Hitchcock Center for the Environment

Junior Nature Play Afterschool Series
2021-12-08 13:30 - 17:30, 2021-12-15 15:30 - 17:30 (America/New_York)
Hitchcock’s Junior Nature Play Afterschool Program is designed to let kids be kids. Together we will run, jump, climb, invent, imagine, play and be free-range kids all while developing self-confidence and learning valuable social skills. During Fall Junior Nature Play we will explore wooded trails and fields, play pretend in our mud kitchen, and make leaf crowns. Our instructors provide a safe setting for children to explore nature and encourage children to stretch their limits.
with Aemelia Thompson
Ages 5-7 or Grades K-1
Wednesdays, 3:30pm-5:30pm
September 15 – December 15 (no program November 24)
*Extended Days: October 20 & December 8
Fee per Child: Tier A-$436 | Tier B-$349 | Tier C-$261 | Tier D-$175
Limited to 10 participants

Nature Play Afterschool Series
2021-12-08 13:30 - 17:30, 2021-12-15 15:30 - 17:30
Hitchcock’s Nature Play Afterschool Program is designed to let kids be kids. Together we will run, jump, climb, invent, imagine, play and be free-range kids all while developing self-confidence and learning valuable social skills. During Fall Nature Play we will explore wooded trails and fields, jump in leaf piles, build forts, climb trees, and make new discoveries about ourselves and the world around us. Our instructors provide a safe setting for children to explore nature and encourage children to stretch their limits.
With Jeff Mazur
Ages 6-9 or grades 1-3
Wednesdays, 3:30-5:30pm
September 22 – December 15 (no program November 24)
*Extended Days: October 20th and December 8th
Fee per Child: Tier A-$401 | Tier B-$321 | Tier C-$241 | Tier D-$160
Limited to 12 participants

Girls into the Wild Series (Katie)
2021-12-09 15:30 - 17:30, 2021-12-16 15:30 - 17:30
Girls into the Wild is back in Fall 2021 for more romping wildly through the field and forests of the Hitchcock Center. As always we’ll visit our favorite places to play in the forest, such as Stump City, the Ferns, and the Faraway Woods – exploring the seasonal beauty of nature as we go. Play games, make friends, and create nature projects in the outdoors! Come build your confidence and show your wild side! Gender queer, nonbinary, agender and transgender young people are welcome! Please note that the program WILL be held on November 11 – Veteran’s Day!
with Katie Koerten
Ages 8–11 or Grades 3–5
Thursdays, 3:30-5:30pm
September 23 – December 16 (no program November 25)
Fee per Child: Tier A-$357 | Tier B-$286| Tier C-$214 | Tier D-$143
Limited to 12 participants

Girls into the Wild Series (Monya)
2021-12-09 15:30 - 17:30, 2021-12-16 15:30 - 17:30
Girls into the Wild is back in Fall 2021 for more romping wildly through the field and forests of the Hitchcock Center. As always we’ll visit our favorite places to play in the forest, such as Stump City, the Ferns, and the Faraway Woods – exploring the seasonal beauty of nature as we go. Play games, make friends, and create nature projects in the outdoors! Come build your confidence and show your wild side! Gender queer, nonbinary, agender and transgender young people are welcome! Please note that the program WILL be held on November 11 – Veteran’s Day!
with Monya Relles
Ages 8–11 or Grades 3–5
Thursdays, 3:30-5:30pm
September 23 – December 16 (no program November 25)
Fee per Child: Tier A-$357 | Tier B-$286| Tier C-$214 | Tier D-$143
Limited to 12 participants

Nature Discovery Preschool Series: Prehistoric Preschool
2021-12-10 09:30 - 11:30
Nature Discovery Preschool is back to a ten-week series once again, taking place both indoors and outdoors! This season we will travel back in time to the days of the dinosaurs. Children will learn about dinosaurs through stories, songs, movement and crafts. We will compare different dinosaurs, dig for bones, and learn about the plants they munched on. Come have a dinomite time! Please note: This ten-week series takes place both indoors and outdoors.
With Colleen Kelley
Ages 3-5 (Adult required to attend with child)
Fridays, September 17 – December 3 (no program October 1, 8 and November 26)
Morning session: 9:30-11:30 am
Fee per Child: Tier A-$271 | Tier B-$217 | Tier C-$163 | Tier D-$109
Limited to 12 participants. Limit of 2 children per adult. Siblings under 3 are free.

