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 Megan Widli at 802.359.5000 x206 or email mwidli@vinsweb.org.
VINS Afterschool Programs
Dothan Brook School Afterschool Session
April 21 & 28 / May 5 & 12 / 3 PM - 5 PM
Theme: Spring into Spring!
Age Groups: Grades 3 to 5
Dothan Brook School Students Register Here
Transportation to and from VINS provided by Hartford Recreation Department.
Description:
As winter comes to a close, spring’s thawing Earth is full of wonders and mysteries waiting to be discovered. In Spring into Spring!, students will explore the incredible transformation taking place this time of year. Each week presents opportunities to learn about different creatures and habitats surrounding us as they emerge from their wintertime slumber and welcome the new life spring brings.
Hartland Elementary School Afterschool Session
April 20, 27 / May 4, 11, 18 / 2:45 PM - 4:30 PM
Theme: STEAM is My Superpower
Age Groups: Grades 1-6
Hartland Elementary School Students Register Here
Transportation to and from VINS provided by Hartland Recreation Department.
Description:
In STEAM is My Superpower, VINS will guide young investigators in hands-on STEAM-inspired activities that will spark imagination, discovery, and ignite a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. Come explore nature through the eyes of a researcher, inventor, and architect with shelter building and geocaching challenges to community science and creative art projects. As students discover their own creativity, problem-solving abilities and ingenuity, they will realize these superpowers make humans special in the animal world.
Ottauquechee School Afterschool Session
April 26 / May 3, 10, 17, 24 / 3 PM - 5 PM
$85 for 5-week Session*
*Full session is required
Theme: Spring into Spring!
Age Groups: Grades K - 2
Transportation provided from Ottrauquechee School to VINS on Bus #12. Parents pick-up children at VINS Nature Center, 149 Nature's Way, Quechee, VT.
Ottauquechee School Students Register Here
Description:
As winter comes to a close, spring’s thawing Earth is full of wonders and mysteries waiting to be discovered. In Spring into Spring!, students will explore the incredible transformation taking place this time of year. Each week presents opportunities to learn about different creatures and habitats surrounding us as they emerge from their wintertime slumber and welcome the new life spring brings.
White River School Afterschool Session
March 31 / April 7 / 3 PM - 5 PM
Theme: Spring into Spring!
Age Groups: Grades 3 to 5
White River School Students Register Here*
*Note this session is full.
Transportation to and from VINS provided by Hartford Recreation Department.
Description:
As winter comes to a close, spring’s thawing Earth is full of wonders and mysteries waiting to be discovered. In Spring into Spring!, students will explore the incredible transformation taking place this time of year. Each week presents opportunities to learn about different creatures and habitats surrounding us as they emerge from their wintertime slumber and welcome the new life spring brings.
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.