Join us as we raise funds for our programs through these popular events:
Bird Walks at Renfrew 2013
Saturdays in April & May, 2013 7:30 to 10 a.m.
Underwriting support provided in part by Marge Kiersz, and by Center Square Real Estate Settlement Services, Inc.
Naturalist Jack Olzewski will lead bird walks along the hiking trails at Renfrew Park. Walks begin at Renfrew’s lower parking lot off Welty Road. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and may bring identification books and binoculars. Free and open to the public. Jack will also lead birding field trips to Gettysburg on the first two Saturdays in June. See separate listing, below. Check out our Adult/Teen Education flyer for more information on this and other upcoming programs.
Fly Fishing Workshop—CANCELLED
Saturday, May 25 • 9 a.m.–12 noon
Youth Festival 2013
Expedition W.O.W.—Wild Outdoor Wonders!
Sunday, May 26, 2013, 1 to 5:30 p.m.
Underwriting support provided by Susquehanna Bank
This fun event features a variety of workshops, demonstrations, activities, exhibits, and entertainment throughout the day, including a fabulous circus workshop by Ben Sota of Crazy Umbrella Circus, and a performance by the Waynesboro Children's Theatre Troupe. Free admission. Preregister for workshops. Check out our Youth Fest flyer describing the various workshops and schedule of activities. Our color flyer is available here. Youth Fest is the best-kept FUN SECRET in Waynesboro! [Rain site Waynesboro Area Middle School]
Off-Site Birding Field Trips to Gettysburg Battlefield 2013
First two Saturdays in June (1st and 8th), 7:30 a.m. to approx. 10 a.m.
Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Virginia Memorial on Confederate Avenue, on the Gettysburg battlefield
Underwriting support provided by Marge Kiersz, and by Center Square Real Estate Settlement Services, Inc.
Naturalist Jack Olszewski leads off-site birding trips to Gettysburg battlefield. Some of the species Olszewski has spotted at Gettysburg include the American kestrel, pileated woodpecker, bluebird, meadowlark, indigo bunting, and red-tail hawk, along with robins, orioles, cardinals and others. Bring binoculars, bird identification books and cameras, and wear comfortable shoes for walking. Also suggested, water and snacks, or lunch. RSVPs are appreciated to plan for number of attendees expected. For more information or directions, call Jack at 301-241-3846, or Renfrew Institute at 717-762-0373. Free and open to the public.
Renfrew Institute’s 16th Annual Chesapeake Bay Supper Fundraiser 2013
Friday, June 21, 2013 at 5:30 p.m.
Underwriting support provided by sponsors TBA
Here’s an event that’s definitely all it’s cracked up to be! Members, friends, and families come together to support Renfrew Institute with a fabulous evening of food, fun, and frolic featuring steamed blue crabs from the Bay, delectable side dishes, dessert, and Bay-related activities. Bid it up on lots of great items during the silent and live auctions. Reservations required. Admission fee. At Waynesboro Country Club. See the details from last year's event (a sell-out!) on our Bay Supper flyer or download a reservation form here. A Paypal option is available for Bay Supper reservations! See the Bay Supper listing on the Fundraisers page for this convenient reservation payment option. Photos from last year and more information may be found at our Bay Supper website.
Sixth Annual Salamander Scramble 5K 2013
Thursday, July 4, 2013 • Start time 8:30 a.m.
In conjunction with Waynesboro’s Fourth of July Jubilee Firecracker 5K Run
Underwriting for this event provided by sponsors TBA
Lace up your running/walking shoes and join Team Salamander as we “scramble” around Waynesboro to raise funds for Renfrew Institute. Team members secure funding pledges from friends, family, and co-workers. All athletic levels are welcome. Pre-race training runs are offered for team members. Your race fees are covered and you get a free eco performance shirt emblazoned with the Team Salamander logo! Get our 2013 registration form and pledge form here, see the flyer for details, check out the Team Benefits, or contact Renfrew Institute at (717) 762-0373 or info@renfrewinstitute.org for more information. Sponsoring a Scrambler or making a donation? You can use the Paypal button on our Fundraisers page.
Children’s Summer Stories at Renfrew 2013
Tuesdays, June 25 through August 13, 2013, at 1 p.m.
Preschoolers and up
Children gather under the tree near the Visitor’s Center to listen to stories and enjoy related hands-on activities. Free admission. (If inclement weather, call 717-762-0373 to confirm.) Check out the 2013 Summer Institute flyer with all the details about this and other summer offerings.
