Summer Explore, Camping Fun & Nature Games – The Institute
Wednesdays June 23rd – Wednesday July 28th * 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
The Institute is offering a series of six new outdoor adventure programs in June & July.
Designed for kids in grades K to 5, the EXPLORE! at Pine Hill Recreation Area in Waynesboro, Pa.
All program activities are outside. Each week will feature a different theme.
Taught by Institute educators, every program includes educational activities related to the season and theme.
The theme for June 23 is “camping.”
Kids will travel with the instructor down the StoryWalk® trail and together will read the story, “When We Go Camping.”
They will learn about backyard camping, discover and engage in nature games that can be played while camping or hiking.
Participants will also create a make-and-take craft, a “nature game” to take home with them.
Grades: K–5
Cost: $5 member, $6 non-member. Pre-registration is required. Email us to sign up for these summer adventures! Email to: info@natureandcultureinstitute.org
June WonderWalks for Preschool
June 8th, 2021 * 10:00 am – 11:30 am
WonderWalks—Introducing your child to the wonders of nature!
Our youngest naturalists will enjoy fun and educational activities in the park, including exploring the outdoors, hikes, nature stories, rhymes, finger plays, nature games, puppets.
What: June WonderWalk Series for Preschool
When: Tuesdays in June 2021 (June 8, 15, 22, 29)
Ages: 2.5 – 5 yrs.
Where: Pine Hill Recreation Area
Cost: $28/child (discount for Institute members); $32/child (non-members).
For membership info visit: https://natureandcultureinstitute.org/membership/
Requirements: Registration for full series, paid ahead (no refunds for non-attendance).
COVID waivers (download our waiver/contact form here) to be signed before sessions begin.
Children must be accompanied by a parent.
Masks required during the session (2 yr-olds exempted).
Inclement Weather: If a session must be postponed due to weather conditions, it will be rescheduled into March.
Registration: Now open!
Please register by email: info@natureandcultureinstitute.org
Provide your name and phone number and state your wish to enroll your child/children in the WonderWalk June Series.
You will receive registration materials and instructions by return email including a link for optional online payment.
On The Move in Franklin County
Franklin County Visitors Bureau announced the release of its newest publication On the Move in Franklin County, featuring year-long recreation for the whole family. The guide, available in print and online here, features year-long fun including skydiving, golfing, visiting the local environmental centers, fly-fishing, tennis, yoga, hydrotherapy floats, hiking, skiing, snowboarding, kayaking, swimming and much more!
Situated in the heart of the beautiful Cumberland Valley, Franklin County compliments four-seasons of outdoor enjoyment. It is home to two national trails— the Appalachian Trail and the Tuscarora Trail, four PA State Parks and the lands of two state forests. Topping off the plentiful state and national trail options are more than three dozen municipal and local recreation areas throughout Franklin County. Whether seeking a family-friendly day of connecting with nature, taking to a quiet trail or meeting an intense outdoor challenge, Franklin County is the spot.
Franklin County contains all or part of four state parks, including Mont Alto State Park and Caledonia State Park, which are the oldest existing parks in the state. These parks are at the heart of the Pennsylvania conservation efforts and the forest lands are tied to Joseph Trimble Rothrock, the first Pennsylvania Forestry Commissioner, who was an advocate for conservation and helped found the Mont Alto Forestry School, now Penn State Mont Alto.
Other local parks and forests that have beautiful views for hiking includes Buchanan Birthplace State Park, where a large monument for Mercersburg-native and former President James Buchanan stands as well as nearly 19 acres of forest. Enjoy ice-skating, ice fishing and cross-country skiing on the lake at Cowans Gap State Park in the snowy months.
Winter is a great time to hit the trails of Whitetail Resort on skis, snowboards or even by snow tube! The resort, located in Two Top Mountain in the Tuscarora Mountains in Mercersburg, has 23 different trails from beginner hills to more advanced trails. Whitetail has gone through several renovations over the years, including longer trails, lighting on terrain for night skiing, halfpipe, a terrain park and snow tubing park with 10 lanes.
On the Move joins the seven yearly specialty publications that the Franklin County Visitors Bureau produces in their mission to promote the county, including the Franklin County Visitors Guide, Military Trail of History Guide, Fresh Food & Dining Guide, Franklin County Wedding & Event Planner and more!
Stay On The Move in Franklin County With the New FCVB Rec Guide
Franklin County Visitors Bureau announces the release of its newest publication On the Move in Franklin County, featuring year-long recreation for the whole family.
The guide, available in print and in the publications sections of the website, features year-long fun including skydiving, golfing, visiting the local environmental centers, fly-fishing, tennis, yoga, hydrotherapy floats, hiking, skiing, snowboarding, kayaking, swimming and much more!
Situated in the heart of the beautiful Cumberland Valley, Franklin County compliments four-seasons of outdoor enjoyment. It is home to two national trails— the Appalachian Trail and the Tuscarora Trail, four PA State Parks and the lands of two state forests. Topping off the plentiful state and national trail options are more than three dozen municipal and local recreation areas throughout Franklin County. Whether seeking a family-friendly day of connecting with nature, taking to a quiet trail or meeting an intense outdoor challenge, Franklin County is the spot.
The guide’s release, in late November, is done in perfect time to highlight some of the winter highlights of the region during the colder months, including the beautiful hiking trails.
Franklin County contains all or part of four state parks, including Mont Alto State Park and Caledonia State Park, which are the oldest existing parks in the state. These parks are at the heart of the Pennsylvania conservation efforts and the forest lands are tied to Joseph Trimble Rothrock, the first Pennsylvania Forestry Commissioner, who was an advocate for conservation and helped found the Mont Alto Forestry School, now Penn State Mont Alto.
Other local parks and forests that have beautiful views for hiking includes Buchanan Birthplace State Park, where a large monument for Mercersburg-native and former President James Buchanan stands as well as nearly 19 acres of forest. Enjoy ice-skating, ice fishing and cross-country skiing on the lake at Cowans Gap State Park in the snowy months.
Michaux State Forest in the east, Buchanan State Forest in the west and Tuscarora State Forest in central Franklin County, all have a wide variety of beautiful trees to see while hiking and enjoying nature in all seasons.
Winter is a great time to hit the trails of Whitetail Resort on skis, snowboards or even by snow tube! The resort, located in Two Top Mountain in the Tuscarora Mountains in Mercersburg, has 23 different trails from beginner hills to more advanced trails. Whitetail has gone through several renovations over the years, including longer trails, lighting on terrain for night skiing, halfpipe, a terrain park and snow tubing park with 10 lanes.
On the Move joins the seven yearly specialty publications that the Franklin County Visitors Bureau produces in their mission to promote the county, including the Franklin County Visitors Guide, Military Trail of History Guide, Fresh Food & Dining Guide, Franklin County Wedding & Event Planner and more!