Nature Discovery Preschool Series: Prehistoric Preschool
2021-12-10 13:00 - 15:00
Nature Discovery Preschool is back to a ten-week series once again, taking place both indoors and outdoors! This season we will travel back in time to the days of the dinosaurs. Children will learn about dinosaurs through stories, songs, movement and crafts. We will compare different dinosaurs, dig for bones, and learn about the plants they munched on. Come have a dinomite time! Please note: This ten-week series takes place both indoors and outdoors.
With Colleen Kelley
Ages 3-5 (Adult required to attend with child)
Fridays, September 17 – December 3 (no program October 1, 8 and November 26)
Afternoon session: 1-3 pm
Fee per Child: Tier A-$271 | Tier B-$217 | Tier C-$163 | Tier D-$109
Limited to 12 participants. Limit of 2 children per adult. Siblings under 3 are free.

Second Saturday Family Science: Crystals and Snowflakes
2021-12-11 10:00 - 11:00
Join us for seasonal nature and science programs each second Saturday of the month. Designed for children (ages 5–7) with their parents, these programs will explore cool topics in nature.
with Aemelia Thompson
Ages 5–7 or Grades K–1
Saturdays, 10–11am
REGISTER
September 18: Composting Critters
October 9: Spiders!
November 13: Oh Deer!
December 11: Crystals and Snowflakes
Suggested Donation: $5–$30 per family

Wild Children of the Woods Series
2021-12-13 15:30 - 17:30
We go to the woods to think, learn, play, and explore in this afterschool series for upper-elementary schoolers. We will roam the grounds of the Hitchcock Center as we watch Fall turn to Winter. We will visit stump city, ferns, and the far-away woods, play some organized games, and learn about the animals, plants, and life in these woods, including ourselves.
With Monya Relles
Ages 8-11 or Grades 3-5
Mondays 3:30-5:30pm
September 13 -December 13 (no program October 11)
Tier A:$376 | Tier B:$301 | Tier C:$225 | Tier D:$150
Limited to 12 participants

Nature Play Afterschool Series
2021-12-13 15:30 - 17:30
Hitchcock’s Nature Play Afterschool Program is designed to let kids be kids. Together we will run, jump, climb, invent, imagine, play and be free-range kids all while developing self-confidence and learning valuable social skills. During Fall Nature Play we will explore wooded trails and fields, jump in leaf piles, build forts, climb trees, and make new discoveries about ourselves and the world around us. Our instructors provide a safe setting for children to explore nature and encourage children to stretch their limits.
with Aemelia Thompson
Ages 6-9 or grades 1-3
Mondays, 3:30-5:30pm
September 13 – December 13 (no program October 11)
*Extended Day: September 13
Fee per Child: Tier A-$401 | Tier B-$321 | Tier C-$241 | Tier D-$160
Limited to 12 participants

Art in the Forest After School Series
2021-12-14 15:30 - 17:30
While surrounded by the undeniable beauty of the outdoors, children in the Art in the Forest program will be encouraged to develop awareness of the details in the natural world and learn how to utilize its beauty in artistic expression. Throughout the Fall we will explore our own imagination and expression with activities that include drawing, mud sculptures, natural dying, and more. We’ll spend part of our time working together towards creating works of art and part free time in the woods, playing, talking, and building community.
with Aemelia Thompson
Ages 8-11 or Grades 3-5
Tuesdays, 3:30-5:30
September 14 – December 14 (no program November 2)
Tier A:$383 | Tier B:$306 | Tier C:$230 | Tier D:$153
Limited to 12 participants

Nature Play Afterschool Series
2021-12-14 15:30 - 17:30
Hitchcock’s Nature Play Afterschool Program is designed to let kids be kids. Together we will run, jump, climb, invent, imagine, play and be free-range kids all while developing self-confidence and learning valuable social skills. During Fall Nature Play we will explore wooded trails and fields, jump in leaf piles, build forts, climb trees, and make new discoveries about ourselves and the world around us. Our instructors provide a safe setting for children to explore nature and encourage children to stretch their limits.
With Monya Relles
Ages 6-9 or grades 1-3
Tuesdays, 3:30-5:30pm
September 14 – December 14
Tier A:$401 | Tier B:$321 | Tier C:$241 | Tier D:$160
Limited to 12 participants

