Registration for Park members begins on January 9, 2012.
Non Park members can register beginning February 6, 2012.
 

It’s time to register for the popular Nature Discovery Programs. These programs are held in selected parks. Each park offers its own habitats and recreational opportunities for students to enjoy. Your child will explore, experiment, discover and (don’t share this secret) learn while having fun.

NEW this year for full-day programs: Before Care & After Care
Before Care: 8:30–9am; Cost: $25 per week
After Care: 2–4pm; Cost: $70 per week
After Care: 3–4pm; Cost: $45 per week

Registration is required, and parents MUST pick up their children no later than 4pm. Failure to do so results in a late fee of $1 per minute beginning at 4pm. This late fee must be paid on Friday afternoon when the child is picked up.

Registration:
        Parks members:  begins January 9. 2012
        Non-members:  begins February 6, 2012

         Spaces are limited and reserved only with full payment.

Print out the Registration Packet from below.  Mail completed Registration and Health forms along with full payment to York County Parks, 400 Mundis Race Road, York, PA 17406.

Call York County Parks at (717) 840-7440 during regular business hours to register by phone. Staff will complete the registration form. Print out the Registration Packet from below.  Mail completed health form along with full payment to the above address within 2 weeks.

York County Parks accepts checks, money orders or credit cards. All credit card transactions are subject to a 4% service fee.

Full refunds will be given when the cancellation occurs at least 30 days prior to the start of the program. If cancellation occurs within 30 days of the program a refund will be issued only if your child’s spot is filled by another participant.

 

Download 2012 Brochure , 1-page program descriptions and Registration Packet now
 

Half-day Programs
June 11 - 15: Small Wonders Series
Ages: 3 & 4
Time: 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $35.00
Description: Students will role-play, imitate, image, question, and experiment with nature during this hands-on fun filled week along with their parent or guardian. Classes will include crafts, snacks and spending time outside.
June 18 - 22: Nature Discovery Program I
Ages: 5 & 6
Times:  9:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $65.00
Description: Butterflies, flowers, trees, foxes, mink, bluebirds, turtles, frogs and more. There is so much to learn and discover about nature. Students will be introduced to a variety of topics through discovery learning, crafts, hikes, and more.
July 2, 3, 5, 6: Nature Discovery Program I
Ages: 5 & 6
Times:  9:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $65.00
Description: Special Reptile Week Theme—Reptiles: Are they slimy? Are they rough? Why do snakes stick out their tongues? Children will discover the answers to these questions and more during this special Reptile Week-themed class featuring a special Critter Caravans show just for students.

Full-day Programs
June 25 - 29: Nature Discovery Program II
Ages: 7 & 8
Time: 9:00  - 2 p.m.
Cost: $85
Description:  Discover animal adaptations, habitats, metamorphosis, migration, and more during this fun-filled week. Students will learn the ins and outs of the world around them through experiments, games, crafts, stories, and activities.
July 23 - 27: Nature Discovery Program III 
Ages: 9 - 10
Times:  9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Cost: $120.00
Description: During this week, students will hike the trails at Nixon Park and explore Lake Redman by canoe while studying animals in their habitats. Classes will include hands-on games, activities, crafts and adventures.
August 13 - 17: Nature Discovery Program IV 
Ages: 11 - 13
Times:  9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Cost: $145.00
Description: Looking for adventure? This high-energy adventure week features hiking, nature study and a trip to Harpers Ferry, WV, for a guided tubing tour. Students will explore ecosystems found in different county parks while honing their observation, tracking, and navigation skills.
July 9 - 13: Archaeology Week I
August 6 - 10: Archaeology Week II
 
Ages: 9 - 12
Times: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Cost: $125.00  week 1 (Location is Penn Park, digging a Civil War site); $150 week 2 (location is Raab Park, digging York Iron Company Mine)
Description: Co-sponsored with the York County Heritage Trust, this week of hard work, fun and education will get right down to earth! Students learn the concepts of doing archaeology by conducting actual excavations. Students will learn how to take notes, catalog artifacts and build displays. Interwoven between excavations, the class tours selected YCHT sites show how archeology ties into historical interpretation. A public hike to examine the excavations will be
held on Thursday evening of both weeks beginning at 6pm.
July 30 - August 3: Nature Academy 
Ages: 14 - 15
Times:  9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $160.00
Description: Interested in pursuing a career in science or wildlife? Then this week-long intensive nature study and exploration is for you. Each day will focus on a different natural history theme, getting down and dirty, close and microscopic, and nitty gritty into the natural world of York County.
DID YOU KNOW? The York County Department of Parks and Recreation hires two seasonal staff to plan and run these programs. Many of those hired over the past 18 years have been college students. This experience is a great stepping-stone for college students who plan on working with children in the future or simply love children.   Please let us know if you are aware of anyone who is interested in working with the children (paid or volunteer).

     Previous NDP staff members have not only graduated from college but some have received Masters and Doctoral degrees, have become full-time teachers, youth counselors, recreation directors and York County Park Naturalists. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Amber Carothers at (717) 428-1961 for further details.
 
VOLUNTEERS are sought to assist in all of the classes. If you are interested in being employed by the Parks for the summer or would love to volunteer, please contact, Amber Carothers, Park Naturalist, at  (717) 428-1961 or alcarothers@yorkcountypa.gov.  Those who volunteer do so because they love giving back to the community, like to work with children, have an interest in the outdoors or area history