For this outdoor program, parents/caregivers and children will take part in hands-on activities to learn about nature and develop social skills. These activities will include circle time, games, and observing animals and plants. Participants should expect to do a fair amount of walking. Both Tuesday and Thursday classes are identical. Please choose one or the other.

Parent/Caregiver and older or experienced nature schoolers participate in hands-on outdoor activities to build on their experiences with the natural world and peers. Circle time, games, wildlife observations and guided exploration of Mill Woods Park and other outdoor spots in town and surrounding areas. Be prepared for quite a bit of walking, this class is held entirely outdoors.

Become a rocket scientist and learn the fundamentals of flight, propulsion, rocket design, launch and recovery. Explore hot air balloons to hovercrafts and more! There is an exciting rocket launch every day and kids build their own Mad Science rocket to take home

We'll learn about the tools scientists use in their laboratories, as well as atoms, molecules and reactions, acids and bases, fluorescence and phosphorescence. We'll also examine and investigate super sticky things by exploring suction, hydrogen bonding and static cling. We'll also see some very cool dry ice demonstrations! Continue the science at home with fun labware take-homes and experiments.

Tiny Creatures Big Jobs: Get ready to shrink down and explore the amazing world of bugs and insects! Campers will discover how some of the smallest creatures do some of the most important work on our planet. Through hands-on crafts, games, nature walks, and exciting experiments, kids will learn about pollinators, builders, recyclers, and other insect superheroes. From buzzing bees to busy ants, every day is filled with fun, curiosity, and adventure! Bug-tastic fun awaits! Theme Day Thursday is Sports. Represent your favorite sports team and wear their hats and shirts today!

Forces of Nature Week. Hold on tight. It is time to explore the wild and powerful forces of nature! Campers will dive into the exciting world of natural disasters and extreme weather. Through hands-on experiments, creative crafts, and games, kids will learn about volcanoes, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, and more! Campers will discover how these forces shape our planet and how scientists and communities stay safe. Theme Day Thursday is Red White and Blue Day

Animal Kingdom Week: Get ready to explore the wild! During Animal Kingdom Week, campers will journey through the Earth's most exciting habitats, from steamy jungles and the lush Amazon rainforest to wide-open safaris and mysterious deserts. Campers will learn about animal adaptations, ecosystems, and conservation while having tons of fun with themed challenges, nature exploration, and imaginative play. This week is packed with adventure, curiosity, and unforgettable memories! Theme Day Thursday is Tacky Tourist Day.

Future Scientists Week: Put on your lab goggles and step into the future! This week is bursting with hands-on experiments, wild discoveries, and outdoor exploration. Campers will mix, build, test, and explore as they uncover the secrets of nature, tackle exciting science challenges, and think like real scientists. Every day is packed with curiosity, teamwork, and fun. Get ready because the scientists of tomorrow start here! Theme Day Thursday is Wacky Tacky Day. Dress as crazy as you want!

Marine Madness: Dive into a week of ocean-sized adventure! Campers will explore the incredible world beneath the waves through hands-on activities, games, and creative projects inspired by marine life. From learning about sharks, dolphins, and sea turtles to discovering coral reefs and ocean ecosystems, each day brings a new splash of discovery. Get ready to make waves and go a little marine mad! Theme Day Thursday is Pajama Day. Come to camp in your PJ's today

Extinct Explorers. Get ready for an unforgettable summer adventure at Nature Camp! Extinct Explorers Theme: Step back in time for a prehistoric adventure! Young explorers will become paleontologists as they discover dinosaurs and other amazing extinct animals. Campers will dig for fossils, create fun crafts, play games, and use their imaginations to learn how these incredible creatures lived, what they ate, and why they disappeared. From towering T-Rexes to woolly mammoths, it’s sure to be a roaring good time! Campers will explore the outdoors through hands-on activities led by an experienced educator and assistant counselor, with a minimum 1:10 staff-to-camper ratio. Our team is supported by lifeguards and staff certified in first aid to ensure a safe and engaging experience for all.
Theme Day Thursday: Anything But a Backpack! Bring your camp supplies in something creative—just not a backpack!

