Programs
WPO programs are age-based and tailored to meet the skill levels of each group. The program descriptions below should be treated as a guide to help you decide which group is best for your child. Parental participation is determined by each specific program. All programs, with the exception of yoga, follow the traditional school year from Labor Day to Memorial Day, with breaks for holidays and other specified time frames.
Children participating in drop-off programs must meet the minimum age/grade level specified, and they must be entirely bathroom independent and capable of withholding for the duration of the program's alotted time. WPO team members are unable to provide any bathroom assistance and there are no bathroom facilities along the hiking trails.
We have found through experience that kids adapt better to our programs when they are attending consistently. While we understand that things happen, registration is a commitment to participate in the entirety of your chosen program. Your kid will become more comfortable in nature with routine and consistency.
For the most up-to-date programming details, check out our calendar.
ages 0-6
Nature for Preschoolers
Wednesdays & Fridays, 10-11am
NFP is meant for the youngest adventurers who are just getting started. This hour-long program focuses on teaching kids how to respect the environment, building tolerance for varying weather conditions, and exploring and playing outside. Children must be attended by a parent/guardian at all times.
ages 4-7*
Nature for Big Kids
Thursdays, 10am-12pm
*Participants must be a minimum of 4 years of age, entirely bathroom independent and capable of withholding for 2 continuous hours, and able to hike 1 mile without assistance.
NFBK was designed for the NFP graduates: pre-school and early elementary aged kids who already have the outdoor basics and are ready to explore without their grown-up. This is a drop-off class. Parents/guardians are welcome to attend the first session to assist in a smooth transition if needed, but it is expected that kids in this group attend alone. Siblings that meet the program requirements are welcome to join.
ages 6-10
Hiking Before Homework!
Wednesdays 4:30-6pm
HBH is targeted towards kids in kindergarten and beyond, a dedicated group for "big kids" to celebrate those wiggles & giggles that may be lingering from a day indoors at school. This is a drop-off class. Parents/guardians are welcome to attend the first session to assist in a smooth transition if needed, but it is expected that kids in this group attend alone.
ages 10-14
Tweens!
Tuesdays, 4:30-6pm
Pre-teens and young teens are invited to meet new friends, explore the woods, and investigate a new topic each week. This is a drop-off class. Grown-ups are encouraged to stop in the cabin before and/or after each session to learn about what their tween is up to, but the kids are expected to attend this program alone.
home/cyber school age
Trail School
Session A: 1st/3rd Tuesdays
Session B: 2nd/4th Tuesdays
1-3pm
Trail school is for the home school or cyber school student, grades kindergarten through 8th.
This is a drop-off class. Parents/guardians are welcome to attend the first session to assist in a smooth transition if needed, but it is expected that kids in this group attend alone.
ages 18+
Yoga
Adults-only yoga takes place seasonally at Washington Park (April through September), or Citizens Library (October through April) with certified yoga instructors. All levels welcome! Pay-what-you-can to support the instructors, bring a mat or a towel.
