The Sands Point Preserve Conservancy has announced its weekly children’s program for fall 2024. The preserve offers after-school classes to help children connect with nature in a variety of ways.
Children from 15 months to high school can register for courses. Classes are held outdoors on the nature reserve grounds or at the Phil Dejana Learning Center, weather permitting.
Nature story hour for preschool children and caregivers
New to the class this year is Nature Storytime. Classes are held on Thursdays from 10am to 10.45am for children between 18 months and four years old and their caregivers. The group will read books outside and explore the nature reserve together, focusing on a different nature theme each week. Storytime includes songs, movement and sensory play.
Art with Sandrine Gold
Gold creates a fun environment where young artists can explore their creativity. Children can create paintings, clay sculptures, collages and more, all inspired by the abundant resources of nature. Classes are held on Thursdays from 2:15pm to 3pm and 4:40pm to 5:25pm and Fridays from 4:40pm to 5:25pm for children between the ages of three and five.
Exploring nature outdoors
Outdoor Nature Immersion classes, held entirely outdoors in the fall, lead students to discover the natural wonders of the preserve and its diverse environment. Classes for children ages three to five are held on Wednesdays from 2:15 p.m. to 3 p.m. For children in kindergarten through second grade, classes are held on Wednesdays from 3:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. or Thursdays from 3:40 p.m. to 4:25 p.m. For children in third through fifth grade, classes are held on Thursdays from 4:40 p.m. to 5:25 p.m.
Youth naturalist
Students learn about citizen science and participate directly in natural resource research. They learn how to map the composition and distribution of flora and fauna, conduct wildlife surveys, talk about healthy ecosystems, and participate in restoration projects. Classes are held on Wednesdays from 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. for children in sixth through tenth grades.
STEAM Discovery
Children explore various science, technology and engineering concepts through hands-on experiments, building projects and arts and crafts. Classes for children ages three to five are held on Thursdays from 3:10 p.m. to 3:55 p.m. and Fridays from 2:15 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Classes take place on Fridays for kindergarten to second grade children from 3:40 p.m. to 4:25 p.m. and for third to fifth grade children from 4:40 p.m. to 5:25 p.m.
Discover nature with the Parent Resource Center
Children ages 15 to 36 months and their adults can explore nature through active play and sitting circles, engaging all five senses. Sessions are Wednesdays and Fridays. To register, visit parentresource.org.
Classes begin in mid-September and run through mid-November. For registration information, visit sandspointpreserveconservancy.org.