Mission:Space: Countdown to LIFTOFF! This week campers will launch into an out-of-this-world adventure filled with cosmic creativity and hands-on discovery. Campers will explore planets, stars, and galaxies through fun experiments, space-themed games, and imaginative challenges. Campers will reach for the stars and let their curiosity soar to infinity and beyond! Theme Day Thursday is "Twin Day". Find a buddy and dress to look like twins.

Junior Ranger Week: Lace up your boots and grab your ranger hat! Campers will explore the wonders of the American National Parks while learning how to protect and care for the natural world. Campers will discover what makes our parks so special while building teamwork, confidence, and a love for the outdoors. Get ready to explore like a ranger and leave only footprints behind! Theme Day Thursday is Color Wars.

Survival Week: Get ready for an adventure! This week, campers become nature explorers as we dive into a week packed with fun, teamwork, and outdoor skills. Kids will learn how to build cozy shelters, follow animal tracks, make nature crafts, and play exciting survival-themed games. Survival Week is an adventure you will not forget. Theme Day Thursday is Hat Day. Wear your favorite hat or your wildest hat.

Tiny Creatures Big Jobs: Get ready to shrink down and explore the amazing world of bugs and insects! Campers will discover how some of the smallest creatures do some of the most important work on our planet. Through hands-on crafts, games, nature walks, and exciting experiments, kids will learn about pollinators, builders, recyclers, and other insect superheroes. From buzzing bees to busy ants, every day is filled with fun, curiosity, and adventure! Bug-tastic fun awaits! Theme Day Thursday is Sports. Represent your favorite sports team and wear their hats and shirts today! Trailblazers Field Trip: Yard Goats game and Sleepover.*

Hold on tight. It is time to explore the wild and powerful forces of nature! Campers will dive into the exciting world of natural disasters and extreme weather. Through hands-on experiments, creative crafts, and games, kids will learn about volcanoes, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, and more! Campers will discover how these forces shape our planet and how scientists and communities stay safe. Theme Day Thursday is Red White and Blue Day. Trailblazers Field Trip: Rock Spot Climbing *

Animal Kingdom Week: Get ready to explore the wild! During Animal Kingdom Week, campers will journey through the earth's most exciting habitats, from steamy jungles and the lush Amazon rainforest to wide-open safaris and mysterious deserts. Campers will learn about animal adaptations, ecosystems, and conservation while having tons of fun with themed challenges, nature exploration, and imaginative play. This week is packed with adventure, curiosity, and unforgettable memories! Theme Day Thursday is Tacky Tourist Day. Trailblazers Field Trip: Crabapple Whitewater Rafting.*

Future Scientists Week: Put on your lab goggles and step into the future! This week is bursting with hands-on experiments, wild discoveries, and outdoor exploration. Campers will mix, build, test, and explore as they uncover the secrets of nature, tackle exciting science challenges, and think like real scientists. Every day is packed with curiosity, teamwork, and fun. Get ready because the scientists of tomorrow start here! Theme Day Thursday is Wacky Tacky Day. Dress as crazy as you want! Trailblazers Field Trip: Bicycle Tour in Kent CT.*

Marine Madness: Dive into a week of ocean-sized adventure! Campers will explore the incredible world beneath the waves through hands-on activities, games, and creative projects inspired by marine life. From learning about sharks, dolphins, and sea turtles to discovering coral reefs and ocean ecosystems, each day brings a new splash of discovery. Get ready to make waves and go a little marine mad! Theme Day Thursday is Pajama Day. Come to camp in your PJ's today. Trailblazers Field Trip. Hammonasset Beach and Nature Center.*

Extinct Explorers: Step back in time and get ready for a prehistoric adventure! Campers will become paleontologists as they uncover the world of dinosaurs and other incredible extinct animals. Through fossil digs, hands-on crafts, games, and imaginative play, kids will learn what life was like millions of years ago. From towering T-rexes to woolly mammoths, campers will explore how these creatures lived, what they ate, and why they disappeared. Get ready for a roaring good time! Theme Day Thursday is "Anything But A BackPack' Bring your stuff to camp in something creative, just not a backpack. Trailblazers Field Trip: The Dinosaur Place*.

