(Sherburne, NY – Dec. 2015) This winter, Friends of Rogers will once again be home to “Nature’s Nursery,” a unique early childhood education program designed to cultivate outdoor exploration among 2- and 3-year-olds.
Throughout the academic year, three sessions of 20 classes each are being held at the Rogers Visitor Center in Sherburne. Classes will be held twice each week from 8 to 10 a.m. on Wednesday and Friday. Coordinator Jenni Larchar will lead 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 as we continue 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. 6 and runs through March 18. Participating children must be 2 years old by Sept. 5, 2015; children older than 3 years of age on Dec. 5, 2015 are ineligible to participate.
“We are very excited to be continuing ‘Nature’s Nursery’ 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.”
Weekly tuition rates for “early bird” registration, due Dec. 23, are $25 for members/$30 for not-yet-members. 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.