Summer 2025 Programs
LITTLE SPROUTS (Ages 2 to 6)
Wednesdays, June 4, and 11 10:30 to 11:30 AM
This gardening program is for children ages 2 to 6 years old accompanied by an adult. Each session will focus on a different aspect of gardening and include work time in the garden, composting, a story, and a craft/activity. Please dress accordingly. This program is free (with a current Rancocas Nature Center membership). Inclement weather cancels. Register at: LITTLE SPROUTS
Grassland Birds
Thursday, June 12th 8:30-10:30 AM
Come along with Audrey Dorofy and Mary Belko as we look for breeding grassland birds at a beautiful, local farm and the Pinelands Preservation Alliance (PPA) grounds. Some expected species include purple martins, kingbirds, meadowlark, bobolink, bluebirds, sparrows, etc. This is a unique opportunity to explore and bird a private farm with us. We will meet at the PPA parking lot and caravan to the farm. We will spend some time birding at the PPA afterwards. Bring water, sunscreen, and binoculars. Be sure to be prepared to do some walking. Register at: GRASSLAND BIRDS
Thursday, June 12th 8:30-10:30 AM
Come along with Audrey Dorofy and Mary Belko as we look for breeding grassland birds at a beautiful, local farm and the Pinelands Preservation Alliance (PPA) grounds. Some expected species include purple martins, kingbirds, meadowlark, bobolink, bluebirds, sparrows, etc. This is a unique opportunity to explore and bird a private farm with us. We will meet at the PPA parking lot and caravan to the farm. We will spend some time birding at the PPA afterwards. Bring water, sunscreen, and binoculars. Be sure to be prepared to do some walking. Register at: GRASSLAND BIRDS
Teen Scout Programs
TEEN AND SCOUT CONSERVATION VOLUNTEER DAYS (Ages 13-17)
Sunday, June 8—9 AM to 12 PM; Saturday, July 5—9 AM to 12 PM; Saturday, August 2—9 AM to 12 PM
The Rancocas Nature Center hosts monthly volunteer opportunities for supervised stewardship conservation projects. It’s a great way for scouts and other youth 13 to 17 years-old to get out into nature and accumulate service hours. Parental consent is required, and parents are welcome to help, as well. Activities vary depending on the season, but often include removal of invasive species and mulching native plant enclosures and gardens. Volunteers should bring water, work gloves, and dress in work clothes, including appropriate footwear. Upon request, letters can be provided for youth needing proof of service for Scouts, 4-H, Honors Society, etc.
Register at: CONSERVATION VOLUNTEER DAYS
Sunday, June 8—9 AM to 12 PM; Saturday, July 5—9 AM to 12 PM; Saturday, August 2—9 AM to 12 PM
The Rancocas Nature Center hosts monthly volunteer opportunities for supervised stewardship conservation projects. It’s a great way for scouts and other youth 13 to 17 years-old to get out into nature and accumulate service hours. Parental consent is required, and parents are welcome to help, as well. Activities vary depending on the season, but often include removal of invasive species and mulching native plant enclosures and gardens. Volunteers should bring water, work gloves, and dress in work clothes, including appropriate footwear. Upon request, letters can be provided for youth needing proof of service for Scouts, 4-H, Honors Society, etc.
Register at: CONSERVATION VOLUNTEER DAYS
PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES
INTERPRETIVE TRAIL HIKE
Sunday, June 1 1:30 to 2:30 PM
Join Rancocas Nature Center for an interpretive hike through our varied habitats. It’s a great way to become familiar with the trails. You can bring a camera and/or binoculars as we’ll be sure to stop at scenic spots along the way. The hike is suitable for all ages 5+, so you’ll need a child carrier to transport younger children. Registration is limited to 20 participants. The program is free with FRNC membership; or a $10 donation is suggested. Register at: INTERPRETIVE TRAIL HIKE Inclement weather cancels.
Sunday, June 1 1:30 to 2:30 PM
Join Rancocas Nature Center for an interpretive hike through our varied habitats. It’s a great way to become familiar with the trails. You can bring a camera and/or binoculars as we’ll be sure to stop at scenic spots along the way. The hike is suitable for all ages 5+, so you’ll need a child carrier to transport younger children. Registration is limited to 20 participants. The program is free with FRNC membership; or a $10 donation is suggested. Register at: INTERPRETIVE TRAIL HIKE Inclement weather cancels.
Adult & Teen Programs
(Programs are suitable for interested teens)
RANCOCAS NATURE CENTER OUTDOOR PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB
Thursdays, June 5, July 3, and August 7 10 AM to 12 PM
All are welcome! Club meets the first Thursday of every month in the Rancocas Nature Center classroom or at a designated alternative outdoor location. Contact rncphotoclub@gmail.com for details.