Mission:Space. Countdown to LIFTOFF! This week campers will launch into an out-of-this-world adventure filled with cosmic creativity and hands-on discovery. Campers will explore planets, stars, and galaxies through fun experiments, space-themed games, and imaginative challenges. Campers will reach for the stars and let their curiosity soar to infinity and beyond! Theme Day Thursday is "Twin Day". Find a buddy and dress to look like twins. Trailblazers Field Trip: CCSU Planetarium.*

Junior Ranger Week: Lace up your boots and grab your ranger hat! Campers will explore the wonders of the American National Parks while learning how to protect and care for the natural world. Campers will discover what makes our parks so special while building teamwork, confidence, and a love for the outdoors. Get ready to explore like a ranger and leave only footprints behind! Theme Day Thursday is Color Wars. Trailblazers Field Trip: Lake Compounce.*

This leadership development experience combines hands-on apprenticeship to teach essential skills like positive camper management, conflict resolution, and activity planning. CITs spend their days shadowing experienced mentors, leading games and songs, and assisting with behind-the-scenes operations. By taking on real responsibility in a supportive environment, participants build the professionalism and confidence necessary for future employment while still enjoying the camaraderie and magic of the summer camp community.

This leadership development experience combines hands-on apprenticeship to teach essential skills like positive camper management, conflict resolution, and activity planning. CITs spend their days shadowing experienced mentors, leading games and songs, and assisting with behind-the-scenes operations. By taking on real responsibility in a supportive environment, participants build the professionalism and confidence necessary for future employment while still enjoying the camaraderie and magic of the summer camp community.

This leadership development experience combines hands-on apprenticeship to teach essential skills like positive camper management, conflict resolution, and activity planning. CITs spend their days shadowing experienced mentors, leading games and songs, and assisting with behind-the-scenes operations. By taking on real responsibility in a supportive environment, participants build the professionalism and confidence necessary for future employment while still enjoying the camaraderie and magic of the summer camp community.

This leadership development experience combines hands-on apprenticeship to teach essential skills like positive camper management, conflict resolution, and activity planning. CITs spend their days shadowing experienced mentors, leading games and songs, and assisting with behind-the-scenes operations. By taking on real responsibility in a supportive environment, participants build the professionalism and confidence necessary for future employment while still enjoying the camaraderie and magic of the summer camp community.

This leadership development experience combines hands-on apprenticeship to teach essential skills like positive camper management, conflict resolution, and activity planning. CITs spend their days shadowing experienced mentors, leading games and songs, and assisting with behind-the-scenes operations. By taking on real responsibility in a supportive environment, participants build the professionalism and confidence necessary for future employment while still enjoying the camaraderie and magic of the summer camp community.

This leadership development experience combines hands-on apprenticeship to teach essential skills like positive camper management, conflict resolution, and activity planning. CITs spend their days shadowing experienced mentors, leading games and songs, and assisting with behind-the-scenes operations. By taking on real responsibility in a supportive environment, participants build the professionalism and confidence necessary for future employment while still enjoying the camaraderie and magic of the summer camp community.

This leadership development experience combines hands-on apprenticeship to teach essential skills like positive camper management, conflict resolution, and activity planning. CITs spend their days shadowing experienced mentors, leading games and songs, and assisting with behind-the-scenes operations. By taking on real responsibility in a supportive environment, participants build the professionalism and confidence necessary for future employment while still enjoying the camaraderie and magic of the summer camp community.

This leadership development experience combines hands-on apprenticeship to teach essential skills like positive camper management, conflict resolution, and activity planning. CITs spend their days shadowing experienced mentors, leading games and songs, and assisting with behind-the-scenes operations. By taking on real responsibility in a supportive environment, participants build the professionalism and confidence necessary for future employment while still enjoying the camaraderie and magic of the summer camp community.

This leadership development experience combines hands-on apprenticeship to teach essential skills like positive camper management, conflict resolution, and activity planning. CITs spend their days shadowing experienced mentors, leading games and songs, and assisting with behind-the-scenes operations. By taking on real responsibility in a supportive environment, participants build the professionalism and confidence necessary for future employment while still enjoying the camaraderie and magic of the summer camp community.

