3 . This is a great time of year to visit NYC (New York City). For the best experience, plan ahead and make required reservations. To spend less and experience more, you’ll find it appropriate to possess a CityPASS.

CityPASS includes admission to our 86th floor open-air observation deck of the Empire State Building and other four attractions, including American Museum of Natural History, 9/11 Memorial Museum, Statue of Liberty, and Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises.

See the views that define New York City, and then explore the city to the fullest with CityPASS. Visit the attractions at your own pace, in any order, over a 9-day period.

Reservations may be required at attractions. For some attractions, you can make reservations through the CityPASS® Travel Guide, and for others, we provide instructions on how you can reserve a time directly with the attraction.

CityPASS offers four ways to see New York City: CityPASS, our best seller; C3, great for short stays; C-All, for those who don’t want to miss a thing; Sightseeing Pass, also great for short stays.

4 . If you want to take part in volunteerism programs but don’t know where to start, get some inspiration from the following organizations.

Gapper

Gapper is a registered company that offers volunteerism services to young people.

Program locations: Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Nepal, Kenya and Bali Island in Indonesia.

Cost: Varies, 2,900 to 4,800 yuan over two weeks (transportation fees excluded)

Official website: www. gappernet. org

Requirements: Aged 18 or above. Pass English telephone interviews. Applicants who pass the CET-6, have a TOFEL score 80 or above and IELTS 6 or above, have studied in English-speaking countries for three months, or have an intermediate interpretation certification, won’t be interviewed.

Passion in volunteer work.

Greenway China

Greenway China is a branch of Green Lion, an international volunteer project provider.

Program locations: Mainly Southeast Asian countries including India, Laos, Vietnam, as well as countries in North America, Africa and Europe.

Cost: Varies, 3,500-5,700 yuan over two weeks (transportation fees excluded)

Official website: www. greenwaychina. org

Requirements: Aged 18 or above. Pass English telephone interviews. Applicants who pass the CET-6, have an IELTS score 6.5 or above and TOFEL 80 or above, won’t be interviewed.

Positive, hardworking attitude and teamwork skills (tested by telephone interviews).

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)

IVHQ is an international social enterprise that has its head-quarters in New Zealand and offers volunteer programs abroad.

Program locations: 30 destinations across Africa, Asia, Europe. Central America, South America and the Pacific Islands.

Cost: Varies, about $250-3,500 (1,552 to 21,725 yuan) over two weeks (transportation fees excluded)

Official website: www. volunteerhg. org

Requirements: Aged 18 or above. A clean criminal background. For the majority of medical and health projects, volunteers must be qualified or trained in a relevant medical field. Fluency in English.

Willingness to learn.

5 . Four Best College Farms

The Cal Poly Farm

The farm of California Polytechnic State University is a nine-acre production unit. Produce grown on the farm is sold in local farmers’ markets, a campus farm market or many restaurants. Any produce not sold is donated to a local food bank. Research is conducted on the farm. There are classes scheduled directly on the farm acreage. This provides students with real-world situations in the areas of organic farming, sustainability and gardening practices.

The Dartmouth Organic Farm

The farm at Dartmouth College is just north of the campus and has two acres of production. The farm grows flowers, herbs and vegetables that are all certified organic. It has been in operation for over four years and is entirely student-operated. There is a farm advisor. Field research is performed on the farm. It also offers leisure activities along the river nearby. Professors often hold other classes there when the weather is suitable.

The Merry Lea Sustainable Farm

The farm at Goshen College provides students with an understanding of sustainable agriculture. The farm is almost ten acres with several fields located near woodlands or wetlands. The farm produces vegetables, herbs, tree fruits, berries, tree nuts, mushrooms, poultry(家禽)and pigs. In addition to college programs, the campus farm offers kindergarten through 12th grade programs.

The Outback

The Outback of Western Washington University is a five-acre farm providing a wide range of opportunities for students. There are personal and collaborative events and projects related to organic gardening, sustainable land use and habitat restoration. There are classes held there as well as workshops and lectures. Students are provided with volunteer opportunities as well as paid employment on the farm. There is a garden available at no cost to students and staff on campus.

6 . Art and Craft Projects for Kids

Art museum activities are a great way to encourage children to explore art and express their own creativity. Some museums have activity packs for young visitors; be sure to ask. Not only are great artworks inspiring, but they also teach children that there are many different ways to express creativity.

Instructions for art museum activities:

Before going to the museum, explore what you may see when you go. Most museums have websites with a wealth of information on art museum activity ideas. The Smithsonian has a program called Student Artworks: Artful Connections for seventh graders. There are so many great resources!

