Mass Audubon Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary is offering an exciting vacation week opportunity for children in grades K-5 that encourages and activates a child's sense of curiosity and love of nature.
Each day starts with a special location to explore, charting the course for the day's wildlife observations and activities. We'll start exploring with some learning games and activities, then venture into the field for more investigation, fun and ecological exploration.
Locations include Allens Neck, Stone Barn Farm and three days based at the Allens Pond field station.
An integral part of each day is the unstructured time participants spend outdoors. Children are given numerous opportunities to direct their own experience and choose to spend more time outdoors or pursue other activities. This practice promotes self-confidence, self-regulation, and a feeling of ownership of their experience. Unstructured nature play has numerous benefits for children of all ages including:
Intellect: Children design, build, create, and problem-solve as they build structures, pretend to be piping plovers feeding on the beach, and make recycled crafts, amongst other activities. They practice language as they direct other children in dramatic play, explain rules to each other, or negotiate play.
Social Skills: Unstructured activities give children the chance to play with both older and younger children, practice friendship skills, and try new things. Rolling down the hill at the field station and rounds of camouflage on the trails are always great team building activities!
Physical Benefits: Children are running, jumping, climbing, balancing, hiking, and doing many other healthy physical activities. Being outdoors naturally reduces a child’s stress and revitalizes them for the rest of the day.
Each day starts at 9am and ends at 3pm. Participants must wear and bring suitable clothing and footwear for outdoor activity and a sack lunch, as well as two snacks. Drop off and pick up are at the program sites daily and detailed directions will be sent upon registration.
- Monday: Beach Day at Allens Pond
- Tuesday: Salt Marsh Discovery At Allens Pond
- Wednesday: Allens Neck Adventure
- Thursday: Ponding at Stone Barn Farm
- Friday: Trail Day at Allens Pond
Cost is $50/day per child for Mass Audubon Members; $55/day per child for non-members. There is a 10% sibling discount. Register online at massaudubon.org/allenspond or by calling (508) 636-2437.
Refund and Cancellation Policy: Vacation Week program fees include a nonrefundable deposit. Refunds are not made for dismissal, failure to attend, absence or sick days. Please notify us of any cancellations as soon as possible. The registration fee, less any deposit(s), will be refunded if cancellations are received by March 15, 2017. Please, check your child’s school schedule before registering for programming.
