2009-10 School Programs

Themed Overnights
Overnights with Ashland Nature Center
Overnights with Abbott's Mill Nature Center
Extended-Day Programs at Ashland Nature Center and Abbott's Mill Nature Center


Why choose an Overnight?
Immerse your students in science and discovery. Overnights with the Delaware Nature Society are a great kickoff or culminating activity for your students. Overnight programs include hands-on field studies led by experienced naturalists. Choose programs from our list of field studies or ask us about custom designed programs to suit your needs. Or check out our themed overnights for programs organized to address life cycles, ecosystems and watersheds units. Programs can be a catalyst for learning long after the trip is over. Students and parents will enjoy the fun and adventure of toasting marshmallows, discovering wildlife, and night hiking. Overnights are an experience you and your students will always remember! Reservations are accepted year-round and scholarships are available.

What your students will do during an overnight:
Overnight schedules are set in consultation with what will work best for your group, and will vary with age of students, class size, program choices and the seasons. Each overnight includes hands-on, field-based programs selected from our list of field studies, morning and evening hikes through a variety of habitats, a choice of evening program, a campfire, and tee-shirt craft. Time is reserved for teachers to plan crafts/songs/journals/games.

Themed Overnights

Create an overnight with programs based on your curriculum and grade level. Select from our Field Studies, or talk to staff about developing a program to meet your needs. Examples include:

A Typical Overnight Schedule:

Overnights with Ashland Nature Center

You will stay at the Ashland Nature Lodge overlooking beautiful Red Clay Valley near Hockessin, DE.

Amenities include:

• Science laboratory, 30 microscopes + video microscope
• Two dormitories with bunk beds, accommodating up to 72 people
• Great Room with fireplace, TV, DVD/VCR, seating for 80,
• Panoramic view
• Restrooms with showers
• Modern kitchen, all appliances and cooking/eating utensils provided
• Electrical generator to ensure comfort and safety

Reservations are accepted year-round - scholarships available

Overnights with Abbott's Mill Nature Center

You will stay at the Redden State Forest Lodge near Georgetown, DE.

Amenities include:

• Two dormitories, accommodating up to 40 people
• Great Room
• Restrooms with showers
• Modern kitchen, all appliances and cooking/eating utensils provided
• Electrical generator to ensure comfort and safety
• Note: Available Monday-Thursdays only. Participants must bring their own sleeping bags and sleeping pads

Reservations are accepted year-round - scholarships available

Extended-Day Programs at Ashland Nature Center and
Abbott's Mill Nature Center

Can't spend the night? Bring your class for a special day of field experiences! Extended Day schedules are set in consultation with what will work best for your group and will vary with age of students, class size, program choices and the seasons. Each Extended Day includes hands-on, field-based programs selected from our list of field studies and a choice between an evening hike and a campfire or a live animal presentation. Time is reserved for teachers to plan crafts/songs/journals/games, or ask to schedule an additional program. Groups generally arrive at 9:30 a.m. and stay up to 8:00 p.m.

Reservations accepted year-round

Typical Extended Day schedule (Note:Note: Schedule uses the Ecosystems curriculum as an example)