Delaware Nature Society

SCHOOL OVERNIGHTS & EXTENDED DAYS

Overnights and extended days at Ashland Nature Center are a special adventure for everyone, providing an in-depth experience with the outdoors.

A great kickoff or culminating activity for your curriculum, your class will enjoy the many hands-on programs that we offer. A free teacher's planning guide will be sent to you upon reserving a date.

- Reservations are accepted year round; see details.
- See Field Studies for program descriptions.

Accommodations & Facilities
Your stay in our beautiful Lodge overlooking the Red Clay Creek Valley features:

A science laboratory with 30 microscopes, video microscope, and other equipment;

Two spacious, heated dormitories with bunk beds for up to 75 people;

Great Room with fireplace, TV, VCR, seating for 80 people and panoramic view.

Restrooms with showers adjoin each dorm;

Modern kitchen with large-capacity refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher, standard and microwave ovens, cookware, eating utensils, griddles, coffeemakers and dishware.

Preserves Overnights (for grades 5-12)
Spend an overnight at Ashland and travel to our nearby preserves for programs. Cost includes shuttle to our nature preserves:

Flint Woods Preserve: Reading the Forest, Forest Ecology, Birds of Two Worlds

Burrows Run Preserve: Big Trees, Life of the Monarch (Sept.-Oct.), Springs and Streams, Birds of Two Worlds, Watershed Study, Biodiversity.

What You Can Do During An Overnight
Each overnight includes three hands-on field studies led by experienced guides, early morning and evening hikes through a variety of habitats, and choice of evening program with a campfire and tee-shirt craft. Team building and cooperative activities are an option, plus there is free time for teachers to plan crafts/ songs/ journals/ games.

Overnight Schedule (sample)
Day One
9:30 a.m. - Arrival
10:00 a.m. - Pond Study
12:00-1:00 p.m. - Lunch/Rest
1:00-3:30 p.m. - Native Americans
3:30-5:30 p.m. - Teacher-directed activities
5:30-6:30 p.m. - Dinner
6:30-7:30 p.m. - Nocturnal Animals
7:30-8:00 p.m. - Design a tee-shirt
8:30-9:00 p.m. - Night Hike
9:00-9:45 p.m. - Campfire

Day Two
7:00 a.m. - Wake up
7:30-8:30 a.m. - Morning Walk
8:30-9:30 a.m. - Breakfast
9:30-11:30 a.m. - Insect Study
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. - Lunch & Clean up
12:30-1:00 p.m. - Wrap up/Evaluation
1:15 p.m. - Departure

Extended Day Programs
Can't spend the night? Bring your class for Extended Day field experiences! Arrive at 9:30 a.m. and stay until 8:00 p.m. Activities include two field studies, a live animal presentation and an evening hike or campfire. Teachers may select programs to complement their classroom curriculum.

Extended Day Schedule (sample)
9:30 a.m. - Arrival
10:00 a.m. - Nature Photography
12:00-1:00 p.m. - Lunch
1:00-3:00 p.m. - Stream Watch
3:00-5:00 p.m. - Teacher-directed activities
5:30-5:30 p.m. - Dinner
5:00-6:30 p.m. - Nocturnal Animals
6:30-7:30 p.m. - Design a tee-shirt and Night Hike
7:45 p.m. - Parents arrive for pick up