Tents were pitched on the field by the bear family statue, and then the children headed off by age group to the various fun activities.  Naturalist Jim Hunter found a baby garter snake, a spotted salamander, wild turkeys, frogs and many mushrooms on a tour of the Earthplace trails.  Animal Care staff and volunteers brought out several Earthplace animals, including a rabbit, guinea pig, ferret, corn snake, turtle, turkey vulture and python.  Kids got to pan for "gold" and minerals, pitch horse shoes, toss a ring onto a horse, decorate their goody bag and get the face painted.  The children enjoyed having their photo taken by the Wild West town or on their own horse or saddle for a personal Wanted poster.

Everyone was hungry for the Western-style dinner of chili, macaroni and cheese, corn bread and cookies.  Guest violinists from the Suzuki Music School in Westport serenaded the group with country songs.

Everyone enjoyed the shadow puppets from Nappy's Puppets, and toasting marshmallows for s'mores by the campfire.  There was also a night walk along the trails in search of luminescent fungi.  A Continental breakfast of baked goods, juice and coffee awaited guest the next morning before everyone went back to their own homes.