Budding naturalists are invited to explore nature and history in the Bobcats Den. Kid-friendly activities and special programs are designed to promote experiential learning. Puzzles, live animals, games, discovery nooks and more await young children in this very special place to learn. Bud ’N’ Naturalists is made possible by a generous grant from the Lyon Foundation.

Living room rock stars are invited to compete in the James H. Lynn Planetarium to determine the top video game head-banger. The Guitar Hero Tournament in the James H. Lynn Planetarium is a fresh approach to bring together a new audience and iconic video game experience with one of Gastonia’s most unique entertainment facilities. Participants compete for supremacy in head-to-head matches during this multi-night single elimination tournament. Visitors are invited to cheer on their players as they enjoy the friendly competion. Competition open to all ages - prizes awarded to finalists and semi-finalists. Competitor Entry Fee: $10.00 All Visitors: $5.00 Pre-registration required to compete. Call 704-854-6676 by April 20.

Get ready for Easter by learning this unique and traditional art form. “Pysanky” eggs (pronounced “pah-sah-kah”) make wonderful gifts for family and friends, and are beautiful enough to display year-round. A great workshop for friends and families to do together. Adults ages 16 and up. $35 Members /$40 Nonmembers Call 704-854-6676 to register Registration Deadline March 12

Finally, a workshop for teachers that corrects misconceptions and misuses of astronomical information. This workshop will deal with various misunderstandings about space and astronomy. Topics include sounds being audible in space, astrology, the moon landing “hoax” and more. Along the way, teachers will gain information and insights that will help in developing exciting lesson plans for use in the elementary, middle and high school classrooms. 1.0 CEU credits available. Free for Gaston County Teachers – Other school systems $25 Registration Deadline- March 27, 2009

Pocket Fire... choosing and using the match, waterproofing myths and methods, choosing and using the match safe, comparing match safe models and making your own, surveying the liquid fuel lighters of the period, and the learning the "fire-in-the-hole" secret of the traditional camper. Fee: $12 per session ($45 for all four) Museum Members: $10 per session ($38 for all four) Register: Contact Steve Watts 704 866 6912

The Campfire Blanket...bringing back the almost lost art of campfire blanket technology--campfire blanket history and lore from the American frontier to Brownsea Island, choosing and using the blanket, "match coat" blanket-wearing techniques, and the manufacture of your own blanket pin. Fee: $12 per session ($45 for all four) Museum Members: $10 per session ($38 for all four) Register: Contact Steve Watts 704 866 6912

The Reflector Oven...choosing and using the reflector oven for hearthside baking, reviewing commercial and homemade models, practicing proper reflector fire construction and oven manipulation, and making your own oven for camp and trail. Fee: $12 per session ($45 for all four) Museum Members: $10 per session ($38 for all four) Register: Contact Steve Watts 704 866 6912

Camp Water...choosing and using a variety of water containers and contraptions, a review of period canteens and water bottles, examining camp buckets, basins and sinks, and learn to make camp showers, hot water heaters and hand washers. Fee: $12 per session ($45 for all four) Museum Members: $10 per session ($38 for all four) Register: Contact Steve Watts 704 866 6912

Your scout troop or youth group can enjoy fun and enriching activities at the Schiele Museum after dark! Camp In events provide a unique opportunity to experience programs and exhibits at the Schiele in a fun indoor camping adventure. Program options allow you to customize your event to meet badge or pin requirements. A late night snack and breakfast are included! $28 per participant Call 704-869-1033 for information and to register.

Your scout troop or youth group can enjoy fun and enriching activities at the Schiele Museum after dark! Camp In events provide a unique opportunity to experience programs and exhibits at the Schiele in a fun indoor camping adventure. Program options allow you to customize your event to meet badge or pin requirements. A late night snack and breakfast are included! $28 per participant Call 704-869-1033 for information and to register.

Enjoy spring break and Memorial Day with exciting and enriching camp activities that take advantage of the awesome exhibits, resources and staff at the Schiele Museum. Spring Day Camps will provide an enriching program for children with quality science, cultural, art and outdoor activities with a full-day schedule that will meet the needs of your family. With a different theme each day your child can participate on a flexible schedule for a single day or for an entire week. In addition to cool explorations in science, history and culture, camp participants will enjoy a host of other activities including: - Outdoor recreation (weather permitting) - Hands-on activities - Movies - Daily snacks (campers bring their own lunch) - Indoor games Open to children ages 5 – 10 Daily Themes April 5: Make It Freeze April 6: Primitive Skills April 7: Pioneer Life April 8: Nature’s Hidden Treasures April 9: Spring Fishing May 31: Animals: Anatomy & Adaptations $25 a Day Members / $30 Nonmembers Reservations required. Call 704-854-6676 Deadline for all sessions is Monday March 29.

Enjoy an afternoon of exploring Easter traditions from around the world! Make a Mexican cascaron (confetti-filled egg); learn about the Australian Easter Bilby; taste Italian Easter Bread and meet American bunnies and chicks. Bring your own Easter Basket to carry out goodies and a camera!

2010 marks the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day, and the 20th celebration at the Schiele Museum. This year we will be celebrating twice! Earth NIGHT will take place on the trail, under the glow of twinkling lights. Enjoy food from String Bean, drinks and great live music from Rebecca Rippey. Our concert evening is a perfect night out for Mother Earth: zero-waste and powered by renewable resources! Join us at our family-friendly Earth Day event: rain or shine, we will have a great time! Witness the first Earth Day parade, meet a tiger and tiger cubs from Tiger World, meet Snoopy from Carowinds new Planet Snoopy, and MUCH MORE! This is will be The Schiele\'s biggest Earth Day ever! Earth Night Tickets: $8 Members / $10 Nonmembers Earth Day is free with museum admission.

Spring is a great time to go fresh water fishing. Learn about local fish species, what kinds of habitat they like, how they feed, and best of all, how to catch them. Travel in a museum van to a variety of freshwater locations to try your skill with a rod and reel. All tackle and bait included. Great for beginners and families with children. $18 Members / $20 Nonmembers Reservations required. Call 704-854-6676 Deadline for all sessions is Friday April 2.

See the wonder, grandeur, and fragility of our natural world in works by artists from Cleveland, Gaston, Lincoln, and Mecklenburg counties. The Gaston County Art Guild cosponsors this exhibit.

Turtles, terrapins and tortoises! These amazing hard-shelled reptiles are remarkably adaptable and found in all sorts of habitats. Enjoy turtle displays from the museum’s collection.