Thursdays, June 5, July 3, and August 7 10 AM to 12 PM
All are welcome! Club meets the first Thursday of every month in the Rancocas Nature Center classroom or at a designated alternative outdoor location. Contact rncphotoclub@gmail.com for details.
SATURDAY GUIDED WALKS
Saturdays, June 14 10:30 to 11:30 AM
Studies show that taking a walk in a natural area is good for your physical and mental health. Adults and interested teens can join Rancocas Nature Center for a Saturday guided hike in the preserve. The program is free. A FRNC membership or a $10 donation is suggested. Register at: SATURDAY GUIDED WALKS Inclement weather cancels.
Saturdays, June 14 10:30 to 11:30 AM
Studies show that taking a walk in a natural area is good for your physical and mental health. Adults and interested teens can join Rancocas Nature Center for a Saturday guided hike in the preserve. The program is free. A FRNC membership or a $10 donation is suggested. Register at: SATURDAY GUIDED WALKS Inclement weather cancels.
HUMP-DAY AFTER WORK HIKES (Ages 18+ intermediate ability with multiple elevation changes)
Wednesdays, June 4 and 11 5:30 to 7 PM (Daylight dependent)
Like to hike, but don’t like doing it alone? Come on out for a brisk hike in nature—the perfect way to get some exercise incorporated into your day. Breathe deep, relax, and enjoy the weekly changes you observe as the season progresses.
The program is free. A FRNC membership or a $10 donation is suggested. Register at: HUMP-DAY HIKE Inclement weather cancels.
Wednesdays, June 4 and 11 5:30 to 7 PM (Daylight dependent)
Like to hike, but don’t like doing it alone? Come on out for a brisk hike in nature—the perfect way to get some exercise incorporated into your day. Breathe deep, relax, and enjoy the weekly changes you observe as the season progresses.
The program is free. A FRNC membership or a $10 donation is suggested. Register at: HUMP-DAY HIKE Inclement weather cancels.
RANCOCAS MOTHING NIGHT
Friday, August 1 8 to 10 PM
Join us this summer to celebrate the beauty, life cycles, and habitats of our local moths. “Moth-ers” of all ages and abilities are encouraged to learn about and observe these fascinating nocturnal creatures. Moths are among the most diverse and successful organisms. Estimates suggest there are more than 150,000 species on earth. And what better place to celebrate and experience these colorful insects than at Rancocas. Presenter: Patty Rehn. The program is free. A FRNC membership or a $10 donation is suggested. Register at RANCOCAS MOTHING NIGHT. Inclement weather cancels.
Raindate: August 2.
Friday, August 1 8 to 10 PM
Join us this summer to celebrate the beauty, life cycles, and habitats of our local moths. “Moth-ers” of all ages and abilities are encouraged to learn about and observe these fascinating nocturnal creatures. Moths are among the most diverse and successful organisms. Estimates suggest there are more than 150,000 species on earth. And what better place to celebrate and experience these colorful insects than at Rancocas. Presenter: Patty Rehn. The program is free. A FRNC membership or a $10 donation is suggested. Register at RANCOCAS MOTHING NIGHT. Inclement weather cancels.
Raindate: August 2.
Summer Programs For Kids at Rancocas!
Seven Weeks of Summer Morning Outdoor Fun for Ages 4-12
Tuesday, June 24 to Thursday, August 7
Seven Weeks of Summer Morning Outdoor Fun for Ages 4-12
Tuesday, June 24 to Thursday, August 7
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:30am to 12pm
Childhood and the outdoors are a natural fit! At Rancocas, kids have fun while learning about the world around them. A typical morning at the Rancocas Nature Center will look to blend the natural sciences with active, outdoor experiences under the guidance of knowledgeable educators. Group interaction and cooperation create a positive setting where learning is hands-on and fun. Whether it’s through an age-appropriate hike, a craft, a project, or a themed game or activity, children gain an awareness of the natural world and the importance of a sustainable community while having fun. Register online at the bottom of this page for one or more days of outdoor fun! Cost: $20/per child/per day for Rancocas family members; $40/per child/per day for non-members.
Actual Registration is online at the Bottom of this Page
Four Age Groups (grade as of Sept. 2025)
TADPOLE TOTS -- Pre-K to K (ages 4-5)
Parental participation required.
NATURE ADVENTURERS -- 1st to 2nd grade
Parental participation optional.
ECO EXPLORERS -- 3rd to 4th grade
Drop-off/Pick-up Only.
HABITAT HEROES -- 5th to 7th grade
Drop-off/Pick-up Only.
TADPOLE TOTS -- Pre-K to K (ages 4-5)
Parental participation required.