An exciting week filled with seeds, sun, and soil. Join us for our program held at Hanmer School! Your little gardener will learn all about the plants we eat including what they are and what they need to grow, their pollinators, growing methods and techniques. This fun-filled week will be packed with hands-on arts and crafts, sensory activities, silly games, STEAM projects and more!

An exciting week filled with seeds, sun, and soil. Join us for our program held at Hanmer School! Your little gardener will learn all about the plants we eat including what they are and what they need to grow, their pollinators, growing methods and techniques. This fun-filled week will be packed with hands-on arts and crafts, sensory activities, games, STEAM projects and more!

Get ready for an immersive week at Hanmer School where you'll step into the role of a junior botanist to uncover the complex science behind the plants on our plates. Moving beyond the basics of sun and soil, we will investigate plant physiology, the essential mechanics of pollinators, and the innovative growing techniques used in modern agriculture. This high-energy program combines hands-on STEAM challenges and environmental engineering with sensory exploration and strategy-based games, offering a deep dive into the natural systems that power our world.

Parent/caregiver and child participate in educational and hands-on activities utilizing curriculum focused on the animals that reside at the EBW Nature Center. Children will compare and contrast their anatomies, habitats and diet to that of the reptiles, mammals, birds, fish and amphibians at the Nature Center. Activities include literacy, music and art connections as well as outdoor exploration. Circle time and games will help develop social skills and engage curiosity about the natural world. Financial assistance available.
Become a member of the Friends of the Eleanor Buck Wolf Nature Center and instantly receive discounts on Nature Center programs! Purchase a EBWNC Membership Now

Parent/caregiver and child participate in hands-on activities using nationally recognized curriculum Growing Up Wild. Activities connect young children to nature and expose them to new math and literacy vocabulary. Through music, movement and art, this program will spark creativity and build on a child's natural affinity towards nature. Each activity will have a take home connection which will enable the participant to continue exploring at home. Financial assistance available.
Become a member of the Friends of the Eleanor Buck Wolf Nature Center and instantly receive discounts on Nature Center programs! Purchase a EBWNC Membership Now

Ever wondered exactly how hard it is to care for our nature center friends? Each week we will focus on one animal friend and learn what is needed to care for that animal. Cleaning, nutritional needs, enrichment, fun facts and more! Financial Assistance is available.

Spring Adventures at the Eleanor Buck Wolf Nature Experience hands-on lessons about the environment, create unique art projects, visit with live animals and enjoy outdoor explorations in Mill Woods Park.
Become a member of the Friends of the Eleanor Buck Wolf Nature Center and instantly receive discounts on Nature Center programs! Purchase a EBWNC Membership Now
Eco Explorers: Campers will dive into the wonders of the natural world through hands-on lessons, creative eco-crafts, and outdoor adventures. Along with our adult educators and teen assistants, campers will learn how ecosystems work, discover the importance of conservation, all while exploring and creating in the great outdoors. As always, we have a variety of games, crafts, reading and guided explorations along with a quick visit with some of our animals. Min/Max: 5/16. EBW Nature Center

Spring Adventures at the Eleanor Buck Wolf Nature Experience hands-on lessons about the environment, create unique art projects, visit with live animals and enjoy outdoor explorations in Mill Woods Park.
Become a member of the Friends of the Eleanor Buck Wolf Nature Center and instantly receive discounts on Nature Center programs! Purchase a EBWNC Membership Now
Eco Explorers: Campers will dive into the wonders of the natural world through hands-on lessons, creative eco-crafts, and outdoor adventures. Along with our adult educators and teen assistants, campers will learn how ecosystems work, discover the importance of conservation, all while exploring and creating in the great outdoors. As always, we have a variety of games, crafts, reading and guided explorations along with a quick visit with some of our animals. Min/Max: 5/16. EBW Nature Center

