Several students with Classical Conversations Homeschooling came to the Crosby Arboretum Thursday morning to take part in the sock caterpillar craft event.

Crowding around long tables, these students were given festive socks and decorations and were shown how to craft their own caterpillar. At the beginning of the event, they talked about how caterpillars turn into winged insects and each student was given a small pamphlet that outlines the lifecycle of a caterpillar. At the end of the event students were able to choose a small prize to take home.

While this event was prescheduled, Arboretum customer service coordinator Kim Johnson said families and educational groups are now able to book appointments ahead of time for a special day of arts and crafts.

Johnson said if groups call at least two weeks in advance they can schedule a time and day to hold their own craft workshop. The Arboretum offers a wide variety of craft workshops groups can choose from depending on their interests. She said craft days are a lot of fun, since kids can get out of the house, spend time with friends and learn something about nature.

Groups can choose to come in the morning from 10 to 11:30 or in the afternoon from 1:30 to 3, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday. Johnson said the price for the groups varies depending on how many children are in attendance. The more students there are, the cheaper it will be for each attendee. Maximum capacity for each event is 20 children, Johnson said. Each child must have an adult with them throughout, she said.

All materials and prizes are donated by people in the community. Volunteers also have the opportunity to help during craft days. Johnson said that if anyone is interested in making a donation or in volunteering, they can call the Arboretum at 601-799-2311.