We know you have questions, and we have answers!
Yes! Rain, snow, or sunshine, we will be outside. Be sure to dress for the weather each day. In the event of severe weather (thunderstorms, extreme cold, etc.), we may move inside the Interpretive Center, postpone that day’s session, or cancel that day’s session. Families will be notified by phone or email.
Nature’s Little Explorers programs may include more indoor time in the coldest months but families should still come prepared to be outdoors for the majority of the program.
new
Trail School is for children ages 5-13. Children in September – December Sessions must be 5 years old by September 1st. Children must be 5 years old by January 1st for January – June sessions.
Nature’s Little Explorers is for children ages 3-4 years old. Children must be 3 years old by the first date of any given session. Children who turn 5 during the fall or winter/spring should sign up for Nature’s Little Explorers until they reach the Trail School age requirements listed above.
A backpack, one or two bottles of water, a snack, extra socks, rain or snow gear (if it’s that kind of a day), and a change of clothes.
A backpack, one or two bottles of water, a snack, extra socks, rain or snow gear (if it’s that kind of a day), and a change of clothes.
Yes! There will be time for a small snack break and water is always a good idea. One or two bottles of water is fine, please no glass bottles.
For Trail School, parents must remain on site at Baltimore Woods and are invited to accompany the program. Children in the Nature’s Little Explorers program must be accompanied by an adult during the program.
Parents can utilize our tables and Wi-Fi inside the program room or on the back deck of the Interpretive Center if they would like to do work while waiting for their children. Depending on the Onondaga County COVID-19 level, masks may be required in the building
Sure! If you have other children who are too young for our programs, you are welcome to bring them along, just be sure to let us know how many in the registration forms so we can best prepare for the group size. Older children should register for Trail School.
Yes, this model of outdoor education works best in small groups. Groups have no more than 9 children. We try to keep siblings together as much as possible. We understand that friendships are important, too, and will try to keep friends together in the same group, as well. However, we appreciate your understanding that this is not always possible while maintaining balanced groups. Groupings may also change month to month, depending upon how many children are registered. If you have a specific grouping need, please direct those to [email protected] at least 2 weeks before a session begins.
Absolutely! Because Trail School is largely based on exploration and nature play, each day will offer something a little different.
No, children must register for the full month.
Payments can be made in one of two ways: Full payment at time of registration, or by enrolling in a monthly payment plan. Here’s how that works: At the time of registration a 10% deposit for each registered month will be charged to your credit card. Thereafter, payments for any given month will be automatically charged to your card on the 1st of said month.
Yes, inquiries should be made to the Executive Director at [email protected]
No, but being a member can save you money! Members receive discounted prices on our programs, as well as discounts in our gift shop and early notice of upcoming programs and events, including summer camp registration opening dates. You can purchase a membership while registering for your programs, or through our website. If you purchase a membership during registration, or are already an active member, be sure to answer “yes” to the “Are you a member?” question in the registration form; member discounts will appear at checkout. For more information on memberships, click here:
Active Network is a national company that provides camp and class registration and database management tools for camps and schools. We have been using Active Network for our summer camp registration since 2013.
At Baltimore Woods Nature Center, the health and safety of our staff and visitors is of utmost importance. If you or your child have any active symptoms of a communicable illness (such as COVID-19, strep throat, flu, cold, RSV, pink eye, stomach bugs), do not travel to Baltimore Woods. Do let us know that you will be absent by calling 315-673-1350. Baltimore Woods staff will conduct brief health screenings at the start of each program meeting. Masking is supported. If health officials alert us to an outbreak of any communicable disease, we will update our safety protocols accordingly and notify participants via email before the start of a program.
You can easily register online – saving everyone time and paper, and a few trees in the process. On each program description page, find the link that says “Register Now!” You will be redirected to our program registration portal where you’ll find step-by-step instructions. Simply select your programs, fill out the forms, submit your payment, and you will get instant confirmation through your email. Be sure to set up an account to make future registrations even easier.
Program registration fees are non-refundable except in cases of family/medical emergencies. Baltimore Woods may cancel a program due to weather or low enrollment. Pre-registrants will be notified by email or phone in the event of a cancellation and any pre-payments will be refunded in that case.
Age recommendations and restrictions are made for each individual program based on terrain and hiking distance, time of day, and content of the program. In an effort to offer a high quality experience, we ask that you consider these recommendations when registering.
Pre-registration is required. Walk-ins will not be accepted.