The children and staff from both homes recently enjoyed the unseasonal warm weather together. They visited Stumphouse Tunnel and shared a picnic lunch hosted by our special friend, Tom Brelsford. They began their adventure by hiking to the lookout over Issaquenna Falls & taking pictures.

Afterwards, Mr. Tom presented the children with backpacks filled with an assortment of items like cameras, flashlights, tee shirts, blankets, hats and scarves donated by The Nature Conservancy. Mr. Tom, our resident environmental conservationist, carried a plastic bag to pick up trash and cigarette butts encouraging the children to make a game of helping him clean up the area.

The children had a great time with their flashlights and battery lanterns as they explored everything in the tunnel. Upon exiting, a snake was pointed out to the children by another group and they watched it closely until it slithered into a crack in the rocks. Good thing it was seen by Mrs. Tina when they were coming out instead of going in!

During the picnic Mr. Tom got a good chuckle when one of the little ones asked him if his mommy had made the sandwich that he brought. After a delicious meal of pb&j sandwiches the children cooled off by wading in the water while the adults relaxed in the shade. Thank you, Mr. Tom for making another exciting excursion possible for our children.Learn more about the Collins Home at www.collinschildrenshome.org