Summer 2026 Programs
These Summer 2026 Programs are for Teens & Scouts as well as Adults.
Children's Programs (Ages 2 thru 12) are listed at SUMMER 2026 KID'S PROGRAMS
Teen/Scout Programs
TEEN AND SCOUT CONSERVATION VOLUNTEER DAYS (Ages 13-17)
Sunday, June 7 - 10 AM to 1 PM
Sunday, 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 year-olds to experience nature firsthand 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. Details and sign-up link CONSERVATION VOLUNTEER DAYS
SCOUTS BSA: TEXTILE MERIT BADGE
One-Day Workshop
Monday, August 3 - 9 AM to 2 PM
There is an old Scandinavian saying: “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing choices.” By taking the Textile Merit Badge at Rancocas, you’ll learn about the importance of appropriate, well-chosen outdoor gear. Knowing the difference between various fibers, fabrics, and their properties helps you to make better choices about your outdoor clothing and gear. Additionally, learning about weaving and other fiber crafts gives you important survival skills. A certified Merit Badge counselor will lead you through all of the requirements for this badge in a one-day outdoor workshop. Bring a bagged lunch. Cost: $40/per scout (includes materials for weaving). Register by emailing education@rancocasnaturecenter.org.
One-Day Workshop
Monday, August 3 - 9 AM to 2 PM
There is an old Scandinavian saying: “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing choices.” By taking the Textile Merit Badge at Rancocas, you’ll learn about the importance of appropriate, well-chosen outdoor gear. Knowing the difference between various fibers, fabrics, and their properties helps you to make better choices about your outdoor clothing and gear. Additionally, learning about weaving and other fiber crafts gives you important survival skills. A certified Merit Badge counselor will lead you through all of the requirements for this badge in a one-day outdoor workshop. Bring a bagged lunch. Cost: $40/per scout (includes materials for weaving). Register by emailing education@rancocasnaturecenter.org.
SCOUTS BSA: CHEMISTRY MERIT BADGE
Two-Day Workshop
Part 1: Tuesday, Aug 4 - 1 PM to 5 PM
Part 2: Thursday Aug 6 - 1 PM to 5 PM
Join Rancocas’ certified Merit Badge counselors for this two-day workshop incorporating the updated Scouting BSA requirements. The Chemistry Badge explores how substances react with each other, how they change, how certain forces connect molecules, and how molecules are made. Scouts must be able to attend both sessions, will be expected to complete one homework requirement between the two sessions, and participate fully in the workshop. Most appropriate for scouts ages 13 and above. Cost: $45/per scout. Register by emailing education@rancocasnaturecenter.org.
Two-Day Workshop
Part 1: Tuesday, Aug 4 - 1 PM to 5 PM
Part 2: Thursday Aug 6 - 1 PM to 5 PM
Join Rancocas’ certified Merit Badge counselors for this two-day workshop incorporating the updated Scouting BSA requirements. The Chemistry Badge explores how substances react with each other, how they change, how certain forces connect molecules, and how molecules are made. Scouts must be able to attend both sessions, will be expected to complete one homework requirement between the two sessions, and participate fully in the workshop. Most appropriate for scouts ages 13 and above. Cost: $45/per scout. Register by emailing education@rancocasnaturecenter.org.
Programs for All Ages
INTERPRETIVE TRAIL HIKE
Sunday, June 7 - 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--a Rancocas Nature Center Membership or a donation is suggested. Register online at INTERPRETIVE TRAIL HIKE Inclement weather cancels.
Sunday, June 7 - 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--a Rancocas Nature Center Membership or a donation is suggested. Register online at INTERPRETIVE TRAIL HIKE Inclement weather cancels.
CELEBRATE MOTH WEEK: Caterpillar Hunt and special viewing of “The Extraordinary Caterpillar”
Thursday, July 23 Caterpillar Hunt at 5:30 PM Private viewing of “The Extraordinary Caterpillar” at 6:30 PM
The Extraordinary Caterpillar, a film by Jeff McKay, follows scientists and community activists and takes a look into the dazzling world of nature’s tiniest superheroes. Be a part of a special viewing of this amazing video featuring Doug Tallamy, Sam Jaffee, and David Wagner. Come early and join Mary Belko for a caterpillar hunt around the nature center grounds. This program is suitable for adults and children aged 10 and up. Cost: Suggested donation $5/per person Register online at MOTH WEEK. Registration is limited. Membership
Thursday, July 23 Caterpillar Hunt at 5:30 PM Private viewing of “The Extraordinary Caterpillar” at 6:30 PM
The Extraordinary Caterpillar, a film by Jeff McKay, follows scientists and community activists and takes a look into the dazzling world of nature’s tiniest superheroes. Be a part of a special viewing of this amazing video featuring Doug Tallamy, Sam Jaffee, and David Wagner. Come early and join Mary Belko for a caterpillar hunt around the nature center grounds. This program is suitable for adults and children aged 10 and up. Cost: Suggested donation $5/per person Register online at MOTH WEEK. Registration is limited. Membership
Adult & Teen Programs
(Programs are suitable for interested teens)
RANCOCAS NATURE CENTER OUTDOOR PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB
Thursdays, June 4, July 2, and August 6 - 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 4, July 2, and August 6 - 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
Saturday, June 20 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 Rancocas Nature Center Membership or a donation is suggested. Register online at SATURDAY GUIDED WALK Inclement weather cancels.
