Locust Grove Nature Center to host “Nature Explorers,” a classroom without walls for children to learn through outdoor play. Public is invited to an open house on August 31, 2016 from 4 – 6 p.m.
SILVER SPRING, MD – Montgomery Parks, part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission is launching “Nature Explorers,” a new nature-based pre-school program at Locust Grove Nature Center. The five-week program begins in September and takes children outdoors to explore, discover and create – while learning through play.
“Getting kids outside is so important to their wellbeing and development,” said Marta Potter, facility and program manager at Locust Grove Nature Center. “Research shows that kids are spending half as much time outside today as they did 20 years ago. We put this program together specifically to address this need and to lay the ground work for a love of learning.”
Continuous research shows nature-based programs not only provide children with physical benefits, but also contribute to their overall health, learning, gross motor and mental health.
Children in the program will be immersed in nature by exploring Cabin John Regional Park, which surrounds Locust Grove Nature Center. They will have the opportunity to discover the woods and streams while learning what is growing and living all around them. These hands-on, nature based activities encourage social skills, problem solving, and foster independence and self-esteem.
Nature Explorers offers two five-week sessions, September 13th to October 13th and October 18th to November 17th. Each session is offered twice a week, from 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Classes are limited to 10 children and cost $275 per session.
Locust Grove Nature Center will host an open house August 31st from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. for parents and caregivers to learn more about the program and register in person.
For more information, including how to register for Nature Explorers visit www.ActiveMontgomery.com
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About The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks manages more than 36,000 acres of parkland, consisting of 418 parks. Montgomery Parks is a department of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), a bi-county agency established in 1927 to steward public land. The M-NCPPC has been nationally recognized for its high quality parks and recreation services and is regarded as a national model by other parks systems. www.montgomeryparks.org.