Summer 2025 Discovery Days
Roaring Brook Nature Center’s SUMMER 2025 Programs offer your child a unique blend of education and recreation that takes advantage of the curiosity and sense of wonder that all children feel toward the natural world.
Download a copy of our SUMMER 2025 BROCHURE
Program Details:
- Monday through Friday (No programs on Friday, July 4th)
- 9 am to Noon
- Each week offers a theme around which activities have been developed. Programs include short hikes, games, stories, crafts, and visits with the Nature Center’s animals.
- Participants should dress for being outside and bring water and a snack daily (NO nut products please).
June 30-July 3 ONLY: $250 (4-day program)
June 30-July 3 ONLY: $215 (4-day program)
Partial scholarships are available through the Alison Gill & Beth Dal Negro scholarship funds. Please fill out the application below and return to Roaring Brook Nature Center, 70 Gracey Rd, Canton, CT 06019 or email to RBNC@thechildrensmuseumct.org.
Program Categories:
- Acorns (ages 4 & 5)
- Little Sprouts (Kindergarten-Grade 1)
- Junior Saplings (Grades 2 & 3)
- Mighty Oaks (Grades 4 and up)
Grade levels are those your child will enter in the fall.
Registration Details:
The descriptions of our programs and the link for online registration can be found below. You can register online by clicking the program’s title.
Online registrations close at 4 PM on the Tuesday prior to class, but you can still register over the phone at (860) 693-0263 if spots are still available.
- Early registration is highly recommended due to limited enrollment.
- Full payment is required at the time of registration.
Required Forms:
Submit forms to:
Email: RBNC@thechildrensmuseumct.org or Mail: 70 Gracey Road, Canton, CT 06019
All forms are due two (2) weeks prior to the start of class. If you register two weeks or less prior to the start of class, forms are due immediately at the time of registration. We are not able to process forms over the weekend.
Refund Policy:
- Program fees are non-refundable.
- If your plans change, call us as soon as possible.
- We will make every effort to reschedule your child to a different class.
- If your child cannot attend, receive full credit toward another summer program.
We’re constantly amazed by how much the kids do each day- hikes, nature fun and education, science, animal encounters, crafts, and all within a kind hearted, warm environment. Of all the camps we’ve tried, this is by far our favorite! Thank you!
– Parent of Wilderness Survival student
This was our first summer attending the discovery day program and we could not be happier. My children were happy at pick up, they took pride in showing me around the campus and telling me about their mornings. The teachers were FABULOUS and next year I would like to sign up for more weeks. What a wonderful program.
– Parent of Animal Babies student
Acorns
Animal Babies…June 23-27
Discover the amazing world of animal families! Learn how different creatures care for their young as we explore nests, eggs, tadpoles, and more.
BUGS! (NEW)…June 30-July 3 Four-day program
Grasshoppers, dragonflies, ants—Oh My! From buzzing wings to wiggling legs, we’ll investigate the incredible shapes, sizes, and colors of insects and other creepy crawlies.
Who Goes There? (NEW)…July 7-11
Become a nature detective! Search for tracks, feathers, and other clues animals leave behind in the forest to uncover the hidden stories of who’s been roaming through the woods.
Life Under a Log (It’s Back!)…July 14-18
Is anybody home? Peek beneath logs and uncover the bustling world of creatures that live there. From slimy salamanders to wriggling worms, we’ll explore these hidden habitats.
Cozy Animal Homes…July 21-25
How do animals build their homes? Take a closer look at burrows, nests, and forest hideaways to discover how creatures use their surroundings to make safe and cozy homes for their families.
Splish, Splash…July 28-August 1
Dive into the wonders of water! Through hands-on exploration, we’ll discover how water shapes our world, who depends on it, and the fascinating creatures that live in it. Get ready for wet and wild fun!
Nature’s Rainbow (NEW)…August 4-8
Explore the beautiful colors and patterns found in nature! Learn why some creatures blend in while others stand out. We’ll see how camouflage works and uncover the secrets behind nature’s most dazzling designs.
