Backyard Scientists
Backyard Scientist Update 1/13/21
February registration is now open!
Exploring Nature In Your Own Backyard!
On Wednesdays, K-5th graders can take a break from virtual learning and come to the nature center for outdoor nature and science activities. Your child will have an out-of-this-world time exploring the earth, moon and stars in January Backyard Scientists. Each group will learn cool facts and do engaging activities that correspond to their grade level standards. We will continue to do most of our activities outdoors, so be sure to dress for the weather!
February Session Fast Facts:
Dates: Wednesdays, February 3, 10, 17, 24
Times: Choose One 9:30AM – 3:30PM OR 9:30AM-1:00PM
Theme: Mad Scientists – Fun Science Experiments!
Pricing: 9:30-3:30 $220 member, $248 non-member
9:30-1:00 $152 member, $180 non-member
Students will need to come prepared for outdoor activities. Please dress for the weather and bring a refillable water bottle, lunch and snack. Please bring a mask for any limited indoor activities. An email letter with detailed information will be sent soon after registration.
Not a member? Join or renew today to enjoy discounts on all our camps and classes, and much more!
FAQ: COVID-19 RESPONSE
Most frequent questions and answers regarding nature class modifications in response to COVID-19
No, due to new health guidelines we are limiting the number of people in the class buildings. All drop off and pick up will be carpool only and the parents/guardians will need to stay in their vehicles.
Yes, temperatures will be taken by an infrared thermometer each day at drop off and pick up. If campers or staff exhibit the symptoms associated with COVID-19 (chills, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, other respiratory symptoms, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell) they will be dismissed from attending class until they have had a negative COVID-19 test or have been fever and fever mediation free for seventy-two (72) hours, or other symptoms have improved and at least ten (10) days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
Students will get hand sanitizer when they are dropped off at camp. They will wash their hands before snacks and lunch and after restroom breaks. A hand sanitizer station will be set up in each camp classroom and students will be directed to use it regularly.
Each classroom will have EPA-approved disinfectant spray and paper towels for cleaning surfaces during the day, between activities and at the end of the day. Bathrooms will be cleaned after every group uses it.
Yes, while indoors. Class families will be asked to send a labelled cloth face covering (covers your child’s nose and mouth) each day to class to be worn while indoors in the classroom. Staff will be asked to do the same. While outdoors, mask wearing will not be required.
Classes will remain separated from each other at all times. Classes will be kept to 20 people or less including staff. It is understood that maintaining a social distance of 6 feet apart in a classroom setting is not possible and will not be enforced. Mask wearing and increased hygiene practices will help ensure student safety in these closer proximity settings.
Where possible, equipment, supplies and other items will not be shared between students. Students will be encouraged to bring a labelled container with a few art supplies with them to camp (pencil, crayons, markers, kid scissors and glue stick). We will have extra kits to be borrowed by your student if needed for the week. If equipment such as toys or games are shared amongst students, they will be sanitized before another group uses them.
Your child will be separated from the group until a parent/guardian can pick them up from class. They will be supervised by an adult from 6 feet apart. They will not be permitted to return to camp until they have either had a negative COVID-19 test or have been fever and fever medication free for seventy-two (72) hours, other symptoms have improved, and at least ten (10) days have passed since symptoms first appeared.