PARTIES WITH NATURE’S CRITTERS

What better way to have a memorable party than to have Julie and Nature’s Critters come to your home? Six to eight animals visit your child's special event -- each animal friend is touchable by the children. Every child gets their own photo with their favorite animal. The photo is theirs to keep as a souvenir! They will always remember the fun they had with Nature’s Critters. All parties last between 75 and 90 minutes, depending on the number of children present.

There are a variety of different themes to choose from (or Julie can design a special topic just for you). Programs are age appropriate and suited not only for animal lovers, but also for those who may be uncomfortable around certain species. No one is pressured into doing anything that makes him or her uncomfortable. By learning about the animals, watching Julie handle them, touching them (perhaps for the first time) and finally holding them, children (and adults) will have the opportunity to bond with some of Nature’s Critters. At the same time, they will be building their own self-esteem, confidence and appreciation of nature. Most importantly, it is really FUN!

"Let the Animals Touch You!"

THEMES FOR ALL AGES (3 YEARS AND UP)...

"Hidden In Plain Sight"

How can animals "disappear" right before our eyes? Kids will meet animals from a variety of habitats -- all using camouflage in order to survive. They will touch slimy amphibians (frog and salamander), scaly reptiles (snake, lizard and turtle), soft or pokey mammals (chinchilla or hedgehog) and crawly bugs (cockroaches). There is even a race between the animals!

"Radical Reptiles"

Are reptiles really all that different from us? Some really ’cool’ critters (snakes, lizards and turtles) will teach kids about their habits, habitats and what we can do to help them. Real live relatives of the dinosaurs will dispel myths and misconceptions we are taught about these gentle animals. Who is faster - a turtle or a tortoise? A race will tell us!

"Creepy Crawly Critters"

What crawls around underground? Lively insects, invertebrates, and insectivores (amphibians, reptiles and mammals) will fascinate the kids as they learn about their unusual appetites and what life is like in the dirt. The important jobs they fulfill in nature is celebrated in this engaging program with the creepy critters.

THEMES FOR AGES 7 AND UP...

"Eat or Be Eaten"

Life in the wild is filled with danger. Meet some predators and prey that have some unusual ways of staying alive. Some taste bad or smell bad (millipedes and toads), some pretend to be other animals (hissing cockroaches, lizards, snakes) and some even have built-in weapons or shields for self-defense (hedgehogs and tortoise). All have special roles to play in nature. Would you want to eat bugs, mice or rats?

"It’s A Jungle Out There"

Look at life in a tropical rainforest. Kids will journey through the different layers of the rainforest. From the bottom decomposers (bugs) to the highest canopy dwellers (parrots), they will discover how this complex ecosystem works. Kids delight in meeting live animals from rainforests around the world. They discover how we are connected to the tropical rainforests, and what we can do to protect these natural treasures.

"Animals From Around the World"

A fascinating journey from North America to the farthest reaches of Europe, Africa, Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, South America and Central America. Kids will meet live animals (invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals) from different parts of the world, learn what life is like in their exotic homes, what special contributions the animals make and what we can do to make a difference in maintaining a healthy "home" planet.

WHAT PARENTS SAY ABOUT NATURE’S CRITTERS ...

Thank you for the magnificent critter presentation. As a principal and parent, this was the best awareness and preservation program I ever saw for children. We loved your magical surprises from the treefrog, bearded dragon, hedgehog, box turtle, hissing cockroaches, snake and parrot. The kids were mesmerized as well as the adults. You brought knowledge, enthusiasm, wit, charm and laughter to our house. (I never knew a snake has no ears.) You captured everyone's curiosity and you were the highlight of our party. Also, thank you for teaching us sign language. After you left, you and your critter friends were still excitedly "buzzing" (talking) around my house. The photos of each of our children with their favorite (critter) hangs proudly in their bedroom. Thank you, again, for making it so much fun!

Norm (parent, principal)

I want to thank you and Kyle for a wonderful presentation! We all thoroughly enjoyed learning about and handling all the animals. Thank you so much for keeping the date for us and doing such a great job. I wish you well in your endeavor, you are providing a fabulous service to our youth and everyone whom your educate. You should have heard all the kids telling their parents all about the animals they held and saw at the party. They were really excited and learned a lot. Thank you again.

Alison (parent)

I just wanted to say thank you again for brining your animal friends to my daughter Emily's 5th birthday party. After you left the kids kept talking about the animals and were all so excited to show their parents the pictures you took. You were just wonderful with the children and I so appreciate it. My husband and I were wishing we could hire you to come over every week to talk about the creatures you have! I really appreciate it!

Michi (parent)

Thank you so much for coming to Sarah's birthday party. The kids (and adults!) absolutely loved your program. You are a gifted teacher, and I love the messages you impart. I know several of the children said they wanted you at their next party (and I hope you are!). Sarah said she wants her next birthday to be exactly the same. Thank you for sharing your message and love for the animals with us.

Connie (parent)

Thank you so much for the excellent program you gave at our son's birthday party. As a 6 year old, he is very interested in reptiles and the program you presented was not only informative but interesting and entertaining as well. You made him feel special as the birthday boy, but you also did an excellent job of including all of the children (even the ones who were a bit squeamish at first). We could tell from your enthusiasm that you really enjoy what you do and it definitely shows in your work. Thanks again.

Mark and Mary (parents)

My husband, Alexander and I just want to say a huge Thank You for coming to entertain and educate Alex's guests.  You did an absolutely wonderful job with the kids.  They are still talking about all of the animals.  Thank you for making Alexander's 2nd Birthday so special!

Marcia  (parent)

I have been meaning to write you a note of thanks since my son, Brian's, 11th birthday party! I thought you did a fabulous job!  As a teacher, I especially was impressed with how you built up the level of anticipation before you brought out each critter!  You totally captivated all of the boys - not an easy thing with 11 year olds!  It was a very memorable birthday party!  Thank You!

Sonja  (parent)

I want to thank you for coming to Grady's birthday party. We thought your program was well worth the money. You were wonderful with the children and they learned so much. Thank you so much.

Amy (parent)

Thank you again! The children were just in awe. To watch them was as exciting for me as the snake was for Austin. Thank you so much for being so good to him on his birthday! He really had a great time. His next words were “we should have her over for Grandma and Aunt Chrissy because they missed her.” You do a wonderful presentation. I so enjoy you with the children!

Constance  (parent)

Thanks to you and your son for the great show and to your menagerie. The kids loved it, and I’m sure the reptile world has won itself a few more young devotees. I myself will be less frantic should a garter snake cross my path in the garden. I know many adults who could benefit from your show. Thanks again,

Peggy (parent)

The party was absolutely fabulous! Thank you so much. The parents had as much fun as their kids. You were wonderful!

Marci (parent)

Thank you so much for the wonderful program you gave at our son Paul’s birthday party! He and his friends are still talking about the animals that you taught them about, but even more importantly, how brave they were to hold the animals that they were taught to be afraid of (Mom included!)! I have recommended your program several times since to parents and Paul’s school. You perform a valuable and important service to animals and people alike.

Dan and Joan (parents)

I can’t thank you enough for the most wonderful birthday party we’ve ever had! What you taught us about animals will stay with us forever. And it was so entertaining the kids didn’t even realize they were learning!

Pam (parent)

"Teaching a child not to step on a caterpillar is just as
important for the child as it is for the caterpillar."

- Bradley Miller