Mornings In The Park: Nose To Nose With Nature 2013
Wednesdays, June 26 to July 31, 2013, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
For children completing grades K through 3
Underwriting support provided by Stephen & Maxine Beck
Explore nature’s best spots with Renfrew Institute’s environmental instructors. Check out those weird, wild, wonderful creatures and plants that help make our life on earth possible. Tools, stories, secret missions, music, and games will add to the fun and adventure. Bring old sneakers for wading. *Members $4 per child/Non-members $5 per child, per session. Attend one or more. Pre-registration not required. Meet at Visitors Center. Please arrive 15 minutes early to register. *Member discount for memberships of $25 or more. Check out the 2013 Summer Institute flyer with all the details about this and other summer offerings.
Down a Garden Path 2013
Tuesdays, July2 to 23, 2013, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
For children completing grades K through 4
Step into the new four-square garden with Renfrew Institute garden instructors. Join in the fun as we look for hidden treasures and hunt for butterflies and ladybugs. Make garden crafts, explore an old barn, listen to stories, or make rain with watering bells. Each day we will water, dig, pick and play! Wear shoes and clothes that can get dirty. *Members $4 per child/Non-members $5 per child, per session. Attend one or more. Pre-registration not required. Meet at Visitors Center. Please arrive 15 minutes early to register. *Member discount for memberships of $25 or more. Check out the 2013 Summer Institute flyer with all the details about this and other summer offerings.
Heritage Crafts for Youth 2013
Monday–Thursday, July 15–18, 2013
Youth age 8 through 18
A variety of craft workshops will be offered, each featuring a craft skill common to past generations. Participants will use that skill to make-and-take-home a product. Workshops include Piercing Tin, Fun with Fibers, Pottery and Knitting. Instructors are skilled local and regional artisans. Workshop and materials fees apply, check out our 2013 Summer Institute flyer with all the details and a registration form. Pre-registration required.
Digging Isn't Everything: Working with Artifacts in Archaeology
Friday, July 19, 2013
For students completing grades 6 through 12
Underwriting support provided by Anne Shepard and Patrick Minnick
Digging isn’t everything in archaeology. In fact, digging is just the way we get our information. Professional archaeologists will help students learn how to clean, identify and record artifacts. They will also learn how the artifacts were made and used, and what they tell us about the lives of people who used them. Instructors: Archaeologists Scott Parker & Doug Stine. For students completing grades 6–12. Limit: 10. Pre-registration required.
Fee: *Members $20 /Non-members $25. Registration deadline: July 8. *Member discount for memberships of $25 or more. Check out our 2013 Summer Institute flyer with all the details and a registration form.
22nd Annual Jazz Festival 2013
Sunday in August 2013, date to be announced, 2 to 4 p.m.
Underwriting support provided by sponsors TBA
Renfrew Institute’s annual jazz festival features top professional artists.The concert is followed by an informal question and answer period. Free and open to the public. On the lawn behind the museum house. Check back for a flyer and performer biographies. [Rain site Waynesboro Area Middle School auditorium]
Annual Renfrew Pumpkin Festival 2013
Saturday in October, date TBA 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Co-sponsored by Renfrew Institute and Renfrew Museum as a joint fundraiser
Come out and enjoy pumpkin carving, hayrides, live music, children’s activities and fun games at this popular joint fundraising event benefiting both Renfrew Institute and Renfrew Museum and Park. Free soup, cider, and bread included with admission fee. Hot dogs, sodas, and bake sale items sold separately. Admission fee $8 adults, $4 kids aged 4-12, and kids age 3 and under are free. Check out last year's Pumpkin Fest flyer, and check back for updated information closer to the event.
Halloween Storytelling 2013
Wednesday in October, date TBA 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Annual evening of spooky tales featuring a guest storyteller. Bring flashlights and dress for the weather. Held in the Fahnestock Barn or another site on the property. The program is free of charge and open to the public. Again this year, the storytelling will be divided into two sessions. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., the first half hour of stories will be suitable for children of all ages. All children must be accompanied by an adult. At 7 p.m., families with younger children may leave if they wish. Check back in September for details!
Creatures of the Night: Family Owl Walk 2013
Thursday in November, date to be announced
Meet at Visitors Center, Renfrew Park
Naturalist Lori Schlosser will conduct this outdoor walk to areas of Renfrew Park most likely to attract owls, including Screech, Barred, and Great Horned owls. A brief pre-walk information session will help participants learn more about these nocturnal creatures and the methods used to locate them. The walk is is geared toward families and children are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult. Dress warmly and bring flashlights. This event is free (donations accepted). Enrollment is limited to 50 and pre-registration is required; register by calling (717) 762-0373 or via email at info@renfrewinstitute.org.
