THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 9, 1995 TAG: 9507060226
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TOM YOCUM, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 85 lines
You've packed the car, rented the cottage and battled the traffic to the Outer Banks.
You've been to the beach, seen ``Pocahontas,'' cleaned sticky sno-cones off the back seat of the car, and played one-too-many games of miniature golf.
Now your children tell you that they're bored.
Before you do anything drastic, Rhana Paris and the folks at the North Carolina Aquarium might just have the answer for you.
Paris, the special activities coordinator for the aquarium, heads its fee programs. These activities - ranging from creative crafts to wildlife walks - are an excellent way to learn more about the history, nature and culture of the area.
Recently, some friends and I spent an afternoon coaxing a jumble of loose strands into orderly patterns. Paris wove patience with purpose as she guided us through each step.
Much to our delight, an intricate Choctaw basket began to take shape.
We all brought home a basket, but we gained much more than that. I can't pass a basket now without picking it up and noticing how it was made. I learned about it at the aquarium.
But basketry is just one of the aquarium's diverse educational offerings. Tour area lighthouses and lifesaving stations. Learn about sea turtles, whales, wetlands and wildlife. Try your hand at stargazing, fashioning a home aquarium or creating decorative paper.
Paris says the courses seem to offer something for everyone.
``For the local people, it's a chance to try out different activities,'' she says. ``For visitors, it's a chance to get out of the sun and to do something fun on vacation.''
While the programs are designed to reach all age groups and interests, Paris says that the crafts classes for children are the most popular.
Kids can learn how to make paper, sand candles, bird feeders and fish print T-shirts. Youngsters can also learn more about a variety of things in the ``Stories on the Sound'' and the ``Afternoon Specials'' programs. Both are popular ways to find out more about the flora, fauna and marine life of the Outer Banks.
For adults, there are van tours to area lighthouses, lifesaving stations and wetlands. Fall trips are also planned to area zoos.
For the family, try a ``walk on the Wetside'' and learn more about one of the area's beaches or wetlands on a two-hour tour.
Fees for the programs usually range from $3 to $10. The activities last from one to four hours and occasionally require proper clothing or some items brought from home.
The aquarium is offering 25 programs in July, with 28 more slated for August.
``The programs will hopefully continue into the fall,'' Paris says. ``If we continue to have interest, I'm hoping to make this a year-round schedule.''
For more information, call the aquarium at 473-3494. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by DREW C. WILSON
North Carolina aquarium staffer Rhana Paris uses pictures and animal
specimens to teach attending an educational program.
PROGRAMS
Monday - Stories on the Sound: Turtles. Ages 3 to 5 with adult.
Fee: $3/child and $1/additional child.
Tuesday - Home Aquarium How To's. Ages 6 to adult, under 17
must be accompanied by a paying adult. Fee: $15 for a family of
four.
Afternoon Special: American Indians of Coastal North Carolina.
Ages 6 to 14. Fee: $3/child.
Wednesday - Kid's Craft: Bird Feeders. Ages 6 to 14. Fee:
$5/child.
Thursday - Kid's Craft: Bird Feeders. Ages 6 to 14. Fee:
$5/child.
Stories on the Sound: Animals Under Water. Ages 3 to 5 with
adult. Fee: $3/child with adult, $1/additional child.
Friday - Beacons of the Atlantic: Lighthouse Van Tour. Bring a
bag lunch. Adults. Fee: $10/adult.
Admission to the Aquarium is free to pre-registered participants.
Pre-registration is required. Call the Aquarium at 473-3494 to
register or for questions.
by CNB