legoland and Sea Life Aquarium in Carlsbad
Date: Tuesday, May 2
Time: 9 a.m.-park close
Cost: $19/$29 adults
(Learners may use funds for this trip)
Join us for independent study day at Legoland! Enjoy full use of the park with other iLEAD families.
Questions? Contact Erin Munavu at erin.munavu@iLEADexploration.org

The Gentle Barn in Santa Clarita
Dates: Tuesday, May 16, and Thursday, May 18
Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Cost: $10/learner, adults free
A visit to The Gentle Barn provides children from any background a great opportunity to learn about farm animals with their unique features and personalities. Your group will enjoy an intimate two-hour experience as we share the history of The Gentle Barn, personally introduce you to all of our animals, and share their stories of rescue and recovery. You will also get to brush and hug our cows, feed the horses carrots, give our pigs tummy rubs, pet the goats, hold the chickens and cuddle the turkeys. Our group will enter 15 minutes early to eat in a shaded area, but they ask that we do not bring any meat, poultry, or fish out of respect to the animals.
Questions? Contact Erin Munavu at erin.munavu@iLEADexploration.org