General Youth Groups

Youth Community Programs are designed for groups of children outside of school activities, such as 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

Learners Ages 5-10 Years Old

Animal Charisma– Discover what makes each family of animals so special. Meet some live animals.

Animal Signs– Look for clues of animal visitors. Meet some live animals.

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

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

Chow Time– Observe the special ways animals catch & eat their food, then watch them dine.

Endangered Animals– Educate yourself about the terms “Special Concern,” “Threatened,” and “Endangered.” Meet a live animal of special concern.

Maple Syruping– 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– Learn the mysteries & dangers of bird migration. Meet a live bird.

Nature Scavenger Hunt– Unearth the treasures of nature as you compete to find objects in a scavenger hunt.

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

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

Untouchables– Identify poisonous plants and animals. Meet a few of the “undesirable” animals.

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

Wildlife Walk– Investigate habitats of common wildlife in MN and WI. Meet live animals.

Learners 10 Years and Older

Forestry– Find out what makes a forest & why they are so important.

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

Maple Syruping– 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– Students learn basic map reading skills to find symbols which lead to a treasure.

Orienteering Basics– Master the art of map & compass to complete an orienteering course.

Snowshoeing– Unveil winter’s mysteries with this ancient sport and learn about winter ecology on a guided snowshoe hike.

Wildlife Walk– Investigate habitats of common wildlife and meet live animals.

Wilderness Survival– Build a fire, shelter, and keep a smile as you put your survival skills to the test

Scheduling Information

Fees

$5.00 per participant (max. 60) — $40.00 per program minimum.

Mobility Limitations

CNC welcomes all participants 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 and CPR certified and is trained to respond to emergencies. However, participants must bring their own medications (i.e. bee sting kit) if necessary.

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 get dirty. CNC staff are prepared to go out in any weather. It is the leader’s responsibility to cancel or reschedule if participants are not prepared.

Deposits and Cancellations

A $40 deposit (credited to your program costs) 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 the time slot. If groups fail to give CNC a two-week advance notice of cancellation the $40 deposit will not be refunded.

Scheduling

Reservations will be taken for each season after the following dates. School Year – September 1st, and Summer January 1st

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