January Curriculum Days-No school for Amherst public schools
2022-01-06 09:00 - 15:00
Thursday January 6th
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Ages 6-9 or grades 1st – 3th*
Fee per Child: Tier A-$95 | Tier B-$76 | Tier C-$57 | Tier D-$38
Total number of participants: 12

Come play outside on this day off for Amherst elementary schoolers! Bring a snack, lunch and water bottle and come prepared to play outside, no matter what the weather! Limited to 12 participants. *Depending on enrollment, your Kindergartner or 4th grader may be able to join.

Second Saturday Family Science
2022-01-08 10:00 - 23:00
Join us for seasonal nature and science programs each second Saturday of the month. Designed for children (ages 5–7) with their parents, these programs will explore cool topics in nature.
January 8th, February 12th, March 12th, April 9th, May 7th*, and June 11th
Suggested Donation: $5–$30 per family
-For Saturday Sciences in January-March we will be learning while moving, often exploring the woods behind our building-
*The Saturday Science on May 7th has been moved to the first Saturday of May due to space availability.
with Aemelia Thompson
Ages 5–7 or Grades K–1
Saturdays, 10–11am
January 8th: Living With Bears
Have you ever seen a bear in your neighborhood? Massachusetts’ only native species of bear, the black bear, is an amazing and often misunderstood animal. Join us as we learn about how they live and how we can safely share their habitat with them.

Wild Children of the Woods Winter
2022-01-10 15:30 - 17:30
We go to the woods to think, learn, play, and explore in this afterschool series for upper-elementary schoolers. We will roam the grounds of the Hitchcock Center as we watch the seasons change our beautiful woods. We will visit stump city, ferns, and the far-away woods, play some organized games, and learn about the animals, plants, and life in these woods, including ourselves.

With Monya Relles
Ages 8-11 or Grades 3-5
Mondays 3:30-5:30
January 10 – March 14 (no class January 17 or February 21)
Tier A:$245 Tier B:$196 Tier C:$147 Tier D:$98
Limited to 12 participants

Nature Play Afterschool Series WINTER
2022-01-10 15:30 - 17:30
Hitchcock’s Nature Play Afterschool Program is designed to let kids be kids. Together we will run, jump, climb, invent, imagine, play and be free-range kids all while developing self-confidence and learning valuable social skills. In Winter Nature Play After School we will explore snowy wooded trails and fields, make snow villages, and sled down the HCE hill. Our instructors provide a safe setting for children to explore nature and encourage children to stretch their limits.
with Aemelia Thompson
Ages 6-9 or grades 1-3
Mondays, 3:30-5:30pm
January 10 – March 14 (no program January 17 or February 21)
Fee per Child: Tier A-$245 | Tier B-$196 | Tier C-$147 | Tier D-$98
Limited to 12 participants

Discovery Day: Owl-Ology
2022-01-11 10:00 - 14:00
Owl-Ology
With Monya Relles
January 11, 10am – 2pm
Ages 6-12 or grades 1st – 6th
Tier A:$76 Tier B:$61 Tier C:$46 Tier D:$30
Limited to 12 participants
Who, who, who will we be studying this discovery day? Owls! We will learn all about owl, play owl games, practice our owl calls and even dissect some pellets. Get your silent wings on and fly on over!