Star Party and Telescope Information Session 2013
Dates for 2013 to be announced
Meet at Visitors Center, Renfrew Park
In partnership with the Tri-State Astronomers, the Institute presents a combination “star party”—a telescope viewing of the night sky—and telescope information session. The event is free and registration is not required.
The event will be held regardless of sky condition. If the sky is clear, telescopes will be set up in the back yard of the museum house for viewing outdoors. The informational session will be indoors. Event coordinator, Andy Smetzer said, “If anyone is wondering what kind of telescope to buy, our club members will share expert opinions and advice on telescopes.”
Viewers may come and go anytime during the event. Those attending may bring their own telescope and binoculars to use for sky viewing, as well as lawn chairs or blankets. Flashlights are not permitted in the telescope viewing area but may be used to reach the area from the parking lot. Participants may park in Renfrew’s lower lot off Welty Road. Limited parking for those needing assistance is available behind the visitors center.
Musical Instrument Workshop 2014
Dates for 2014 To Be Announced—usually scheduled for two Thursday evenings early in the new year
Visitors Center, Renfrew Park
Over the course of two evenings, participants will hand craft a musical instrument. Workshop fee applies. Pre-registration required. Ages 15 and up. Limit 10. Register by calling (717) 762-0373 or via email at info@renfrewinstitute.org. See the 2013 Adult/Teen Education flyer for more information on past programs.
Special Astronomy Program—2014
Topic to be Announced
Thursday in February, 2014, date TBA • 7 p.m.
Visitors Center, Renfrew Park
Underwriting support provided in part by Marge Kiersz, and by Center Square Real Estate Settlement Services, Inc.
Presented in partnership with Tri-State Astronomers
Dr. Lawrence Marschall, Professor of Physics at Gettysburg College, presents a program on an aspect of astronomy. Exciting past topics have included supernovas, the threat of asteroids and comets, discovering new planets, Galileo’s new universe, and deconstructing Pluto. What’s in the stars this year? FREE.
Spring Lecture Series 2014: Topic of Cultural Interest, TBA
Program Titles & Topic TBA
Thursdays in Spring, TBA • 7 p.m.
Visitors Center, Renfrew Park
Underwriting support provided in part by Charles & Undine Warner
See the 2013 Adult/Teen Education flyer for more information on the 2013 series. Stay tuned for updated info for 2014.
Creatures of the Night: Adult Owl Walk 2014
Thurday in March 2014, TBA • 6:00 p.m. [Snowdate: to be arranged if necessary]
Meet at Visitors Center, Renfrew Park
Underwriting support provided in part by Marge Kiersz, and by Center Square Real Estate Settlement Services, Inc.
Naturalist Lori Schlosser will conduct this outdoor walk to areas of Renfrew Park most likely to attract owls, including Screech, Barred, and Great Horned owls. A brief pre-walk information session will help participants learn more about these nocturnal creatures and the methods used to locate them. Ages 15 and up. Dress warmly and bring flashlights. This event is free (donations accepted). Enrollment is limited to 50 and pre-registration is required; register by calling (717) 762-0373 or via email at info@renfrewinstitute.org.
Telescope Clinic 2014
Date in Spring 2014 TBA • 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Visitors Center, Renfrew Park
Presented in partnership with Tri-State Astronomers
This “telescope clinic” is designed to help you learn how to maximize your use of a telescope. A telescope isn’t much fun if you don’t know how to use it—if you have a telescope and you’re not sure what to do next, bring it to the telescope clinic for some guidance. Free, but registration is required to reserve consultation time. Register by calling (717) 762-0373 or via email at info@renfrewinstitute.org.
Renfrew Rocks! Geology Seminar and Family Field Trip 2014
Underwriting support provided in part by Sponsors TBA
Presented in partnership with the Franklin County Rock & Mineral Club
• Seminar: Usually an evening in March, TBA • 7 p.m., Visitors Center
• Family Field Trip: Usually a Saturday in May, TBA • 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
Seminar: Popular geologist Jeri Jones of Jones Geological Services in Spring Grove, Pa., presents a program on some fascinating aspect of local geology. Bring your “mystery rocks” for Jeri to identify either before or after the program. Ages 12 and up. Free (donations appreciated). Seating is limited, please call ahead.
Family Field Trip: Date TBA • 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
Geologist Jeri Jones escorts a group on a fossil-hunting expedition to area sites of geological interest. Seating is limited and pre-registration is required. Fee applies. Bring bag lunch. Supper stop on return trip, food not included.