Art museums offer educational programs for children!

The Philadelphia Museums of Art offers fun, free worksheets. The National Gallery of Art has made digital images of its collections available to view and download.

The Guggenheim has made 200 art books available for download!

Visit the Smithsonian and try their art museum activities for kids without leaving the house.

Try these art museum activities for kids:

Take your child to the art museum. First, walk around and look at the artwork. Talk about the different artists. What type of art did they create? What did they use to make their creations? Are they realistic or abstract? What colors did they use?

If you don’t live near an art museum, you can take a trip to the Louvre through their unbelievable virtual online tour. Have your child choose a piece of art that speaks to them. Ask why he chose that piece of art. How does it make him feel? Have your child sit in front of that artwork and draw it. Have your child write or tell a story about his art.

7 . Best places to see wildlife in Canada

Whether you’re keen to see the mysterious spirit bears or listen to the songs of beluga whales, Canada’s varied landform offers dozens of wildlife adventures that are bound to impress you. So grab your camera and set out for a few of the best places to see Canada’s incredible wildlife.

Search for the mysterious spirit bears in the Great Bear Rainforest,British Columbia

Spirit bears are one of the most special animals found in Canada.They are a rare species protected by Canada and can only be found in the Great Bear Rainforest. which is a remote protected area mainly accessible by boat.

Listen to beluga whales sing in Churchill,Manitoba

About 136,000 beluga whales can be found here in Canadian waters in the summer.They are white in color and are nicknamed the“canaries(金丝雀)of the sea”thanks to the sounds they make, which are used to navigate.

Spot a moose (麇鹿) or two at Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario

The moose are one of the most-loved species in Canada,but are surprisingly difficult to find in the wild. If you have your heart set on seeing a moose or two,head to Algonquin provincial Park in Ontario, where you might catch sight of them at dusk or dawn, especially in the spring.

Witness the monarch butterfly migration at Point Pelee National Park,Ontario

Every year thousands of monarch butterflies migrate from Canada to Mexico,where the spend the winter. One of the main points of this migration route is Point Pelee National Park in Ontario. Head there just before sunset or early in the morning for the best views

8 . Four Books Worth Reading

The Eco Hero Handbook by Tessa Wardley

The book addresses the issue of eco-anxiety by providing a one-page answer to each commonly-asked question. Hopefully, the author can make the readers feel like they can take action this way. The questions range from “Is my water usage affecting the planet and nature?” to “Which foods are responsible for the worst deforestation?” The answers are the same length, regardless of the complexity of the questions, which is a bit odd at times; but they are solidly researched and well-cited responses, with resources for follow-up.

The Humane Home by Sarah Lozanova

The book contains seven chapters that cover topics such as energy efficiency, water conservation, passive solar heat, building materiaIs, and air quality. It contains numerous little projects, from building garden beds to preserving home-grown produce. The book is a quick and easy read, which can be easily finished in an hour or two. It gives readers a good sense of what they want to explore further.

An Almost Zero Waste Life by Megean Weldon

The book offers suggestions on reducing waste in every aspect of life, from grocery shopping to beauty routines and clothing. The book is packed with information in short, easily-digestible paragraphs, and the chapters are accompanied by cute graphics (图形) and stylized minimalist photography (极简摄影).

Sustainable Home by Christine Liu

This beautiful book could sit on your coffee table, with its splendid minimalist photography. Author Christine Liu is a sustainability blogger whose own home and DIY projects are featured in the book. She goes through all the steps you can take to avoid waste, reduce clutter (杂乱的东西)， and adopt more eco-friendly practices. Her advice is helpful to anyone who feels frightened by the climate crisis.

9 . Troop 73 Annual Delaware River Canoe Trip

On the afternoon of May 20th, Troop 73 will start its annual canoe trip down the Delaware River. The canoe trip, which lasts three days, will be approximately 15 — 20 miles. And it costs $55 per person for camping and canoeing, while $20 per person for camping only.

As usual, we will be camping at White Plains. Those who have already been on this trip know that many children bring friends and family members with them. Because so many parents like to come along, and all want to leave White Plains at a different time, there is no required group meeting or departure time. Everyone is free to leave whenever they wish.

Although there is no required group meeting or departure time, many will meet at Highlands School on Friday evening to set off as a group. Stay tuned for a specific meeting time. If you don’t have your own ride, and don’t have a good friend you can go along with, make sure you speak to the camp leader in advance so that he can help you arrange a ride.

ATTENTION: There are 2 consent(同意) forms, one for persons under 18 and the other for each adult and child. The trip takes place on May 20th, and registrations and consent forms must be handed in THREE days before the activity.