Early childhood field trips
Educational Nature Programs
All early childhood education programs meet and take place at the WPNR Learning Center Barn. Field trip groups are permitted to bring a snack or lunch for the students for before or after the program and can use the lower-level classroom and/or back patio for that purpose. Groups are encouraged to explore the trails and Reserve grounds independently following their scheduled program.
All early childhood education programs meet and take place at the WPNR Learning Center Barn. Field trip groups are permitted to bring a snack or lunch for the students for before or after the program and can use the lower-level classroom and/or back patio for that purpose. Groups are encouraged to explore the trails and Reserve grounds independently following their scheduled program.
SchedulingAll programs are scheduled:
April-October Tuesday-Friday Starting at 10:00 am or 1:00 pm On a first come, first serve basis |
REGISTRATION1.5-2 Hour Programs:
$8 per student No charge for adults. Request Program at link below. NO PHONE OR EMAIL REQUESTS WILL BE ACCEPTED. |
ParticipantsGrades PreK-2
Class Size: Field trip groups will be charged for a minimum of 15 students and are allowed a maximum of 50 students. We require at least one adult chaperone per each group of 6 students. |
PROGRAMMING OPTIONS
Make your field trip a full day experience by using the picnic tables on the back patio for lunch/snack before or after your program and exploring the barn, trails, and ground independently! Only one group is scheduled per day so classes can independently explore the Learning Center Barn, grounds, and play areas before or after scheduled program and we are happy to provide scavenger hunts and other activities to use on the trails!
|
Vulture View (1.5 hr.)
What would it be like to soar like the mysterious vulture? Students take flight with yoga, a story, a vulture craft & a bird beak buffet. Rollie Pollie Party (1.5 hr.) Have you ever wondered about “Rollie Pollies?” In this program, students will investigate real live pill bugs, have a “ball” creating a unique craft, move like a pill bug, & more! Hey There Honeybee (1.5 hr.) Students will buzz about the Reserve to conduct a “mini” bee count, make a hive, be a worker or a queen for the day, & learn about honey making. |
Dinosaur Day (1.5 hr.)
A “Roaring” good time for students and teachers alike. Children become mini archeologists & dig for skeletal remains, move like different dinosaurs, & create a prehistoric beast. Conservation Station (1.5 hr.) Each day is Earth Day at WPNR! Students take a journey with Michael Recycle, explore the earth on a mini-nature hike, become a conservation pirate, and more! Buggy Bonanza (1.5 hr.) Explore & learn all about bugs and insects during this hands-on program! Make a bug craft, look for bugs outside, listen to a story about the “Bugliest Bug,” and more! |
School-age field trips
Grades 3-9 Educational Nature Programs
All field trip programs meet and take place at the either the WPNR Learning Center Barn (WPNR Programs). Bus parking and restrooms available. Field trip groups are permitted to bring a snack or lunch for the students for before or after the program and can use the lower level classroom and/or back patio for that purpose. Field Trip Groups are encouraged to explore the trails and Reserve grounds independently following their scheduled program.
All field trip programs meet and take place at the either the WPNR Learning Center Barn (WPNR Programs). Bus parking and restrooms available. Field trip groups are permitted to bring a snack or lunch for the students for before or after the program and can use the lower level classroom and/or back patio for that purpose. Field Trip Groups are encouraged to explore the trails and Reserve grounds independently following their scheduled program.
SchedulingAll programs are scheduled:
April-October Tuesday-Friday Starting at 10:00 am or 1:00 pm On a first come, first serve basis |
REGISTRATION1.5-2 Hour Programs:
$8 per student No charge for adults. We require at least a 1:6 chaperone to student ratio. Request Program at link below. NO PHONE OR EMAIL REQUESTS WILL BE ACCEPTED. |
ParticipantsGrades 3-9
Class Size: Field trip groups will be charged for a minimum of 15 students and are allowed a maximum of 50 students. We require at least one adult chaperone per each group of students. |
PROGRAMMING OPTIONS
School Age programs are in the process of being redeveloped to meet the new Environment and Ecology Standards.
Currently, the Habitat Hike is the only School Age field trip program offered.
Habitat Hike (Grades 3-6) (2 hr.)
Students are guided in small groups along the Nature Reserve trails to bird with binoculars, identify plants and insects,
dip net in the pond, and more! Each station encourages respectful & careful investigation of nature.
Currently, the Habitat Hike is the only School Age field trip program offered.
Habitat Hike (Grades 3-6) (2 hr.)
Students are guided in small groups along the Nature Reserve trails to bird with binoculars, identify plants and insects,
dip net in the pond, and more! Each station encourages respectful & careful investigation of nature.
Field Trips FAQ
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding field trips to Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve at Saint Vincent College. If you have any additional questions, please call 724-537-5284.
Cost and Payment
When does payment need to be received?
Full payment and signed contract are due 2 weeks before scheduled program unless other arrangements have been made with the director.
What is the cost per student for your programs?
Programs (one WPNR staff led program) are $8.00 per student.
Is there a charge for adult chaperones?
