Come explore the EcoZone and stay for storytime with an Environmental Educator! The EcoZone at the South Shore YMCA Nature Center features rotating environmental exhibits and seasonal childrens' activities. Children will love the turtles, fish, carnivorous plants, scavenger hunts, and more! EcoZone Exploration is from 9:30-10:30am, allowing for exploration at your own pace. An Environmental Educator will lead storytime at 10:00 AM.

• Please register each child attending.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• Questions: Email bgreene@ssymca.org
• South Shore YMCA Nature Center: 48 Jacobs Lane, Norwell, MA

Tuesdays, March 25 - April 29, 2024 | 9:30 - 10:30am

*Please note there will be no program on Tuesday, April 22.*

Ages: 15 months to 4 years, with a caregiver

Join us for a 6-week “Forest Friends” Nature Playgroup, a program designed for families with young children to explore and connect with the natural world! Children and caregivers will engage in free play, stories, and songs. Participants will discover the wonders of the natural world and leave with new knowledge, friendships, and a deeper appreciation for the environment. This program will meet primarily outdoors, so please come dressed in layers for the weather.

What to Expect:

Free Play Discovery: Children will have the freedom to explore various nature-themed play stations, encouraging curiosity and imaginative play. They'll discover natural materials, climb, dig, and create.

Seasonal Activities & Crafts: Each week, we will introduce a new seasonal activity or craft related to the natural world. From leaf printing to building mini habitats, these hands-on projects will foster creativity and deepen children's connection to nature.

Family Connection: Meet and socialize with other families who share a passion for the nature.

Ask an Expert: An Environmental Educator will be on hand to help your little ones foster a love of nature.

Questions? Email: skugel@ssymca.org
 

Garden Explorers

Join us weekly in the Children’s Garden for fun-filled adventures! Children ages 4-6 and their caregivers will dig into the earth, create nature-inspired crafts, and enjoy story time amidst the beauty of the garden. We’ll explore different plants, discover bugs, and learn about soil, all through play. Perfect for curious kids and their grown-ups to share a morning of outdoor exploration! This program meets once a week for 8 weeks.

• Wednesdays 9:30-10:30 AM, June 25 – August 20 (no program July 2)
• Ages 4-6 with caregiver
• M $125 | NM $135

Ages 7-10 are invited to embark on outdoor adventures! This immersive program offers a unique opportunity for children to explore our beautiful trails, gardens, and diverse ecosystems. Participants will engage in a variety of fun and educational activities including: trail and garden excursions, meeting animal ambassadors, nature crafts, and STEAM experiments.

• Monday-Friday 1:00-3:00pm
• Ages 7-10
• M $160 | NM $170

Come meet some adorable farm friends at the South Shore YMCA Nature Center!

Channel Homestead from Hanson, MA is bringing their mobile petting zoo to the Nature Center, featuring young goats, baby bunnies, guinea pigs, and young chickens! Each timeslot includes 20 minutes of hands-on animal interaction, giving participants the opportunity to pet, observe, and learn about these farm animals. You'll also enjoy farm and garden themed crafts, stories, and educational activities with Nature Center staff!

• All children must be accompanied by a caregiver
• Please purchase a ticket for each individual attending (adults and children) - Enter number of tickets needed under "Quantity"

Questions: Email skugel@ssymca.org

South Shore YMCA Nature Center

48 Jacobs Lane, Norwell, MA

Give yourself a night off while your kids enjoy an evening of fun and exploration! Designed for children ages 5 - 10, Kids’ Nature Night Out offers a safe and engaging environment led by experienced Nature Center staff. The evening will begin with pizza, games, and crafts al fresco, followed by indoor activities including animal encounters in our EcoZone and a nature-related movie to wind down the night. Whether you're heading to dinner or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, you can relax knowing your children are having a blast.

Questions? Contact apagnozzi@ssymca.org

Encompasses Groups: Otters and Coyotes

Our upper camp campers investigate nature and science-based themes through hands-on, age-appropriate curriculum including live animal encounters, team building games and activities, nature hikes, experimentation, and crafting.

Please note that Otters (Campers Aged 7 to 8) and Coyotes (Campers Aged 9 to 11) are full-day camps.

The Otters (Campers Aged 7 to 8) and Coyotes (Campers Aged 9 to 11) groups will have the opportunity to canoe on Jacobs Pond once per session.

Encompasses Groups: Raccoons and Owls

Our lower camp campers investigate nature and science-based themes through hands-on, age-appropriate, curriculum which includes live animal encounters, team building games and activities, nature hikes, experimentation, and crafting.

Please note that Raccoons (Campers Aged 5) and Owls (Campers Aged 6) are full-day camps.

Encompasses Groups: Tadpoles (Age 3 Campers) and Chipmunks (Age 4-5 Campers)

The youngest campers discover the wonders of the natural world through age-appropriate hands-on activities, including nature walks, stories, crafts, music, and meeting live animals.

These young campers use their senses to participate in activities which encourage sharing, learning together, and being a friend to nature.

Please note Tadpoles (Campers Age 3) and Chipmunks (Campers Age 4-5) are half-day camps.