WINTER FUN PATCH PROGRAM
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All levels need to only complete ONE requirement

1. What date marks the official start of winter? When does it end? What is the normal temperature in your area? Talk about another area and how their seasons may be different. Have an open discussion of food items that are served this time of the year and why? For extra: Create a yummy treat to share with others. Examples are hot cocoa, mince pie, sugar cookies, or ginger snaps.

2. Did you know there are a variety of celebrated festivals or events celebrated in the United States during the winter? Explore a festival or public celebrated event. Find out what day it is celebrated and create an activity representing the event. National Candy Cane, Cotton Candy, Gumdrop and Peanut Brittle Day, Secret Pal Day, Martin Luther King Jr's or President's Birthday, Cookie Cutter week, Bingo month, National Puzzle Day, and Random Acts of Kindness Week.

3. Compare how animals and humans adapt to the winter weather. Choose a variety of animals and name how they adapt to the weather. How do you adapt to the winter weather in your area? If you are in a warmer area, how would you dress in the snow?

4. International Holidays are celebrated all around the world in the winter. Find out more about a holiday celebrated in another country. When and where it is celebrated and why? Some examples are Carnival, Setsuban, Chinese New Year, Boxing Day, St Lucia, Ramadan and Epiphany.

5. Bring a little winter into or around your home. Create an art project depicting the winter theme of your area. Create a winter picture frame, paper snowflakes, wreath, lights, ornament, gingerbread house, or create a painting or drawing of depicting a winter theme.

6. Celebrate a winter holiday and enjoy an activity depicting this event. Example: Christmas; ornament, songs; Kwanzaa, make a Bendera, cards; Hanukah; spin a Dreidel, Gelt holders; New Year's Day, noise makers, hats; or Valentine's Day, cards and candy.

7.Take a local field trip or adventure in your backyard to enjoy the outdoors of the new season. Some examples include: Go snow tubing, skiing, camping, hiking, outdoor games, view a play, or create a fun day with your family or group.

8. Why does it snow? What makes it snow more in other areas? What is the coldest temperature ever recorded in your area? Compare it to another area . For extra credit a build a snowman or create a wintry fun picture of your choice.

9. Christmas is celebrated all around the world. Customs and traditions vary from country to country creating a unique celebration across the globe. Some examples are: Santa Claus, The Three Kings, Advent Calendars, and Yule Logs, reindeers, gifts, trees and the nativity. Read stories about different traditions, or research the different gift givers, create a craft or project depicting Christmas or a cultural tradition.

10. It is better to give than receive. Participate in a community service event and give back to those less fortunate than yourself. Make scarves, adopt a child, toys for tots, make Valentines cards, or say something nice to someone to make their day a little brighter.