Saturday, June 20 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 Rancocas Nature Center Membership or a donation is suggested. Register online at SATURDAY GUIDED WALK Inclement weather cancels.
BOOMING NIGHTHAWKS
Tuesday, June 9 - 7:30 PM
In late spring Common Nighthawks create a loud "booming" sound at dawn and dusk, during breeding season. The booming sound is created by the nighthawks diving steeply forcing air through their wing feathers. Come join RNC Naturalist Patty Rehn to witness this unique display. This location in Tabernacle is a great place to watch them display. Bring a chair and we will sit and wait for nighthawks as the sun goes down, and we are hopefully serenaded by Whip-poor-wills in the nearby pines. Directions for the meeting spot and further information will be sent a few days before. Cost: A Rancocas Nature Center Membership is required. Register online at BOOMING NIGHTHAWKS- space is limited. Inclement weather cancels.
Tuesday, June 9 - 7:30 PM
In late spring Common Nighthawks create a loud "booming" sound at dawn and dusk, during breeding season. The booming sound is created by the nighthawks diving steeply forcing air through their wing feathers. Come join RNC Naturalist Patty Rehn to witness this unique display. This location in Tabernacle is a great place to watch them display. Bring a chair and we will sit and wait for nighthawks as the sun goes down, and we are hopefully serenaded by Whip-poor-wills in the nearby pines. Directions for the meeting spot and further information will be sent a few days before. Cost: A Rancocas Nature Center Membership is required. Register online at BOOMING NIGHTHAWKS- space is limited. Inclement weather cancels.
CREATING A WILDLIFE FRIENDLY YARD
Sunday, August 2 - 2 PM
What factors are critical in order to attract wildlife to our yards? How can we encourage birds to make their homes in our yards? What 3 elements does wildlife need to not only survive but thrive? Join RNC Naturalist Patty Rehn as she shares ideas, from her own experience wildlife gardening, about making a space that is literally for the birds! This is an indoor slide presentation and discussion for adults. The program is free. A Rancocas Nature Center Membership or a $10 donation is suggested. Register at WILDLIFE FRIENDLY YARD
Sunday, August 2 - 2 PM
What factors are critical in order to attract wildlife to our yards? How can we encourage birds to make their homes in our yards? What 3 elements does wildlife need to not only survive but thrive? Join RNC Naturalist Patty Rehn as she shares ideas, from her own experience wildlife gardening, about making a space that is literally for the birds! This is an indoor slide presentation and discussion for adults. The program is free. A Rancocas Nature Center Membership or a $10 donation is suggested. Register at WILDLIFE FRIENDLY YARD
HUMP-DAY AFTER WORK HIKES (Ages 18+ intermediate ability with multiple elevation changes)
Wednesdays, June 3 and 10 - 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 Rancocas Nature Center Membership or a $10 donation is suggested. Register at HUMP-DAY AFTER WORK HIKES. Inclement weather cancels.
Wednesdays, June 3 and 10 - 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 Rancocas Nature Center Membership or a $10 donation is suggested. Register at HUMP-DAY AFTER WORK HIKES. Inclement weather cancels.
RANCOCAS MOTHING NIGHT (Ages 13+)
Thursday, August 6 Classroom presentation at 8 PM Outdoor Mothing Observation from 8:45 to 10 PM
Join us this summer to celebrate the beauty, life cycles, and habitats of our local moths. It’s a great way for interested “moth-ers” 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 Rancocas Nature Center Membership or a $10 donation is suggested. Register at MOTHING NIGHT. Inclement weather cancels. Rain date: Friday, August 7th.
Thursday, August 6 Classroom presentation at 8 PM Outdoor Mothing Observation from 8:45 to 10 PM
Join us this summer to celebrate the beauty, life cycles, and habitats of our local moths. It’s a great way for interested “moth-ers” 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 Rancocas Nature Center Membership or a $10 donation is suggested. Register at MOTHING NIGHT. Inclement weather cancels. Rain date: Friday, August 7th.
Adult Field Trips
(Suitable for Interested Teens)
GRASSLAND BIRDS (Members Only)
Thursday, June 11 Early birding at PPA with Patty at 7 AM Meet at PPA to carpool to farm from 7:30 to 10 AM
Join Rancocas staff and associate naturalists including Patty Rehn, Audrey Dorofy, and Mary Belko to look for breeding grassland birds, at two sites--a beautiful, local horse farm and the Pinelands Preservation Alliance (PPA) grounds in Pemberton. Some expected species include Purple Martins, Kingbirds, Meadowlark, Bobolinks, Bluebirds, sparrows, etc. This is a unique opportunity to explore and bird a private farm. The group will meet at the PPA parking lot and car caravan to the farm. Bring water, sunscreen, binoculars, and a scope if you have one. We will also have scopes to share. Directions to the meeting spot will be sent to participants via email the week before. Cost: A Rancocas Nature Center Membership is required. Register online at GRASSLAND BIRDS-- space is limited. Inclement weather cancels.
