FAQs

We work with each school group to design a program that best fits the needs and outcomes of the group. Each program is rooted in the following components: science lessons, team building, evening programs, and meals and transitions. Every day is a packed with experiential learning and collaboration presented in a fun, student-centered environment. Visit the Our Programs section for more information on our lessons and to view sample schedules.

Nature’s Classroom takes place at various locations around the New England area. We have sites in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Rhode Island.

Our locations offer comfortable, clean cabin facilities. All cabins have bunk beds, electricity, heat, fully-equipped bathrooms, and ample cubby space for belongings. Cabin capacities vary and we work with each school to provide cabins that accommodate the size of the group. Some private teacher accommodations may be available upon request.

The program includes all meals and facility usage (lodging, meeting spaces, sports areas). It also includes standards-aligned day and evening programming delivered by our instructors. Our team will provide the teachers with support throughout the planning process. A parent information night is also included for all schools, as well as a visit to the school to set the expectations for the students. A chaperone meeting can also be arranged if requested.

Program costs vary and are determined by length of stay, number of students, and the season. Please contact us to discuss pricing for your school.

Scholarships are available. Please contact us for more information on how we can support your students.

We require each school to bring chaperones at a ratio of 1:10 to provide coverage for break times and overnights. This can be a combination of teachers and parents.

Program length varies from a 1-day program up to a 5-day (4 nights) program.

Our curriculum is designed to support learning for 4th – 8th-grade students. If you would like to bring a grade outside that range, please contact us.

Groups are encouraged to schedule as far in advance as possible to ensure the availability of preferred dates. Please contact us for information regarding availability.

Nature’s Classroom staff members are college graduates from all over the United States. Some instructors have science backgrounds, while others have experience working with children. The diversity of our backgrounds and shared enthusiasm for educating youth outdoors are assets that contribute to the success of our program. All instructors are certified in First Aid and CPR.

We provide 1 instructor for every 10 – 12 students. At some centers, we ask that a teacher or parent chaperone joins each learning group to offer additional adult support during lessons and activities.

Prior to the trip, teachers will collect student and chaperone paperwork and money and arrange the students into lodging and field groups (some sites may also require separate meal groups). We are happy to support first-time teachers through this process and have paperwork available to help complete this efficiently. Once the students are on-site, the teachers may be asked to support the instructors during programming and support the Program Coordinator with behavioral and medical concerns that may arise. It is helpful to designate a lead teacher who will be the point of contact with the Program Coordinator.

We cater to a number of dietary needs. Our facilities are nut-free and also accommodate gluten, wheat, dairy, soy, shellfish, egg, and lactose allergies, intolerances, and restrictions, as well as vegetarian and vegan diets. Please contact us with any other concerns so we can create a safe dining experience for all participants.

Every child’s needs are different. If you have a concern regarding participation, please contact us so we can determine the best way to accommodate the student to ensure they have a safe experience. We ask that the school provide any 1:1 support that may be needed.

Both are available to teachers. We ask that students do not bring cell phones or other electronics.