Dig It!… August 11-15
What’s beneath our feet? Grab your magnifying glass and dig into the wonders of soil, rocks, and roots! We’ll explore the fascinating underground world of plants, animals, and the ecosystems they create.
Little Sprouts
Trail Blazers…June 23-27
Get ready for a week of adventure! Hit the trails and let your curiosity lead the way as we search for signs of local wildlife and discover the fascinating plants that call Werner’s Woods home.
Color Play! (NEW)…June 30-July 3 Four-day program
Play with all the dazzling colors of nature! From bright bluebirds and green darner dragonflies to purple coneflowers, we’ll explore how colors help animals and plants thrive. Plus, we’ll get creative and make our own colorful works of art!
Creepies & Crawlies…July 7-11
Love bugs, spiders, worms, and snakes? Let’s investigate and uncover how these “creepy” creatures live and why they’re so important to the natural world.
Fish, Frogs & Polliwogs…July 14-18
Put on your boots and grab your buckets as we explore streams and ponds. Discover the underwater world of fish, frogs, and pollywogs, and learn about the amazing creatures that call the water home.
Nature’s Builders (NEW)…July 21-25
Calling all budding builders! Test your engineering talents using natural materials and learn how nature’s builders, like birds and beavers, construct their homes and other structures.
Bird Expedition…July 28-August 1
Fly into the exciting world of birds! From robins and bluebirds to owls, we’ll explore feathers, beaks, and birdcalls through hikes, hands-on activities, and “egg-cellent” crafts. This week is guaranteed to be a hoot!
Curious by Nature…August 4-8
Why is that rock so smooth? Who’s nibbling on those leaves? What’s making that sound? Where is that smell coming from? Join us as we explore the mysteries of nature using tools like magnifiers and binoculars. We’ll follow our curiosity as we look for answers to our questions about the natural world.
Dinosaur Discoveries…August 11-15
Travel back in time to when dinosaurs roamed Connecticut! Learn how big they were, what they ate, and how they lived. Dig into a fossil hunt to uncover prehistoric secrets.
Summer Send-off … August 18 – 22 for students K– 5th Grade
Spend the final days of summer exploring the forest, fields, and streams around the Nature Center.
Junior Saplings
Backyard Science…June 23-27
Your backyard is a laboratory waiting to be explored! This week will be packed with hands-on experiments, exciting adventures, and discoveries that will inspire the scientist in you!
Rock Rockity Rock…June 30-July 3 Four-day program
Attention rock hounds! Dive into the fascinating world of geology as we start a collection, make fossils, and even build sculptures using rocks. It’s a week of creativity, learning, and plenty of “rockin’” fun!
Secret Agents of the Night (NEW)…July 7-11
Shhh! Who’s awake while we’re asleep? Discover the hidden lives of nocturnal creatures and uncover how they navigate in the dark after the sun goes down.
Naturally Creative…July 14-18
Let nature inspire your creativity! Use natural materials to paint, draw, sculpt, and craft your own masterpieces. This week is all about combining art and nature to interpret the wonders of the outdoors in unique and beautiful ways.
H2-Whoa! A World of Water…July 21-25
Splish, splash—it’s time to explore the wonderous world of H2O (water)! We’ll investigate the role water plays in the web of life and the organisms big and small that inhabit it.
Caring for Critters…July 28-August 1
What does it take to care for animals? From making salads for turtles to giving frogs a rain shower, you’ll learn the ins and outs of keeping the Nature Center’s resident animals happy and healthy and get a behind the scenes look into our Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic.
It’s a Hoot! (NEW)…August 4-8
Spread your wings and explore the world of birds! From colorful songbirds to stealthy owls, discover the 60+ species that live in our woods. Through birdwatching, crafts, and games, you’ll learn what makes these feathered friends so fascinating.
Wilderness Survival…August 11-15
Could you survive in the wild? Learn how to build a shelter, find water, and navigate the forest like a pro. Discover the skills animals use to thrive in the wilderness and try them out for yourself in this hands-on adventure!
