Junior Naturalist Academy
Curious about what it's like to be a naturalist?
Step into the shoes of a naturalist! Over three adventure-filled days, Junior Naturalists will explore Ruffner Mountain’s landscape, flora, and fauna through hands-on science, nature hikes, and creative eco-art projects. From fossil hunting and soil mixing to tree ID hikes and birdwatching, each day highlights a different part of our local ecosystem—encouraging curiosity, observation, and care for the natural world.
Naturalists will be grouped by age (7–9, and 10-12), with a max of 15 per group. The daily schedule includes outdoor exploration, STEAM activities, and games designed to build confidence, foster friendships, and promote environmental awareness in a fun and inclusive setting.
Dates: July 30-Aug 1, 2025
Location: Ruffner Mountain
Time: 9am-12pm
Cost: $150 nonmembers, $120 members
Ages: 7-12
What to bring: water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray, closed-toed shoes, backpack
Nut-free snacks and field notebook provided
