Sad News...Sparky, the camp cat has died.

Sad news...Sparky, Ms Val and Mr. Terry's camp cat died today from heart failure. Sparky was known as the "doggy kitty" as she would follow Ms. Val around camp when she locked up at the end of a weekend group. One time, Ms. Val was playing hide and seek with the campers and Sparky gave her hiding place away. The campers said, "LOOK, there's Sparky. I bet Ms. Val is hiding near here." Sure enough, there I was, trying to convince Sparky to leave or come hide with me. I was found!

Sparky in her favorite spot next to the bear rug in front of the fireplace.

Tomasina and Chester are still keeping Ms. Val and Mr. Terry company at Elliott House.

House In The Wood is operated by Northwestern Settlement.

copyrighted by Val Wright

Construction News...We HAVE phone service again!

We lost phone service as our phone line was cut when they dug the trenches to put in the new gas.

LIT January Winter Weekend

Summer LIT's are invited to join us at House In The Wood for a Winter Weekend.

When: Friday, January 24 to Sunday, January 26
Depart: From Northwestern Settlement at 6:30pm
Return: To Northwestern Settlement at noon

What's Happening?
Winter Fun! Information Sessions! Summer Planning! Cabin Time! Community Service!

Watch for more information in the mail or call Nathan at 773-969-5579 to register.

Visit us Illinois Network of Charter School (INCS) Conference

We are exhibiting for our Outdoor Education Center at the statewide INCS conference in downtown Chicago on Monday, December 2 and Tuesday, December 3.

Val in her Chipmunk costume

Construction News...Elliott Lodge

They dug a hole to put in the new gas line. And of course, they hit something! Next week we hope to start digging the BIG hole. This is the foundation hole for the new basement that will become the new shower house and the hole for the footings for the dining hall extension.

Repaired sewer line.

New gas meter and big pile of dirt. Just the beginning!

House In The Wood is operated by Northwestern Settlement, Chicago, Illinois.

content copyrighted 2013 by Val Wright, House In The Wood

A Mountain of Backpacks! Thank You, Soshee Boutique and Uncle Dan's!

House In The Wood joins Northwestern Settlement in saying a HUGE "THANK YOU" to Soshee Boutique and Uncle Dan's, The Great Outdoor Store! Together they donated over FIFTY backpacks that will go to House In The Wood, among other donations to the Settlement community.

We've been in need of more backpacks  for our growing Outdoor Education programming, and this donation couldn't have come at a better time! Thanks again!

Learn more about/show some love to Uncle Dan's or Soshee Boutique.

Construction News...Elliott Lodge

We have the site fences up and we have marked the area for digging! Now we are waiting for the gas company to move the meter and then we will have a GREAT BIG HOLE! Stay tuned as it will be happening soon!

Two orange storm fences on either side of the construction area.

Silt Fence along the bottom edge so it doesn't flow into the lake.

House In The Wood is operated by Northwestern Settlement.

Copyright by Valerie Wright at House In The Wood