Ages 6-7 & 8-10

Who are the only animals that have feathers? Birds, of course! This session we will take flight to learn about a bird’s life, from egg to adult. From hummingbird to ostrich, campers will discover how birds are adapted to the lives they lead. We’ll travel to meadow, forest, wetland and farm to explore the birds that call these places home. We’ll learn about what people can do to protect our feathered neighbors. Outdoor adventures, free play, songs and games are part of every day as we soar through the avian world!

*Session full for both age groups, wait list only.*
Ages 6-7 & 8-10

Do you love watching energy flow from one thing to another, like in marble runs, water walls and falling dominoes? Then you will love Rube Goldberg Machine week! We will spend this camp session collaborating and building Rube Goldberg machines – contraptions that perform a simple task in the most complicated way possible. In both individual and group settings, campers will get to experiment with everyday objects to create Rube Goldberg machines and complete challenges. While this session has a physical science focus, we will still hike outside and play active running games each day. All campers will have field trips, and Young Naturalists will have sprinkler time and Explorers will have pool time as in other sessions.

Help us carve pumpkins for the Enchanted Forest, a fun family community service event.

Join local bird expert Scott Surner for this special fall birding course. There will be an evening class component to prepare for each following field trip. Evening classes will be held at the Hitchcock Center. For all field trips bring binoculars and guides, food and water and dress for the weather. Carpooling will be arranged in class. Space is limited.

Join local bird expert Scott Surner for this special fall birding course. There will be an evening class component to prepare for each following field trip. Evening classes will be held at the Hitchcock Center. For all field trips bring binoculars and guides, food and water and dress for the weather. Carpooling will be arranged in class. Space is limited.

At our construction site 1st Friday of each month 12:30 - 1:00 Open to all, no registration required. Park and meet in the Red Barn parking lot at Hampshire College. Locate it on the map.

Do you just wanna play outside? Do you love mud puddles and muck, climbing trees and making friends? Need more outdoor recess in your life? Then Nature Play Afterschool at the Hitchcock Center is for you! Each Wednesday afterschool we play outside in rain or shine, building shelters, playing games and exploring the woods. Bus transportation is available from Amherst schools.

Join local bird expert Scott Surner for this special fall birding course. There will be an evening class component to prepare for each following field trip. Evening classes will be held at the Hitchcock Center. For all field trips bring binoculars and guides, food and water and dress for the weather. Carpooling will be arranged in class. Space is limited.

Join local bird expert Scott Surner for this special fall birding course. There will be an evening class component to prepare for each following field trip. Evening classes will be held at the Hitchcock Center. For all field trips bring binoculars and guides, food and water and dress for the weather. Carpooling will be arranged in class. Space is limited.

Honey, we shrunk the homeschoolers! Get ready to become very tiny this fall as we get down on a bug’s level. At Homeschool I we’ll discover the insects and other arthropods, such as spiders, millipedes and crustaceans that share our home with us. From butterfly to bumblebee, and cockroach to click beetle we’ll find out the characteristics that make these animals amazing survivors. We’ll learn about insect defense strategies, communication, and how many insects help humans in our everyday lives! Through collection and observation, field trips and art projects, we will study the insects and arthropods of our local habitats and beyond. By the end of our class, you might just ask yourself, where would the world “bee” without insects?