Special activities and craft demonstrations await students

Dollywood family adventure park becomes a unique outdoor classroom as it welcomes home school students from as far away as Maryland, New York and Florida to its annual Home School Day on Aug. 27. The event gets under way at 9 a.m.
Dollywood received Homeschooling Parent Magazine’s 2004 Homeschool Friendly Stamp of Approval. The award recognizes curriculum, products, colleges, universities and family travel destinations for their efforts to embrace and support the homeschooling movement in America.
Special interactive activities are scheduled throughout the day for home school students and their families including craft classes instructed by Dollywood’s master craftsmen.
“At Dollywood, students can see actual applications of math, science and physics, whether it be a rollercoaster in motion or steel being forged by one of our master craftsmen,” said Barbara Joines, Dollywood General Manager. “The interaction with our employees makes for an informative and fun learning environment.”
Home School activities include:
a ride aboard the Dollywood Express (free);
“Old Mountain Stories, Riddles and Lore” presented by storyteller Jim Claborn (free);
leatherworking ($5 per participant), wood carving ($10 per participant) and stained glass classes ($10 per participant) instructed by Dollywood master craftsmen. Students will take home the crafts they create.
small machinery instruction including the building of an electric generator ($10) and building of an electric motor ($10)
lye soap and candy making demonstrations (free);
homemade ice cream making and its history—including a free sample (free);
an amusement ride and general theme park safety class (free)
rock painting class where students learn decorative painting techniques ($5 per participant)
Instructional classes are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Class sizes are limited. Home School Day student admission is $21.75 per student; adult admission is $33.45 per person. A picnic also is offered to those who register prior to Aug. 13. Students’ picnic meals are free with the purchase of an adult picnic meal which is available for $9.31.
For additional information about Dollywood Home School Day, visit www.dollywood.com/grouphschool.asp. To register for this event, call 1-(888) 428-6789 (toll free) or email Dollywood.