NATURE ADVENTURERS -- 1st to 2nd grade
Parental participation optional.
ECO EXPLORERS -- 3rd to 4th grade
Drop-off/Pick-up Only.
HABITAT HEROES -- 5th to 7th grade
Drop-off/Pick-up Only.
Each week has a special theme, and each of the four groups will have different activities to enjoy each day.
Week 1 -- June 24 to 26
WATER WONDERS
Let’s make a splash! Water is all around us and we depend on it every day. Together we will learn about water in all its forms, explore our streams, ponds, wetlands, and the critters that reside in them, and learn about protecting this valuable resource.
Week 2 -- July 1 to 3
SURVIVAL IN THE WILD
Living things have come up with many amazing ways to protect themselves and survive in the wild. Let's check out some of nature's finest work and discover some of the strategies that animals and plants have developed to stay alive.
Week 3 -- July 8 to 10
BUILDERS AND CREATORS
Enjoy building and creating; so do we! Bring your imaginations as do some building and creating of our own. Whether building outdoor shelters, replicating some of wildlife's astounding architectural feats, or constructing art with natural items, we will get our hands dirty this week!
Week 4 -- July 15 to 17
MAGICAL FOREST
The forest is a magical place! Whether campers are exploring the real forest and its inhabitants or the world of mythical creatures, we will use our imaginations while exploring the forest from the floor up.
Week 5 -- July 22 to July 24
FINDING YOUR WAY
We love the outdoors, let's get to know how to better navigate our world. While exploring the very diverse grounds of the park, we can practice following trail markers, making and/or using maps, using a compass, or even embarking on a scavenger hunt!
Week 6 -- July 29 to July 31
UP, UP, AND AWAY!
Gliding and flying, living or man-made; this week campers will find themselves exploring flight and things that fly. From mammals all the way to seeds, nature has figured out some cool ways to take to the skys.
Week 7 -- August 5 to 7
INVENTIONS AND EXPERIMENTS
Like doing experiments and inventing? This week we will use the world of science to better understand our natural world. Asking questions, testing hypotheses, and finding solutions are some of the skills campers will use this week.
WATER WONDERS
Let’s make a splash! Water is all around us and we depend on it every day. Together we will learn about water in all its forms, explore our streams, ponds, wetlands, and the critters that reside in them, and learn about protecting this valuable resource.
Week 2 -- July 1 to 3
SURVIVAL IN THE WILD
Living things have come up with many amazing ways to protect themselves and survive in the wild. Let's check out some of nature's finest work and discover some of the strategies that animals and plants have developed to stay alive.
Week 3 -- July 8 to 10
BUILDERS AND CREATORS
Enjoy building and creating; so do we! Bring your imaginations as do some building and creating of our own. Whether building outdoor shelters, replicating some of wildlife's astounding architectural feats, or constructing art with natural items, we will get our hands dirty this week!
Week 4 -- July 15 to 17
MAGICAL FOREST
The forest is a magical place! Whether campers are exploring the real forest and its inhabitants or the world of mythical creatures, we will use our imaginations while exploring the forest from the floor up.
Week 5 -- July 22 to July 24
FINDING YOUR WAY
We love the outdoors, let's get to know how to better navigate our world. While exploring the very diverse grounds of the park, we can practice following trail markers, making and/or using maps, using a compass, or even embarking on a scavenger hunt!
Week 6 -- July 29 to July 31
UP, UP, AND AWAY!
Gliding and flying, living or man-made; this week campers will find themselves exploring flight and things that fly. From mammals all the way to seeds, nature has figured out some cool ways to take to the skys.
Week 7 -- August 5 to 7
INVENTIONS AND EXPERIMENTS
Like doing experiments and inventing? This week we will use the world of science to better understand our natural world. Asking questions, testing hypotheses, and finding solutions are some of the skills campers will use this week.
PLEASE REGISTER BELOW
Each of the four groups is limited to 15 children per day. Waitlist slots will become available when a group fills up.
We've tried to streamline the registration. Each "Registration" will be for a SPECIFIC GRADE LEVEL & CHILD.
We have Member Registrations, Non-Member Registrations and a Membership link for those that would like to save money on multiple events by becoming a Member.
MEMBERS -
SUMMER PROGRAM REGISTRATION Per Grade Level = $20
PreK & K 1st & 2nd
3rd & 4th 5 to 7th
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
NON-MEMBER
SUMMER PROGRAM REGISTRATION per Grade Level = $40
Pre K & K 1st & 2nd
3rd & 4th 5 to 7th
FAMILY MEMBERSHIP- REGISTRATION
Email education@rancocasnaturecenter.org with any questions about the programs.
Email info@rancocasnaturecenter.org with any questions about registration.