Summer Send-off… August 18 – 22 for students K– 5th Grade
Spend the final days of summer exploring the forest, fields, and streams around the Nature Center.
Mighty Oaks
In Cold Blood…June 23-27
Slither into adventure as we explore the fascinating world of reptiles and amphibians! Search for snakes, frogs, toads, and turtles in their natural habitats and learn about their unique adaptations for survival.
The Road Less Traveled…June 30-July 3 Four-day program
Venture off the beaten path into the untouched corners of Werner’s Woods! Explore hidden wonders and discover the unexpected flora and fauna found on the road less traveled.
Art in the Wild…July 7-11
Let nature be your muse! Use natural materials to create unique art projects like collages, sculptures, and prints. This week is all about exploring creativity in the great outdoors and turning nature’s treasures into works of art.
Digging for Buried Treasure…July 14-18
Explore the hidden world under rocks and logs, uncovering insects, salamanders, and other woodland creatures. Learn how to investigate these habitats respectfully and discover the treasures of life beneath our feet.
Survival of the Fittest…July 21-25
Do you have what it takes to survive in the wild? Develop essential outdoor skills like building shelters, plant identification, and starting a fire safely. Learn how humans and animals alike adapt to thrive in challenging environments.
Wetlands Week…July 28-August 1
Get ready to get your feet wet! Explore streams, ponds and vernal pools to discover the amazing creatures that live in these habitats. Learn why wetlands are vital to our ecosystems and how they support countless species of plants and animals.
Animal Advocates (NEW)…August 4-8
Speak out for wildlife! Dive deeper into the unique stories of how the Nature Center’s resident animals came to call Roaring Brook home, how they are cared for, and how you can help advocate for them and their wild counterparts.
Explorations…August 11-15
Embark on a week of adventure on the trail as we explore the furthest reaches of Werner’s Woods and beyond! Hike through local habitats, including the Onion Mountain Ridge, a critical area for wildlife. This is the ultimate program for nature enthusiasts ready to trek into the wild.
Summer Send-off… August 18 – 22 for students K– 5th Grade
Spend the final days of summer exploring the forest, fields, and streams around the Nature Center.
Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
What is our refund policy?
Summer Discovery Days Program Refund Policy
Cancellations Prior to April 15th 2025
- Priority will be given to rescheduling participants to an alternative program week
- Full refunds will be issued if rescheduling is not possible or desired
Cancellations After April 15 th 2025
- Participants may transfer to another available summer program week.
- If a different summer week isn’t an option, payment may be converted to a paid program credit to be used before December 31, 2025.
- Payments are non-refundable if neither transfer nor credit options are utilized.
For questions regarding our refund policy, or to request a refund, please contact our office.
What should your child bring with them in their backpack?
- Plenty of water in a bottle/ thermos that students can open and close without adult assistance.
- Please DO NOT send bug spray or sunscreen with your child. If you would like your child to have sunscreen and bug spray, please apply this to your child BEFORE coming to the program.
- Nut-free snack that students can open and eat without adult assistance. All snack trash will be sent back with the child in their lunchbox or in a bag provided by the parent/caregiver.
- If your child requires an Epi-Pen, inhaler, or other medication, please send in a labeled, clear baggie with your child’s name on it, and please make sure the necessary paperwork is accompanying the medication.
- Some days they may need clothes and shoes that can get wet for stream exploration.
- Every day, participants should dress for the weather and messy activities. Please wear sneakers or closed toed shoes.
Drop-off and Pick-up
- We recommend arriving 5 minutes early for drop-off to ensure your child is ready to go and check-in. There will be signs to guide you to the designated pick-up and drop-off spot for your age group inside the Nature Center.
- If you know you are running late to drop-off or pick-up, please call (860) 693-0263 to let the Nature Center staff know. If you need to pick up early or have a planned absence, please let your child’s teacher know as soon as possible. Unexpected absences should be called into the Nature Center.
- Details about the activities planned will be sent out prior to the program start by the lead teacher