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Homeschool Programs at the Nature Center

Programs for the 2024-25 School Year

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Dipping for frog eggs

NATURE EXPLORERS
For Ages 5 – 10 Years

homeschoolers class

NATURE QUEST
For Ages 9 – 13 Years

for Ages 5 - 10*

Nature Explorers with Ms. Estee

9:30 – 10:30 AM

Semi-monthly nature gatherings. Each themed meeting comprises a book Read-Aloud, an outdoor nature excursion, and a simple art project.

Price/Season: $120 (six sessions)  Pre-registration is required

Autumn 2024

September 10, 24, October 8, 22, & November 12, 26

Winter 2024-25

December 3, 17, January 14, 28, & February 11, 25

Spring 2025

March 11, 25, April 8, 22, & May 13, 27

for Ages 9 - 13*

Nature Quest with Ms. Estee

10:45 AM- 12:15 PM

Monthly classes, each focused on a natural phenomenon or specific animal/plant. Students gain a deep understanding of nature’s workings through hands-on learning and group activities. Most classes include a themed craft.

Price/Season: $75 (three sessions)  Pre-registration is required.

Autumn 2024

September 10: Nighttime Nomads: Pawesome ‘Possums
October 8: Magic in the Forest: The Wizardly Witch Hazel
November 12: Paws ‘n’ Claws: Fantastic Animal Feet

Winter 2024-25

December 3: Rock ‘n’ Roll: The Geological Story of Connecticut
January 14: Knock on Wood: Discovering Trees’ Secrets
February 11: Prickly Pals: Exploring the Life of Porcupines

Spring 2025

March 11: Flight and Fancy: Understanding Bird Feathers
April 8: Toadal Transformation: The World of Toads and Frogs
May 13: Melody Masters: Local Songbirds and Their Songs

Nature Explorers - Nature Quest

Homeschool Program Details

Note: Dates are the 2nd Tuesday of the month, except for December

Snow Dates: Thursday of the same week (two days after the original date)

Group Size: 15-20 students

Pre-registration required

*Age limits are somewhat flexible, but children must be independent, capable of socializing politely, and willing to follow instructions.

Perk: Access to RBNC’s Nature Library: children may borrow two books to read at home and return the following session. (A sign-up sheet will be provided by RBNC personnel for signing out borrowed books.)

What to Bring:

  • Appropriate seasonal clothing for indoor & outdoor activities.
  • Comfortable closed-toe shoes or boots
  • Water bottle (labeled with student’s name)
  • Optional: sunscreen and/or bug spray (parent applied)
  • Optional: nature journal, exploring items (magnifying glass, net, etc.)

Food: Kindly respect friends with allergies by keeping allergens at home. Families are welcome to bring their own food to enjoy on the premises after the program. (No time is allotted for eating during the program.)

Supervision: This is not a drop-off program. RBNC supervision is provided during the educational program. Children are under the care of their parent/guardian at all other times.

NOTE: Children attending two back-to-back homeschool programs on the same day (Nature Explorers & Nature Quest) are not required to be present in the brief break between programs.

Due to limited capacity, we request that you cancel at least 48 hours before your scheduled class. This gives us the opportunity to fill your spot.

You may cancel by phone by calling (860) 693-0263.

Classes are non-refundable

Nature Center can create special programs for your home school group.

To learn more or to schedule a program, email us at rbnc@thechildrensmuseumct.org or call (860) 693-0263