Annual Spring Lecture Series 2014—Topic of Cultural Interest, TBA
Three Thursdays in Spring, TBA • 7:00 pm
Visitors Center, Renfrew Park
Underwriting support provided in part by Charles & Undine Warner
This series alternates between topics of cultural and environmental interest. Check back for details on the 2014 series.
Annual Fun Fly 2014
Saturday in April, TBA • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Underwriting support provided by Buchanan Auto Park
Free kite flying (all ages) with expert flying help from Kite Masters, Sam & George Adams, in the meadow behind the museum house at Renfrew Park. Bring your own kite. A "Build a Kite" workshop is scheduled from noon to 1:30, all welcome; $1 materials fee. Check back for our Fun Fly flyer with all the details. Watch this amazing video by local photographer, videographer, and video editor, Andrew Gehman, created during the annual Fun Fly on Saturday, April 13, 2013.
Watch the video here
Recycle/Reuse Earth Day Yard Sale, Combined with Earth Celebration Day & Festival of Art 2014
Saturday, April 26, 2014, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (date to be confirmed)
Underwriting support provided by sponsors TBA
Enjoy the thrill of the chase as you look for bargains or sell your own discards at this annual event coinciding with Earth Celebration Day & Festival of Art. Your throw-aways may be just what someone else is looking for. Make some extra cash for yourself, your family, or your organization. And Renfrew Institute makes money on the space rentals! For more information and a registration form, contact us at (717) 762-0373 or info@renfrewinstitute.org.
Earth Celebration Day & Festival of Art 2014
Saturday, April 26, 2014, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (date to be confirmed)
Underwriting support provided by sponsors TBA
Renfrew Institute celebrates spring with environmental exhibits, music, student clothesline display, food stand, and drum circle. At the Festival of Art area artists will display, demonstrate, and sell their works as part of Earth Celebration Day. Supervised art activities for children will be ongoing throughout the event. Free admission. [Rain Location: Waynesboro Area Middle School] Watch a video of the 2013 event, created by Andrew Gehman.
Renfrew Rocks! Geology Family Field Trip 2014
Saturday in May 2014, date TBA • time TBA
Underwriting support provided in part by Marge Kiersz, and by Center Square Real Estate Settlement Services, Inc., and by Franklin County Rock & Mineral Club.
Ever-popular geologist, Jeri Jones escorts a group on our annual fossil-hunting expedition. Destination and details to be announced in Spring 2014. Transportation is by bus only, provided. Seating is limited and pre-registration is required. Fee applies. Check back in January 2014 for all the details!
Field Study in Archaeology 2014 —Topic TBA
Saturday in Spring TBA • 9 a.m. to 12 noon
Underwriting support provided by sponsors TBA
A workshop in an aspect of modern archaeololgy techniques presented by archaeologists Scott Parker & Doug Stine. Ages 15 & up. Fee applies. Pre-registration required. More information in early 2014. To register, call 717-762-0373 or email us at info@renfrewinstitute.org.
An Evening with Ed: Stay tuned for information on these occasional programs
Date, Time and Topic TBA
Visitor Center, Renfrew Park
Co-sponsored by Renfrew Institute and Renfrew Museum and Park
Ed Miller, long-time caretaker of the Renfrew property, shares his memories and knowledge of the Renfrew Museum & Park farmstead. Free admission.
Fly Fishing Workshop 2014
Date & Time TBA
Visitor Center & Antietam Creek
Presented in partnership with Antietam Fly Anglers
This is an occasional workshop offered by the Institute. The 2014 workshop has not yet been scheduled, check back early in 2014. Learn about equipment, casting techniques and the “secrets” of fly-fishing. Led by instructors from Antietam Fly Anglers, this workshop launches you into this popular sport. Instruction is primarily on dry land, but may include time at the stream within Renfrew Park. Practice rods and other equipment loaned by Antietam Fly Anglers for the workshop. Fee applies. Pre-registration required. To register, call 717-762-0373 or email us at info@renfrewinstitute.org. Ages 15 and up. Younger participants (ages 10–15) will be considered if coming with an adult registrant.
For more information or to register (if necessary), call (717) 762-0373 or email us at info@renfrewinstitute.org. Flyers for these programs are available upon request.
Copyright 2008–2013. All rights reserved.
Renfrew Institute for Cultural & Environmental Studies
1010 East Main Street, Waynesboro, PA 17268
(717) 762-0373; info@renfrewinstitute.org
