Environmental Education for School Groups
Our specialized Nature Programs are ideal field trips for schools, day care, and summer day camps like those offered by the CYC, YMCA, and JCC. These interactive programs meet many of the Academic Standards for Environment and Ecology, which are listed below. Our trained naturalists lead and conduct nature activities, which offer hands-on, outdoor learning experiences. During inclement weather, programs are conducted indoors. Consult with our naturalists to adapt programs to fit your needs. When you sign up for a nature program, directions will be mailed to you prior to your visit.
Click here for printable program descriptions.
Nature Programs
Many of the following programs can be adapted to meet any grade level. If you see a program that does not list your grade please call Karen Gower, Environmental Programs Manager, at 570-472-3741.
On-site Programs:
|
Program |
Description |
Pennsylvania Environment & Ecology Academic Standards |
Grades |
|
A Sense of Discovery |
Using their five senses, students will learn about an exciting ecosystem! Each activity is sensory-based and allows students to discover the world around them. |
4.3.4C, 4.6.4A, 4.7.4A,
|
PreK-1 |
|
Adaptation Exploration |
How do plants and animals survive? They adapt! This program will teach students the four basic needs of living things and how some plants and animals adapt to survive in their own environments. |
4.3.4A, 4.6.4A, 4.7.4A, 4.7.4.B,
|
1-4 |
|
Amphibian and Reptile Trek |
As students hike, they will learn the characteristics that make these ectothermic creatures so unique. A habitat investigation allows students a hands-on experience with these amazing animals! |
4.1.4A, 4.1.4C, 4.1.4D, 4.6.4A, 4.7.4A, 4.7.4B
|
2-4 |
|
Incredible Insects |
Learn what characteristics make insects unique through an up-close and personal investigation. Learn about the special adaptations of some insects and their importance to both humans and wildlife. |
4.6.4A, 4.7.4A, 4.7.4B,
|
2-4 |
|
Going Batty |
Visual-aides and specimens give students an up-close and personal look at these creatures of the night! Games, such as Bat and Moth allow students to experience the life of a bat. |
4.6.4A, 4.7.4A, 4.7.4.B,
|
2-4 |
|
Feathered Friends |
How do birds fly? What do birds eat? Where do birds live? Students will explore answers to these questions and others as they explore the world of birds through the Migration Headache game, investigations of nests, and other hands-on activities! |
4.6.4A, 4.7.4A, 4.7.4.B,
|
3-4 |
|
Water, Water, Everywhere! |
Students will explore local streams and ponds, discovering the diversity of plants and animals that live in them! The water cycle, and its importance, will be expressed through hands-on learning experiences. |
4.1.4A, 4.1.4C, 4.1.4D, 4.6.4A, 4.6.4B, 4.7.4A, 4.7.4.B |
3-4 |
|
Orienteering |
Using a compass, and newly learned skills, small student groups will maneuver through the woods on our orienteering course. |
|
5-10 |
|
Adventure Expedition |
Students will be faced with challenges and must work together to overcome them. This is a great teambuilding experience, fostering the growth of problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills! |
|
5-10 |
Classroom Programs:
|
Program |
Description |
Pennsylvania Environment & Ecology Academic Standards |
Grades |
|
Busy Beavers |
Through a very special “building” activity students will be engaged in learning about the unique adaptations of beavers. Hands-on experience with specimens will allow students to investigate these animals more closely. |
4.1.4A, 4.1.4D, 4.1.4E, 4.6.4A, 4.7.4B |
1-4 |
|
Creepy Crawlers |
While exploring habitat students will experience an up-close view of the unique characteristics of insects. Learn about the special adaptations of some insects and their importance to both humans and wildlife. |
4.6.4A, 4.7.4A, 4.7.4B,
|
2-4 |
|
Going Batty |
Students will learn about these creatures of the night through many hands-on activities. Visual-aides and specimens allow students to see bats up-close. |
4.6.4A, 4.7.4A, 4.7.4.B,
|
2-4 |
|
Slick and Slimy |
Students will have a hands-on learning experience teaching them all about the characteristics of these amazing animals. Activities and live specimens will allow students to get an up-close and exciting learning experience. |
4.1.4A, 4.1.4C, 4.1.4D, 4.6.4A, 4.7.4A, 4.7.4B
|
2-4 |
|
Rock On! |
What’s so exciting about rocks? Hands-on activities will teach students about each type of rock, how it was formed, and the people who study this surprisingly interesting topic! |
4.2.4B, 4.7.4C, 4.8.4B |
3-4 |
Availability and costs:
|
|
Availability |
Programs Offerings |
Cost |
|
On-site Groups |
Day Groups: year-round Residential Groups: September-May |
Both day and residential programs are available. Program activities are approximately 1.5 hours long. Time may also be scheduled for lunch (provided or on-your-own) and visiting our camp store. |
Students: $6.50/ 1st program (min. $25) Students: $5.50/additional program (same day) Teachers & Chaperones: FREE/program Lunch may be provided for an additional fee. Call for residential package information. |
|
Classroom Groups |
November-March |
Programs are approximately 1-1.5 hours long. |
Students: $5.00/program Teachers: FREE |