A typical morning includes a forest walk, swamp or pond exploration, quiet observations in nature, and natural crafts. Our full day students will also enjoy lunch in the woods, along with in-depth study of our natural world, focusing on the woods, the pond or the swamp.
We gain inspiration from the Native American traditions which teach we are part of the natural world and not separate from it.
Summer Sessions run for one week, Monday-Friday.
Time: Morning (9:30-noon) or Full day (9:30 - 2 pm).
Program fee includes all materials: $160/week for the Morning and $260/week for the Full day. Sessions are kept small and have a maximum of 15 students.
Full day programs include lots of walking/hiking, and work best for older children that can walk for a good part of the day. Morning programs work well for children ages 4 and above.
Note: Students will bring a snack, Full day students will bring lunch.
We will spend the day exploring the woods and its inhabitants; observing creatures in their natural habitats; listening to animal stories; learning to walk silently in the woods, collecting frogs, toads, and salamanders; observing and releasing what we find; experiencing the natural world with each of our senses; and journaling our findings through writing, drawings, and other expressions.
Email handsonnature@gmail.com to check for availability. A registration form will be emailed to you once we have confirmed a spot for your child. At that time, you can mail in the registration form with a deposit or click on the PayPal link below. Questions: (508) 981-1335.
Due to our long waitlist every summer, each child may enroll for a maximum of two weeks each summer.
A few limited scholarships are available for families with low incomes, please email us for a scholarship form if you would like to apply.
Frogs, Salamanders and Toads
Hawks and Owls
Life Under A Log
Big Predators
Butterflies and Moths
2019 SUMMER PROGRAM DATES | ||
SESSION 1 | ||
June 10 - 14 | 9:30 - noon | For children ages 4-6 preschool week |
SESSION 2 | ||
June 17 - 21 | 9:30 - noon | For children ages 4-6 preschool week |
SESSION 3 *4 spots left | ||
June 24 - 28 | 9:30 - noon | For children ages 4-9 |
SESSION 4 *FULL | ||
July 8 - 12 | 9:30 - 2 pm | For children ages 5.5 and older |
SESSION 5 | ||
July 15 - 19 | 9:30 - noon | For children of all ages |
SESSION 6 *2 spots left | ||
July 22 - 26 | 9:30 - 2 pm | For children ages 5.5 and older |
SESSION 7 *1 spot left | ||
July 29 - Aug 2 | 9:30 - 2 pm | For children ages 8 and older |
SESSION 8 *1 spot left | ||
August 12 - 16 | 9:30 - noon | For children of all ages |
Hands on Nature • 67 Carter Street, Berlin MA 01503 • (508) 981-1335 • handsonnature@gmail.com • A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
Some of the special themes of this year's summer program are:
Pond Life
Animal Homes
Nature Detectives
Backyard Birds
Bugs and Insects