Homeschoolers

Our educators will help your child explore and discover the world around them through hands-on activities and outdoor adventures.

NEW for 2024. Our Homeschool program will be held weekly in 5-week sessions with Wednesday or Thursday classes available to choose from. Please choose only one day – classes are the same each week.

Sign-up for all weeks or just those that interest you! Students ages 5-10 are welcome. Classes will be split – ages 5-7 and 8-10 dependent on registration numbers.

All classes run from 1:00-2:30pm. The fee is $14 per child, per class and includes refuge admission for the day. Starting 1/1/2025 Refuge Members save 10%!

2024-2025 Dates and Themes:

  • Session 1:
    • September 25 or 26 – Forest Detectives (mini biological survey)
    • October 2 or 3 – Math and Art in Nature
    • October 9 or 10 – Animal Evidence (tracks, scat and more!)
    • October 16 or 17 – Misunderstood Animals
    • October 23 or 24 – Nature is Gross!
  • BREAK
  • Session 2:
    • November 13 or 14 – When Winter Comes
    • November 20 or 21 – Nature’s Builders
    • November 27 or 28 – NO CLASSES – Thanksgiving
    • December 4 or 5 – The Wild World of Owls
    • December 11 or 12 – Rock ‘N’ Stroll
    • December 18 or 19 – Season of Giving (make and take nature crafts)
  • BREAK
  • Session 3: Themes Coming Soon!
    • January 22 or 23
    • January 29 or 30
    • February 5 or 6
    • February 12 or 13
    • February 19 or 20

Important Information:

Registration

Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Please register each child separately. NOTE: Sessions that are FULL, or cancelled due to low numbers, will be removed from the sign-up list.

Payment

Due to the demand and last minute cancellations, classes will require prepayment at the time of registration. We may be unable to provide refunds or credits for changes in schedules/personal conflicts or other personal reasons. However, in the event of a class cancellation by Cedar Run, due to inclement weather or otherwise, we will offer all registrants a credit towards the next month’s class or a fee refund.

Drop-off

Drop-offs are available for homeschool classes. Please be punctual, as your child may miss some vital information at the start if they are late, and may also cause a distraction for those who are on time.

Adults are welcome to stay and enjoy our grounds and Nature Center while your child is in class or leave the grounds and return at the end of the session.

Please note: Adults are also required to sign a release form once per school year so we have emergency contact information for all children. The form will be emailed to you after registration or can be completed at your first class.

Adult Participation

You are welcome to attend any and all classes with your children and act as a chaperone. If you choose to attend, we would like to stress the importance of your active participation. We also ask that you turn off all cell phones and other distractions for the duration of the visit.

If you decide to stay and observe your child’s class and your child has a younger sibling, that is not enrolled in our program, please make sure that he or she is not being disruptive to the other children. If we find a younger sibling is being disruptive to the class, we may ask you to excuse yourself from our program.

Weather

Classes will be held outdoors, even if weather is inclement. Our Covered Picnic Pavilion will act as “home base,” but we usually still get out and about during each class. Typically, only snow closings of the Medford Twp School District will cancel our classes. Please be sure your child is adequately prepared for weather conditions including rain, snow, sun, cold, and heat.

Pick-up

If you will not be attending the class, be sure to pick your child up on time as well. Educators often have other assignments right after your class and are not available to supervise children waiting for rides.

Expected Behavior

Please prepare your child by helping him or her to understand appropriate group learning behavior. Raising hands before shouting out questions or ideas, taking turns, staying with the group, and being respectful to class-mates and teachers will be essential for a productive learning experience.

Questions/Concerns?

Email our Education Department at [email protected]