Youth Community Programs are designed for groups of children outside of school activities (i.e.  church youth groups, child care programs, etc.).

The naturalists at CNC recognize that children learn best when they are having fun.  These fun, hands-on programs were created from commonly requested topics, and are both educational and recreational.

Groups are invited to enjoy the hiking trails, explore the Interpretive Center, or use the picnic tables before or after their scheduled programs!

 

Programs for 5-10 years old

1.5 hour in length

Animal Charisma: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer.  Discover what makes each family of animals so special.  Meet some live animals.

Animal Signs: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer.  Look for clues of animal visitors.  Meet some live animals.

Apple Orchard: Fall.  Visit the orchard habitat,  sample some ripe apples & taste freshly pressed juice.

Bees, Butterflies, & Bouquets: Summer.  Observe bees & butterflies in action and delight in the sweet smell of flowers!  Enjoy a snack at the end.

Chow Time: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer.  Observe the special ways animals catch & eat their food, then watch them dine.

Endangered Species: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer.  Educate yourself about the terms “Special Concern,” “Threatened,” and “Endangered.”  Meet a live animal of special concern.

Maple Syruping: Spring (March).  Examine the magic that takes place in a Maple tree as we learn how to tap and gather sap to make syrup!  Taste the syrup at the end!

Migration Mania: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer.  Learn the mysteries & dangers of bird migration.  Meet a live bird.

*Nature Scavenger Hunt: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer.  Unearth the treasures of nature as you compete to find objects in a scavenger hunt.

River Life: Summer.  Get your feet wet while exploring the life of the St. Croix River.  YOU MUST WEAR SHOES TO GET WET!

Summerfest: Summer.  Join us for a summer party!  We’ll play games and much more to celebrate summer.

Untouchables: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer.  Identify poisonous plants & animals.  Meet a few of the “undesirable” animals.

Wetland Bingo: Summer.  Explore the wetland by tromping through the mud & the muck & playing bingo. WEAR SHOES THAT CAN GET WET!

Wildlife Walk: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer.  Investigate habitats of common wildlife in MN and WI.  Meet live animals.

 

Programs for 10 years & older

2 hour programs

Forestry: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer.  Find out what makes a forest & why they are so important.

Lumberjack Games: Summer.  Test your skill, strength, and ability with some fun lumberjack games.  WEAR CLOTHES & SHOES TO GET WET!

Maple Syruping: Spring (March).  Examine the magic that takes place in a Maple tree as we learn how to tap and gather sap to make syrup!  Taste the syrup at the end!

*Map Reading Mystery: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer.  Students learn basic map reading skills to find symbols which lead to a treasure.

Orienteering Basics: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer.  Master the art of map & compass, or have fun trying!  Basic map reading skills required.

Snowshoeing: Winter (>6 inch snow depth).  Unveil winter’s mysteries with this ancient sport and learn about winter ecology on a guided hike.

Wildlife Walk: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer.  Investigate habitats of common wildlife in MN and WI.  Meet live animals.

Wilderness Survival: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer.    Build a fire, shelter, and keep a smile as you put your survival skills to the test.

* The naturalists at CNC are committed to providing quality hands-on programs.  To reach every participant, programs are designed to have a participant to staff naturalist ratio of 15:1.  If you have a large group and/or wish to schedule a program when our staff is limited (i.e. weekends), please consider a program denoted by a * which is designed for larger groups of students that come with at least one adult leader per 10 children.

 

Scheduling Information

Fees: $5.00 per person (max. 60)

$50.00 per program minimum

$1.00 per person addt’l for snowshoes

$5.00 per adult chaperone above 5:1 ratio

Mobility Limitations:  CNC welcomes everyone regardless of abilities. Please inform CNC if there will be a participant with limited mobility when scheduling so that we may make appropriate accommodations.

Medical Emergencies:  The staff at CNC is First Aid & CPR certified and is trained to respond to emergencies.  Participants must bring their own medications (i.e. bee sting kit).

Discipline:  CNC staff are prepared to deal with most discipline situations, but may ask for the leader’s assistance if problems arise.

Accommodations for the Weather:  The majority of programs take place outside.  It is essential that leaders properly prepare participants to dress for the weather and to get dirty.  CNC staff are prepared to go out in any weather.  It is the group’s responsibility to cancel or reschedule if the group is not prepared for the weather.

Deposits & Cancellations:  A $50 deposit (credited to program fee) is required to reserve a program.  If CNC does not receive it in a timely fashion, we reserve the right to schedule another group in that time slot.  If groups fail to give CNC a 2 week advance notice of cancellation the $50 deposit will be not be refunded.

For More Information or to schedule a program please call 651-437-4359 or email our Program Director.