Frosty Drew's Nature Weeks run for 9 weeks over the course of the summer with each Nature Week lasting for one full week. The program runs Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with the option of extended care available. Extended care is available on an hourly basis, from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. and from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Children from 6-10 years of age are welcome to enroll in Nature Weeks. The maximum enrollment is 12 children per week. There are two adult staff members.

Our daily routine includes a moderate hike, an art activity, reflection time where children write in a journal, group games, and a free swim. During free swim, participants have the opportunity to swim and/or wade in a freshwater pond. There are no swimming lessons as it is a free swim and beach time. The Town staffs the pond with lifeguards, and Nature Weeks staff is always on site.

Each day focuses on a specific theme. The daily themes vary but could include insects, birds, plants, sea life, reptiles, astronomy and rockets, and environmental issues. The interests of the children are always taken into consideration and daily routines may also vary depending on group size, weather conditions, and what interesting pieces of nature we may discover along the way.

The daily schedule is very flexible. Children are expected to arrive at 9:00 a.m. prepared to spend the majority of their days outdoors, which requires that they bring a bathing suit, towel, and water shoes; a change of clothing; bug repellent, and sunscreen; closed-toe shoes and a water bottle; and a snack and a brown bag lunch. There is a refrigerator and microwave available. We do not close when there is inclement weather. Indoor facilities are available. Participants are welcome to register for more than one week, with the knowledge that there will be some repetition of activities.

• Watching birds using binoculars
• Building a birdhouse
• Planting flowers and seeds
• Hatching butterflies and praying mantises
• Pressing and drying flowers
• Seining in the salt pond
• Catching sea creatures to add to our temporary aquariums
• Catching insects and investigating them with magnifying glasses
• Hiking and mapping trails in the Ninigret Wildlife Refuge
• Conducting experiments using plants and other natural household items
• Collecting trash from around the park and discussing recycling, landfills, etc.
• Fishing with handheld nets
• Making and launching thumb-sized rockets
• Numerous arts and crafts projects
• Creating a nature journal to use throughout the week
• Participating in sensory activities
• Playing games, water activities (under a sprinkler), and running an obstacle course
• Team building activities
• Tie dying t-shirts
• Candle making
• Going on scavenger hunts for things in nature

We are currently restructuring our daytime programs and offerings. This change will affect the Nature Weeks program. Currently we are evaluating partnership and collaborative opportunities. Please check back within the next month for updated information about the Nature Weeks program. Be sure to check out our upcoming astronomy events and our partnered field studies with Salt Ponds Coalition.