Explore nature in your school yard with one of our naturalists! Our afterschool clubs focus on hands-on outdoor nature exploration and play. We cover different seasonal topics and stay active with themed games. Grade-level, dates, and times vary by school.

Fee: 6 weeks – $100 per child; 8 weeks – $120 per child

Contact Nora Kelly for more information – nora.kelly@anshome.org; 301-652-9188 x15.

Make the most of school holidays and days off by “unplugging” and getting your children outside in nature!

2017-2018 School Year
Days Off Nature Camps: 8:45am–5pm
Members: $95 per day; nonmembers: $110 per day

Grades K-5: Nature Adventures: We fill each day with a variety of nature-themed, hands-on activities including outdoor exploration, nature hikes, field games, and crafts.

REGISTER HERE for Days Off Camps

First Saturday of Each Month – Weekend Walk in the Woods

Join our Master Naturalists on the first Saturday of each month from 9-10am for a nature hike around Woodend Sanctuary. Each hike will have a unique and engaging natural history theme. Programs are appropriate for members of all ages. Please come prepared to hike in sneakers, and don’t forget your water bottle.

Meet at the gazebo by the main house.

Programs are free but require registration. REGISTER HERE

Every Day: Nature Backpacks

Visit our Naturalist Shop to check out a backpack (ID required) that will have tools and activities you and your family can use to explore nature at Woodend Sanctuary. Backpacks are free for check-out in the shop but must be returned by 4:30pm.

Shop hours are M-F 10-5; Sat 9-5; Sun 12-5.

The Nature Backpacks are made possible thanks to the generous support of REI and the Chesapeake Bay Trust.

Trail Maps

Children are born naturalists! Foster your child’s inherent curiosity about the natural world by sharing in hands-on, nature-based activities. Our Fresh Air Kids class is for children ages 5 and younger along with a parent or caregiver. Classes might involve crafts, songs, books, and always a hike. Bring your lunch or snack. Mingle and meet other caregivers!

Reserve your space by registering below, then send a check made payable to ANS and mail to ANS, Attn: Pam Oves, 8940 Jones Mill Rd., Chevy Chase, MD 20815. Image credit Karen Steffel.

Classes offered at two locations in Virginia

Rust Sanctuary in Leesburg: Fridays from 10-11:30 am

Spring Session: April 13-June 1, 2018
Cost: $120 per session
Siblings 21 months and older are $110
Siblings under 21 months are free
Register Here

Fall Session: September 7-October 26, 2018
Cost: $125 per session
Siblings 21 months and older are $115
Siblings under 21 months are free
Register Here

Algonkian Regional Park in Sterling: Mondays from 10-11 am

This is a partnership between Audubon Naturalist Society and NOVA Parks.
Spring Session: April 9-June 4 (no class 5/28)
Cost: $1– per session
Siblings 21 months and older are $85
Siblings under 21 months are free
Register Here

Testimonials

Ages 2-4 with a caregiver
Fall 2018 Session: $80 per child
Tuesdays, September 4-November 6 (10-10:45 am)
Questions? Email gina.ghertner@anshome.org.

This 10-week class invites young children to discover the wonders of nature as we journey through the changing seasons. We’ll tap into children’s deep connection with nature by reading stories, making fun crafts, and singing songs. Make sure to dress for the weather as each class we will explore our Sanctuary trails to see what new surprises we can find.

Feel free to relax and enjoy our trails, picnic areas, and bookstore before or after the program. Register online here: https://anshome.org/tales-trails/.