No, unlimited adult chaperones can attend for free. For school age programs, we require a 1:5 chaperone student ratio. For early childhood programs, the class is
split into 4 groups of students and we require at least 2 adults per group.
Facilities
Can my class eat their lunch or a snack before or after the program?
Yes, classes are welcome to use the Lower Level Learning Classroom and/or the back patio for lunches or snacks before or after the scheduled program as long as garbage is properly disposed of (we require composting and recycling). We have no refrigeration for student lunches.
Are we able to explore the barn and grounds independently before or after our scheduled program?
Yes. We encourage classes to stay and explore the different nature play and explore areas around the Reserve including the Learning Center Barn, the Nature
Explore Play Area, the pond, the bird observation deck, and the Historic Lochry Blockhouse.
Class Requirements
What is the minimum and maximum number of students for a program?
We charge for a minimum of 15 students and allow a maximum of 50 students for all programs.
Do I have to be a formal classroom teacher to request a program?
No! As long as your group meets the size and age restrictions, we welcome scout groups, home school groups, preschools, etc.
Scheduling
What time are your programs scheduled?
AM programs are scheduled to begin at 10:00 am and last 1.5-2 hours depending on the program and PM program are scheduled to start at 1:00pm and last 1.5-2 hours.
When are programs and field trips scheduled?
Programs and field trips are scheduled April-October, Tuesday-Friday. Programs are scheduled on a first come first serve basis.
How far in advance can I schedule a program?
You can request a program up to one year in advance of your primary requested date.
Programs
What do your programs consist of?
A Program and Field Trip option sheet is available on our website with full description of all programs. The majority of the Early Childhood programs
include a 4 station rotation that includes a craft, a story, an outside activity (weather permitting) and a wildcard activity. School age programs also include a
station rotation through a variety of activities.
What grade are your programs designed for?
Our Early Childhood programs are designed for students in PreK-2nd grade (Ages 3-8) and our school age programs are designed for students in 3rd-9th grade (not all programs are for all grades, please see detailed program sheet for which grades certain programs are designed for.)
Other
Are siblings allowed to attend field trips?
If a sibling is going to participate in the program, they must fit in the appropriate age group and be included in your final number and paid for with the full payment.
Do you offer rain dates for field trip days that the weather does not cooperate?
Most of our programs are able to be adapted for indoors. Rescheduling due to weather is dependent on date and staff availability. We do not preschedule built
in rain dates.
Cost and Payment
When does payment need to be received?
Full payment and signed contract are due 2 weeks before scheduled program unless other arrangements have been made with the director.
What is the cost per student for your programs?
Programs (one WPNR staff led program) are $8.00 per student.
Is there a charge for adult chaperones?
No, unlimited adult chaperones can attend for free. For school age programs, we require a 1:5 chaperone student ratio. For early childhood programs, the class is
split into 4 groups of students and we require at least 2 adults per group.
Facilities
Can my class eat their lunch or a snack before or after the program?
Yes, classes are welcome to use the Lower Level Learning Classroom and/or the back patio for lunches or snacks before or after the scheduled program as long as garbage is properly disposed of (we require composting and recycling). We have no refrigeration for student lunches.
Are we able to explore the barn and grounds independently before or after our scheduled program?
Yes. We encourage classes to stay and explore the different nature play and explore areas around the Reserve including the Learning Center Barn, the Nature
Explore Play Area, the pond, the bird observation deck, and the Historic Lochry Blockhouse.
Class Requirements
What is the minimum and maximum number of students for a program?
We charge for a minimum of 15 students and allow a maximum of 50 students for all programs.
Do I have to be a formal classroom teacher to request a program?
No! As long as your group meets the size and age restrictions, we welcome scout groups, home school groups, preschools, etc.
Scheduling
What time are your programs scheduled?
AM programs are scheduled to begin at 10:00 am and last 1.5-2 hours depending on the program and PM program are scheduled to start at 1:00pm and last 1.5-2 hours.
When are programs and field trips scheduled?
Programs and field trips are scheduled April-October, Tuesday-Friday. Programs are scheduled on a first come first serve basis.
How far in advance can I schedule a program?
You can request a program up to one year in advance of your primary requested date.
Programs
What do your programs consist of?
A Program and Field Trip option sheet is available on our website with full description of all programs. The majority of the Early Childhood programs
include a 4 station rotation that includes a craft, a story, an outside activity (weather permitting) and a wildcard activity. School age programs also include a
station rotation through a variety of activities.
What grade are your programs designed for?
Our Early Childhood programs are designed for students in PreK-2nd grade (Ages 3-8) and our school age programs are designed for students in 3rd-9th grade (not all programs are for all grades, please see detailed program sheet for which grades certain programs are designed for.)
Other
Are siblings allowed to attend field trips?
If a sibling is going to participate in the program, they must fit in the appropriate age group and be included in your final number and paid for with the full payment.
Do you offer rain dates for field trip days that the weather does not cooperate?
Most of our programs are able to be adapted for indoors. Rescheduling due to weather is dependent on date and staff availability. We do not preschedule built
in rain dates.
