Youth and Family Programs

   

Our enrichment programs are a great way for children and families to gain connections to each other and our natural world, spark curiosity and learn new skills. Our forest programs include plenty of time and space in our woodland setting where participants can increase confidence, creativity and community. In addition to our school-age enrichment and afterschool programs, Wonder Roots is pleased to offer TimberNook playgroups and summer camp programs for ages toddler to tween  Where noted, these program enrollments take place through our TimberNook registration page. 

** We offer Early Bird Registration for families on our email list. Join here! **

Note: We offer sibling discounts upon request (we are unable to accommodate retroactive discounts.)

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FOR OUR YOUNGEST EXPLORERS:

Have an infant and looking to connect with other families? Infants are welcome at no additional charge. Please contact Colleen to make arrangements to attend. 

Spring 2023 Playgroups:
  • Monday Session 1 (5wks)- March 6, 13, 20, 27, April 3.
    9:30-11:30am in South Burlington
    Cost: $88
  • Monday Session 2 (6wks)- April 10, 17, May 1, 8, 15, 22.
    9:30-11:30am in South Burlington
    Cost: $106
Note: Registration for our Forest Playgroup is handled through our TimberNook page.

FOR SCHOOL-AGE ADVENTURERS:

Forest Programs & Homeschool Enrichment

This school year we have two programs options for school-age children.

ADVENTURERS:

Explore, create and collaborate. Our year-long ADVENTURERS forest programs will explore child-centered themes and interests. Using a combination of storybooks, loose parts, open-ended and natural materials, along with team work and imagination, students will immerse into our woodland setting-- creating a world of their own. Children will also have the opportunity to learn various outdoor skills such as whittling, tending to and cooking over a fire, and shelter building. 

Weekly:
Sept 7- Dec 14. Mar 8- June 7 (27 Weeks)
Cost: $779 
** We have a few more spaces open for mid-year, pro-rated enrollment. Contact Colleen. 
School bus drop-off can be arranged for HCS students.

In order to create a balanced community for our year-long programs, we have decided NOT to accept enrollment on a first come- first serve basis. We will do our best to diversify the gender & age range and when possible/needed-- offer the opportunity for the groups to divide into upper (grd 5-8) and lower (grd 2-4) sections. We offer payment plans and sibling discounts upon request (we are unable to accommodate retroactive discounts.) Find the program registration form HERE.

CURIOSITY CONNECTIONS: 

We are excited to bring back our homeschool enrichment program! Our CURIOSITY CONNECTION program further develops children’s relationship to their community and natural environment and takes an inquiry approach to learning in our woodland setting. Using a combination of project-based and emergent curriculum, this program allows children the opportunity to dive deeper into their curiosities and learn new skills in a supportive environment that encourages independence-- empowering youth with strategies and skills that build resilience and creative thinking.

Spring Season: 
Session 1: April 11, 18. May 2, 9 
Session 2: May 16, 23, 30. June 6.
Cost: $220 per session

Session 1: Adaptable Animals & Camouflaged Critters
Using the forest as our backdrop, we'll explore various emerging woodland creatures including amphibians, bugs and birds. Each day will include a guided focus including citizen scientist investigations & nature journaling, in addition to design challenges, open-ended art experiences, story-telling and collaborative games. Students will learn how to map ecosystems, understand animal behavior, habitats and key identifying characteristics, and more. 

Session 2: Farm & Forage- Gardens, Chickens & Forest Fun
How does your garden grow? We'll explore the backyard and woodland ways of food, including gardening, chicken care, and responsible foraging. Each day will include a mix of adult-guided and open-ended experiences including simple woodworking, scavenger hunts, group challenges, garden design, storytelling and an end of session mini fire-side forest feast. Students will identify key characteristics of plants & seeds and how they grow; understand chicken care, anatomy and behavior; 
properly use simple wood working hand-tools, and more.


Does your child attend a public school that meets during this time? Many schools allow their students to attend weekly enrichment programs 1 day a week as a school alternative. We are happy to talk with your school official about the benefits of your child attending our programs.
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Additional Information:

When deciding if our drop-off programs will be a good fit for your child, please take the following into consideration:

  • We maintain a 6:1 child/adult ratio when possible (depending on several factors, ratios may vary up to 9:1 child/adult) where the role of the adult is to step back and tune in. Wonder Roots staff maintains visual contact with children, but may be out of arm's reach. Staff allows children the opportunity to build conflict resolution skills, and they will step in when safety is a factor.
  • We expect children to maintain visual contact of a Wonder Roots staff person, stay within the designated (unfenced) boundaries within our site, and manage their needs (such as eating, drinking fluids, using the restroom).
  • We understand that children are individuals and sometimes have varying abilities and unique needs. If your child requires additional support, please contact us to make a plan.

    Other helpful information:

    • All team members are background checked. A team member will always be certified in first aid and CPR. Toilets are available in the main building.
    • The specifics about this program will be e-mailed to you a few days in advance.
    • This is a drop-off program. Drop off begins at 5 minutes before program start and all children should be picked up within 5 minutes of program end.
    • This program is 100% outdoors. Weather appropriate attire is required.
    • Hinesburg programs are located on the private property of Wonder Roots LLC at 640 Texas Hill Rd. Hinesburg, VT 05461
      South Burlington programs are located at Ascension Church Woods, 95 Allen Rd. South Burlington, VT 05403

    For more information, please contact us at colleen@wonderrootsllc.com or 802.489.0410.