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.
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 Science Adventures in Nature and 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.
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.
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 Science Adventures in Nature or Trail School.
Absolutely. Each program invites children to learn about nature from slightly different perspectives and both are great experiences for curious children who love to be outside. Science Adventures in Nature is a thematic program with guided activities, experiments, and exploration. Trail School is based on the concepts of nature play and child-led inquiry and learning.
No, children must register for the full month.
You can pay online with a credit card or Electronic Funds Transfer through our secure registration partner, Active Network.
Yes, inquiries should be made to the Executive Director at [email protected]baltimorewoods.org
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.
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.
At Baltimore Woods Nature Center, the health and safety of our staff and visitors is of utmost importance. As of the summer of 2022, guidelines and the COVID-19 levels in our community were such that we made masking during outdoor programs optional. All in-person programming will continue to follow best practices for keeping our participants safe according to CDC and NYS recommendations and guidelines, and COVID-19 Community Risk levels in Onondaga County at the time of the program. This may include health screenings, physical distancing, and wearing facial coverings and will be communicated to you via email one week before the program.
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.