Tick Tock it's nearly Halloween and the kids in our Nature Explorer's Club recently went batty learning about Bats and creating a felt bat. The Nature Explorer's Club is a National Trail Program for kids ages 8-12 who have fun while exploring nature. These kids participate in animal studies, nature games, gardening projects, arts and crafts and more. Make sure you join our upcoming Nature Explorer's Club on November 16 From 10:30 am - 12:00pm. You can sign up by calling (937)328-7275 the cost is $10 per child.

For those of you that missed last month's club meeting check out the below craft to see a how to guide on creating your very own felt bat.

Flying Bat Craft

Follow the directions to make your very own Flying Bat. This is a perfect craft for kids ages 3-12.

Materials:

Stick

Black String or Yarn

Black Pipe Cleaner
Wiggly Eyes (or you can use Black and White Paint)

Magnet Sheet

Small Paper Clips
Large Sheet of Black Felt Fabric
Glue Stick
White/Silver Fabric Marker
Scissors

Hole Punch

Step One:

Download and print the bat template at http://www.allyou.com/i/2009/08/bat-image-3.jpg (Thanks - All You) Cut out template and trace/outline the bat with felt marker onto the black felt.

Step Two:

Cut out bat shape and punch four holes in the bat (use picture below for reference).

Step Three:
Thread the black pipe cleaner through the punched holes. The center of the pipe cleaner should be behind the center of the head.

Step Four:
Bend the bottom of the pipe cleaner to create a foot.

Step Five:
Cut a piece of magnet for the nose and glue the magnet and eyes into place.

Step Six:
Cut the yarn/string into a long piece appropriate for the height of the children making the craft.Tie one end around the stick and the other end to the pipe cleaner (behind the head of the bat).