VINS Afterschool Program

VINS Afterschool Program
Hands-on Nature Exploration at the VINS Nature Center

Students will learn from the animals and habitats they encounter at the VINS Nature Center or the natural spaces around their school and discover the wonders of the natural world.

Multi-week sessions give students ample time to familiarize themselves with their local environment and make friends along the way.

Whether tracking an animal through the forest or creating a nature craft, VINS Afterschool Program provides fun, fresh air and outdoor adventure for children.
About our Program
The VINS Afterschool Program is an opportunity for students to continue their learning beyond the confines of the school day.
Hosted at the VINS Nature Center or in partnership with afterschool providers in the Upper Valley, our programs offer students hands-on exploration in the outdoors with a focus on cultivating scientific thinking and ecological awareness.
For more information or to discuss options to set up an afterschool program for your school contact VINS Afterschool Coordinator, Courtnely Leo, at 802.359.5000 x208 or email cleo@vinsweb.org.
Multi-week Sessions
Outdoor Fun and Adventure
Learn about the Natural World
VINS Afterschool Programs
Dothan Brook School
Dothan Brook Afterschool Session
Thursday, September 15, 22, 29/ October 6 (4 sessions)
Time: School dismissal to 5:30 PM
Transportation to and from VINS is provided by Hartford Recreation Department
Pick-up at Hartford Town Hall at 5:30 PM
Theme: Wild at Art!
Ages: Grades 3 to 5
Dothan Brook Students Register Here
Description:
Wild at Art will teach students to observe the natural world through the eyes of an artist. Weekly art projects inspired by the colors, shapes and patterns of nature will nurture your student’s creativity and imagination. Using different art forms and mediums, students will have opportunities to express their unique artists’ perspective by creating an instrument that sounds like their favorite bird, gathering natural materials to incorporate into their piece or harvesting plants to make their own colored dyes. At VINS, everyone can be Wild at Art!
Hartland Elementary School
Hartland Elementary Afterschool Session
Wednesday, September 14, 21, 28 / October 5, 12, 19, 26 / November 2 (8 sessions)
Time: School dismissal to 4:45 PM
Transportation to and from VINS is provided by Hartland Recreation Department
Pick-up at Hartland Recreaction Center at 4:45 PM
Theme: Wild at Art!
Ages: Grades 1-6
Hartland Elementary Students Register Here
Description:
Wild at Art will teach students to observe the natural world through the eyes of an artist. Weekly art projects inspired by the colors, shapes and patterns of nature will nurture your student’s creativity and imagination. Using different art forms and mediums, students will have opportunities to express their unique artists’ perspective by creating an instrument that sounds like their favorite bird, gathering natural materials to incorporate into their piece or harvesting plants to make their own colored dyes. At VINS, everyone can be Wild at Art!
Ottauquechee School
Ottauquechee School - Afterschool Session
Monday, September 12, 19, 26 / October 3, 17, 24 & 31 (7 sessions) Note: no afterschool session on October 10
Time: School dismissal to 5:15 PM
Transportation provided from Ottauquechee School to VINS on Bus #12
Pick-up at VINS Nature Center, 149 Nature's Way, Quechee, VT at 5:15 PM
Cost: $119 for 7-week Session*
*Full session is required
Theme: Wild at Art!
Ages: Grades K - 3
Ottauquechee Students Register Here
Description:
Wild at Art will teach students to observe the natural world through the eyes of an artist. Weekly art projects inspired by the colors, shapes and patterns of nature will nurture your student’s creativity and imagination. Using different art forms and mediums, students will have opportunities to express their unique artists’ perspective by creating an instrument that sounds like their favorite bird, gathering natural materials to incorporate into their piece or harvesting plants to make their own colored dyes. At VINS, everyone can be Wild at Art!
White River School
White River Afterschool Session
Thursday October 12, 20 & 27
Time: School dismissal to 5:30 PM
Transportation to and from VINS is provided by Hartford Recreation Department
Pick-up at Hartford Town Hall at 5:30 PM
Theme: Wild at Art!
Ages: Grades 3 to 5
White River Students Register Here
Description:
Wild at Art will teach students to observe the natural world through the eyes of an artist. Weekly art projects inspired by the colors, shapes and patterns of nature will nurture your student’s creativity and imagination. Using different art forms and mediums, students will have opportunities to express their unique artists’ perspective by creating an instrument that sounds like their favorite bird, gathering natural materials to incorporate into their piece or harvesting plants to make their own colored dyes. At VINS, everyone can be Wild at Art!
Building Empathy Through Nature Play & Discovery
The VINS Afterschool Program is proud to partner with the Hartford Recreation Department, Hartland Recreation Department, Dothan Brook School, Ottauquechee School, and White River School.