Thursday, June 11 Early birding at PPA with Patty at 7 AM Meet at PPA to carpool to farm from 7:30 to 10 AM
Join Rancocas staff and associate naturalists including Patty Rehn, Audrey Dorofy, and Mary Belko to look for breeding grassland birds, at two sites--a beautiful, local horse farm and the Pinelands Preservation Alliance (PPA) grounds in Pemberton. Some expected species include Purple Martins, Kingbirds, Meadowlark, Bobolinks, Bluebirds, sparrows, etc. This is a unique opportunity to explore and bird a private farm. The group will meet at the PPA parking lot and car caravan to the farm. Bring water, sunscreen, binoculars, and a scope if you have one. We will also have scopes to share. Directions to the meeting spot will be sent to participants via email the week before. Cost: A Rancocas Nature Center Membership is required. Register online at GRASSLAND BIRDS-- space is limited. Inclement weather cancels.
PRIVATE GARDENS TOUR
Saturday, June 13 - 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
The Rancocas area features a wonderful array of private gardens. Nature Center staff have organized an interpretive group tour of two local sites. Each garden has its own story to tell and reflects the gardeners’ focus--native plants, attracting birds and wildlife, and/or combating deer, invasives, etc. One site takes an ecological approach and features a variety of natives. The second site is more of a horticultural garden with great structural and artistic touches. Both are visually beautiful. Bring a bag lunch, a folding chair, and a water bottle--we will enjoy our lunch at one of these locations. Participants need to provide their own transportation. Carpooling is highly recommended due to parking constraints at the two gardens. Meet at 9:15am in the Rancocas Nature Center parking lot. Instructions/directions will be distributed and then we will car caravan to the sites. Cost: Rancocas Nature Center members: $25/per car/max 4 people; Non-members: $30/per car/max 4 people. Space is limited. Register online at PRIVATE GARDENS TOUR MEMBERSHIP
Saturday, June 13 - 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
The Rancocas area features a wonderful array of private gardens. Nature Center staff have organized an interpretive group tour of two local sites. Each garden has its own story to tell and reflects the gardeners’ focus--native plants, attracting birds and wildlife, and/or combating deer, invasives, etc. One site takes an ecological approach and features a variety of natives. The second site is more of a horticultural garden with great structural and artistic touches. Both are visually beautiful. Bring a bag lunch, a folding chair, and a water bottle--we will enjoy our lunch at one of these locations. Participants need to provide their own transportation. Carpooling is highly recommended due to parking constraints at the two gardens. Meet at 9:15am in the Rancocas Nature Center parking lot. Instructions/directions will be distributed and then we will car caravan to the sites. Cost: Rancocas Nature Center members: $25/per car/max 4 people; Non-members: $30/per car/max 4 people. Space is limited. Register online at PRIVATE GARDENS TOUR MEMBERSHIP
HUMMINGBIRD SIT -- LITTLE EGG HARBOR, NJ (Members Only)
Saturday, August 15 - 5 PM
You’ll not want to miss this trip! Location, location, location…and a lot of TLC. As fall migration south begins for hummingbirds in August, evenings bring the most hummingbirds to this small private but very popular hummingbird oasis by the shore in Little Egg Harbor, NJ. As we sit and wait, the homeowner will share stories of how he got started, the numbers and vagrant species of hummingbirds he has had through the years, and what plants attract the most hummingbirds. Please plan on eating dinner before the program or after dark. Bring a folding chair and a water bottle and we will sit and enjoy! Our “Sit” ends at sunset. You’ll provide your own transportation and will receive instructions/directions the week before. This program is free (with a current Rancocas Nature Center Membership). Inclement weather cancels. Register online at HUMMINGBIRD Registration limited to 15 participants.
Saturday, August 15 - 5 PM
You’ll not want to miss this trip! Location, location, location…and a lot of TLC. As fall migration south begins for hummingbirds in August, evenings bring the most hummingbirds to this small private but very popular hummingbird oasis by the shore in Little Egg Harbor, NJ. As we sit and wait, the homeowner will share stories of how he got started, the numbers and vagrant species of hummingbirds he has had through the years, and what plants attract the most hummingbirds. Please plan on eating dinner before the program or after dark. Bring a folding chair and a water bottle and we will sit and enjoy! Our “Sit” ends at sunset. You’ll provide your own transportation and will receive instructions/directions the week before. This program is free (with a current Rancocas Nature Center Membership). Inclement weather cancels. Register online at HUMMINGBIRD Registration limited to 15 participants.