Spring Adventures at the Eleanor Buck Wolf Nature Experience hands-on lessons about the environment, create unique art projects, visit with live animals and enjoy outdoor explorations in Mill Woods Park.
Become a member of the Friends of the Eleanor Buck Wolf Nature Center and instantly receive discounts on Nature Center programs! Purchase a EBWNC Membership Now
Eco Explorers: Campers will dive into the wonders of the natural world through hands-on lessons, creative eco-crafts, and outdoor adventures. Along with our adult educators and teen assistants, campers will learn how ecosystems work, discover the importance of conservation, all while exploring and creating in the great outdoors. As always, we have a variety of games, crafts, reading and guided explorations along with a quick visit with some of our animals. Min/Max: 5/16. EBW Nature Center

Spring Adventures at the Eleanor Buck Wolf Nature Experience hands-on lessons about the environment, create unique art projects, visit with live animals and enjoy outdoor explorations in Mill Woods Park.
Become a member of the Friends of the Eleanor Buck Wolf Nature Center and instantly receive discounts on Nature Center programs! Purchase a EBWNC Membership Now
Eco Explorers: Campers will dive into the wonders of the natural world through hands-on lessons, creative eco-crafts, and outdoor adventures. Along with our adult educators and teen assistants, Campers will learn how ecosystems work, discover the importance of conservation, all while exploring and creating in the great outdoors. As always, we have a variety of games, crafts, reading and guided explorations along with a quick visit with some of our animals. Min/Max: 5/16. EBW Nature Center

Spring Adventures at the Eleanor Buck Wolf Nature Experience hands-on lessons about the environment, create unique art projects, visit with live animals and enjoy outdoor explorations in Mill Woods Park.
Become a member of the Friends of the Eleanor Buck Wolf Nature Center and instantly receive discounts on Nature Center programs! Purchase a EBWNC Membership Now
Eco Explorers: Campers will dive into the wonders of the natural world through hands-on lessons, creative eco-crafts, and outdoor adventures. Along with our adult educators and teen assistants, campers will learn how ecosystems work, discover the importance of conservation, all while exploring and creating in the great outdoors. As always, we have a variety of games, crafts, reading and guided explorations along with a quick visit with some of our animals. Min/Max: 5/16. EBW Nature Center

Parent/caregiver and child participate in educational and hands-on activities utilizing curriculum focused on the animals that reside at the EBW Nature Center. Children will compare and contrast their anatomies, habitats and diet to that of the reptiles, mammals, birds, fish and amphibians at the Nature Center. Activities include literacy, music and art connections as well as outdoor exploration. Circle time and games will help develop social skills and engage curiosity about the natural world. Financial assistance available.
Become a member of the Friends of the Eleanor Buck Wolf Nature Center and instantly receive discounts on Nature Center programs! Purchase a EBWNC Membership Now

Parent/caregiver and child participate in hands-on activities using nationally recognized curriculum Growing Up Wild. Activities connect young children to nature and expose them to new math and literacy vocabulary. Through music, movement and art, this program will spark creativity and build on a child's natural affinity towards nature. Each activity will have a take home connection which will enable the participant to continue exploring at home. Financial assistance available.
Become a member of the Friends of the Eleanor Buck Wolf Nature Center and instantly receive discounts on Nature Center programs! Purchase a EBWNC Membership Now

Become a member of the Friends of the Eleanor Buck Wolf Nature Center and instantly receive discounts on Nature Center programs! Purchase a EBWNC Membership Now
Treat your kids to an unforgettable evening and enjoy a well-deserved night off yourself! Nature Night Out at the Nature Center is a one-of-a-kind adventure designed just for kids ages 4 to12. While parents relax, kids will explore, create, and discover! Kids will go behind the scenes to meet our amazing resident animals from feathered friends to scaly reptiles. Get creative with hands-on nature art projects to take home, and play high-energy, nature-themed games and challenges. It is the perfect mix of fun, learning, and adventure just for kids. Spaces are limited, so sign up today for a wild night out they will never forget and an evening parents will love to.

As the days are getting longer and warmer, we start to see more animal activity outside in spring. Meet some Nature Center friends and learn about springtime animal habits through song, stories, crafts and games. Bring a small snack and dress appropriately for outdoor exploration.
Become a member of the Friends of the Eleanor Buck Wolf Nature Center and instantly receive discounts on Nature Center programs! Purchase a EBWNC Membership Now

Make crafts inspired by the beauty of the natural world using many of nature's own art supplies. Financial assistance is available.