Youngsters enjoy the results of a heavy snowfall at Rogers Center. “Nature’s Nursery” offers outdoor exploration opportunities, especially for preschoolers. Photo courtesy Friends of Rogers
Youngsters enjoy the results of a heavy snowfall at Rogers Center. “Nature’s Nursery” offers outdoor exploration opportunities, especially for preschoolers. Photo courtesy Friends of Rogers

Friends of Rogers is currently enrolling pre-schoolers for the winter session of “Nature’s Nursery.” Now in its third year, this unique early childhood education program is designed to cultivate outdoor exploration among children ages 2, 3 and 4.

Throughout each academic year, three sessions of 10 classes are held at the Visitor Center in Sherburne. Classes are in session from 9:30-11:30 am on select Friday mornings. Coordinator Jenni Larchar leads young explorers in a variety of fun and engaging educational activities. Barring extreme weather, classes will include outdoor activities, so children should dress for the weather.

“Even an ordinary trail walk becomes an adventure when seen through the eyes of young children,” Larchar said. “We want to nurture a love of nature and encourage curiosity through this exciting initiative.”

According to the Early Head Start National Resource Center, “research in the past 10 years, (shows that) young children are spending less time outdoors engaging in active play and exploring the natural world. … There is growing consensus among educators, health and mental health professionals, and other child advocates that this trend has significant adverse effects on young children’s health and development.

“(This) contributes to a rise in obesity, depression, and attention disorders, and as young children spend less and less of their lives in natural surroundings, their senses narrow, physiologically and psychologically. Childhood obesity is of particular concern.”

The winter session of Nature’s Nursery begins Jan. 5 and runs through March 16.

“We are very excited that ‘Nature’s Nursery’ is returning again this winter,” said Simon Solomon, Friends of Rogers executive director. “Offering early childhood environmental education means the fulfillment of our mission in a dynamic way.”

To register for “Nature’s Nursery,” download forms at www.FriendsofRogers.org, call (607) 674-4733, or e-mail kidscoordinator@FriendsofRogers.org.

Rogers Center is operated by Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center, Inc., a nonprofit organization that offers educational programs for people of all ages. Seasonal hours are from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

By martha

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