Art & Games in the Forest After School Series WINTER
2022-01-11 15:30 - 17:30
The Winter session of Art in the Forest will have two focuses; art and games! On the calmer, gentler days of Winter we will explore our own imagination and expression with activities that include ice sculptures, snow painting, and making snow candles. On the harsher Winter days when we need movement to keep our bodies warm, we’ll play games, make snow forts, and build community. Either way, each day we’ll be surrounded by the undeniable beauty of the outdoors, we’ll develop awareness of the details in the natural world and work on our social skills as a group.
with Aemelia Thompson
Ages 8-11 or Grades 3-5
Tuesdays, 3:30-5:30
January 11 – March 15 (no program February 22)
Tier A: $271 Tier B: $217 Tier C: $163 Tier D: $109
Limited to 12 participants

Nature Play Afterschool Series WINTER
2022-01-11 15:30 - 17:30, 2022-01-18 15:30 - 17:30
Hitchcock’s Nature Play Afterschool Program is designed to let kids be kids. Together we will run, jump, climb, invent, imagine, play and be free-range kids all while developing self-confidence and learning valuable social skills. In Winter Nature Play After School we will explore snowy wooded trails and fields, make snow villages, and sled down the HCE hill. Our instructors provide a safe setting for children to explore nature and encourage children to stretch their limits.
With Monya Relles
Tuesdays, 3:30-5:30
January 11 – March 15 (no program February 22)
Tier A:$271 | Tier B:$217 | Tier C:$163 | Tier D:$109
Limited to 12 participants

Nature Play Afterschool Series WINTER
2022-01-12 15:30 - 17:30, 2022-01-19 15:30 - 17:30
Hitchcock’s Nature Play Afterschool Program is designed to let kids be kids. Together we will run, jump, climb, invent, imagine, play and be free-range kids all while developing self-confidence and learning valuable social skills. In Winter Nature Play After School we will explore snowy wooded trails and fields, make snow villages, and sled down the HCE hill. Our instructors provide a safe setting for children to explore nature and encourage children to stretch their limits.
With Jeff Mazur
Wednesdays, 3:30-5:30
January 12 – March 16
Extended Days on February 16 & March 9 (no program on February 23)
Fee per Child: Tier A-$322 | Tier B-$257 | Tier C-$193 | Tier D-$123
Limited to 12 participants

Junior Nature Play Afterschool Series WINTER
2022-01-12 15:30 - 17:30, 2022-01-19 15:30 - 17:30
Hitchcock’s Junior Nature Play Afterschool Program is designed to let kids be kids. Together we will run, jump, climb, invent, imagine, play and be free-range kids all while developing self-confidence and learning valuable social skills. During Winter Junior Nature Play we will explore snowy wooded trails and fields, make snow villages, and sled down the HCE hill! Our instructors provide a safe setting for children to explore nature and encourage children to stretch their limits.
with Aemelia Thompson
Ages 5-7 or Grades K-1
Wednesdays, 3:30pm-5:30pm
January 12 – March 16 (no program February 23)
Extended Days on February 16 & March 9
Fee per Child: Tier A-$330 | Tier B-$264 | Tier C-$198 | Tier D-$132
Limited to 10 participants

Girls into the Wild Winter (Katie)
2022-01-13 15:30 - 17:30
Join us in winter 2022 for more romping wildly through the field and forests of the Hitchcock Center. As always we’ll visit our favorite places to play in the forest, such as Stump City, the Ferns, and the Faraway Woods – exploring the seasonal beauty of nature as we go. Play games, make friends, and create nature projects outdoors! Come build your confidence and show your wild side! Any young people with an experience of gender marginalization are welcome!

with Katie KoertenAges 8–11 or Grades 3–5
Thursdays, 3:30-5:30pm
January 13 – March 17 (no program February 24)
Fee per Child: Tier A-$271 | Tier B-$217| Tier C-$163 | Tier D-$109

Art & Games in the Forest After School Series WINTER
2022-01-18 15:30 - 17:30
The Winter session of Art in the Forest will have two focuses; art and games! On the calmer, gentler days of Winter we will explore our own imagination and expression with activities that include ice sculptures, snow painting, and making snow candles. On the harsher Winter days when we need movement to keep our bodies warm, we’ll play games, make snow forts, and build community. Either way, each day we’ll be surrounded by the undeniable beauty of the outdoors, we’ll develop awareness of the details in the natural world and work on our social skills as a group.
with Aemelia Thompson
Ages 8-11 or Grades 3-5
Tuesdays, 3:30-5:30
January 11 – March 15 (no program February 22)
Tier A: $271 Tier B: $217 Tier C: $163 Tier D: $109

Girls into the Wild Winter(Katie)
2022-01-20 15:30 - 17:30
