This calendar includes Heartwood’s scheduled chapter, volunteer, and training events.
For a list of unscheduled (work at your own pace) volunteer activities, check out the approved chapter activities: Heartwood Volunteer Projects
Want to suggest a new volunteer opportunity?
Want to suggest a new advanced training opportunity?
Name of Event: Summer Break Out
Location: Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center
Time: 8:30 – 12:00 p.m.
Description: Volunteers will help with set up, clean up and help children with the activity for
the day. Be prepared to be outdoors and bring a reusable water bottle. The first 30 minutes of
the shift will be spent learning the activity for the day, and then the program will be offered
twice to two different audiences. The last 30 minutes of the shift will be spent cleaning up.
Special Instructions: please fill out our volunteer application HERE (or visit
www.pct3.com/jjp) and upon acceptance you can sign up for this activity.
Number of volunteers: 2 per day
Dates/Themes for the Day:
June 2: Dreamcatchers – Native American traditions are rich with stories of
how the people were connected with nature and the world around
them. Believing that these connections shape a person’s destiny,
they would create devices that would help them interact with the
natural energy of the world. Dreamcatchers are such a tool. Join us
to learn about the history of dreamcatchers and make one of your
very own!
June 3: Candlemaking – Electricity for the home wasn’t an option until the
late 19th century. Settlers had to rely on the ancient art of
candlemaking in order to light their homes and structures. This was a
necessary part of life and something that every family needed to do
unless they were wealthy enough to purchase their candles from a
chandler. See what it takes to make hand-dipped candles and make
one of your very own!
June 11: Embroidery – In Colonial America, embroidery wasn’t just a craft; it
held economic importance, and embroidery skills were valued for
their ability to transform basic materials into beautiful and intricate
pieces. Join us to learn about how this amazing art form was
integrated into education and used to decorate both household items
and clothing. Try your hand at some basic designs.
June 12: Natural Dyes – Natural dyes are and have always been sourced
from a variety of plants, insects and minerals to color fabrics. Join
us to learn what where to find these sources, how to process them
and use the colors to dye some simple fabrics.
June 23: Timeless Toys & Games – Video Games and Legos didn’t exist in
the early 1800’s. Children quite often had to come up with fun
games to play or make their own toys out of everyday items. Join us
in the Homestead to play some pioneer games and make some
simple toys that you can take home!
July 15: Blacksmith – Blacksmiths played a vital role in colonial America. They
were responsible for creating and repairing a wide range of metal items,
from tools and household utensils to weapons and farm equipment. Come
join us for a blacksmithing demonstration and stop by our woodshop to
learn about how tools and other necessities were made or mended in the
pioneer era.
July 16: Woodworking – Having someone able to work with wood was an essential
skill for any homestead. When cabins and structures needed building, when
tools needed repair, a woodworker was enlisted. Join us for a woodworking
demonstration and stop by our woodshop to learn about how tools and
other necessities were made or mended in the pioneer era.
July 17: Butter – American colonists were experts at making butter for their families.
In fact butter-making was often a chore for the children of the household.
Learn how to make butter using simple ingredients just like the early Texas
settlers. Then take a self-guided tour of the Redbud Hill Homestead.
July 22: Hoe Cakes – Hearth and fireside cooking was the main way of peparing
meals in Colonial America. One staple food that many in the south have
enjoyed for centuries were hoecakes. This simple meal represents a
significant part of early American culinary history, reflecting the simple
ingredients and cooking methods of the time. Join us in the Homestead by
the fireside to learn about early Texas cooking methods and observe the
process of making your very own hoecakes to enjoy.
July 23: Tea Making – Did you know that yaupon holly is the only known caffeinated
plant in North America. Native Americans have used its leaves to make tea
thousands of years. Join us to learn about the history of tea in America and
some of its extraordinary benefits. Yaupon tea will be available for
sampling.
July 24: Sustainable Mat Making – In early Texas, Native American tribes used
weaving to create mats for various purposes, including seating, bedding
and even as part of the home. Join us in the Akokisa Village to learn about
the process of weaving these everyday items. We will be using recyclable
materials to make some sustainable mats of our very own.
DO: Jesse H Jones Park & Nature Center (Specify activities)