School Programs

Our goal is to allow children to experience hands-on outdoor fun while gaining respect for all living things. In our 265-acre outdoor classroom of woodland, wetland, field and stream, children of all ages delight in the wonders of nature while learning important ecological principles expressed in our programs.

To bring your students, call us at 732-946-9694 to schedule a date. You will then choose a program from the list below. Because of the nature of the activities, some programs can only be done at certain times of the year. Each program lasts approximately one and one half hours. School groups coming for a full day will complete two programs.

General Information

Cost: A full day school program runs from approximately 10:00am - 2:00pm and costs $12.00 per student, with a minimum fee of $240. A $120 deposit is required one month before your program date. We will accept a purchase order in lieu of a deposit. Make checks payable to Collier Services. We cannot accept cash. We will bill you the balance after your visit.

Group Size: Minimum of 20. Groups of fewer than 20 students must pay the $240. minimum. For most programs our maximum is 50. If you have more than 50 students, please call to discuss your options.

Cancellation Policy: If your group cancels less than one month prior to your program date, you will be billed for $240.

Weather: Kateri has limited facilities for some rainy day programs for small groups. In case of extreme weather conditions including high winds, call no later than 8:30 on the morning of your scheduled visit. At that time we will determine if the conditions will allow us to proceed safely or if we need to reschedule.

Chaperones: Please do not send more than one chaperone per 7 students unless you receive permission from us first. We do not charge for chaperones that come to help, however we reserve the right to charge for extra parents who tag along. Discipline is the responsibility of your teachers.

Name Tags: Please have your students wear name tags if possible, this allows our teachers to give a personal touch.

Lunch: Students and chaperones should bring a lunch and beverages. There is no time to leave the property for lunch. You may wish to bring water bottles, as we do not have a water fountain.

Dress: Everyone should wear old, comfortable clothes, and dress for the weather. Please wear boots or other sturdy footwear, since trails are often muddy.

Insurance and Indemnification: The USER shall indemnify and hold COLLIER SERVICES harmless against any and all claims for liability and all damage to the facilities. The USER shall provide insurance coverage naming COLLIER SERVICES as an additional insured, with limits of not less than $1,000,000 for liability and property damage. The USER shall also maintain Workers Compensation insurance as required by law. A Certificate of Insurance evidencing this insurance coverage shall be provided to COLLIER SERVICES prior to use of facilities.

School Program List

The following is a list of programs currently available for school groups. Please note the grade level and maximum group size for each program and choose accordingly. If you would like help in choosing a program to fit your curriculum, please feel free to call our naturalists. We would be happy to adapt a program to meet your needs. Core Curriculum Content Standards are listed after each program.

 Amazing Adaptations  All living things are adapted to survive in their habitats.  Discover some of the amazing adaptations of wild animals, plants and people too!  We will play games and go for an exploratory hike. (grades 4-12) CCCS: 5.5, 5.10

 Animal Hideaways  Where do wild animals make their homes? Join us on a search for hidden signs of our animal neighbors. We’ll share a story, take a short hike and build our own animal hideaways. (grades pre K-3) CCCS: 5.10

 Awesome Autumn  Animals and trees are preparing for winter. Come discover the beautiful changes of the season through exploratory walks, games and awesome autumn art. SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER ONLY (grades pre K-3) CCCS: 5.5, 5.10

 Bio-Bingo  Students will work in small groups to search the Kateri fields and forest for examples of science concepts in action.  Ecological concepts and vocabulary are reinforced in this exciting program that is both Hands on and Minds on.  (grades 7-12) CCCS: 5.10, 6.6

 Eco Explorers  In small groups, students become scientists and explore the biological and physical characteristics of a small plot of their own. Findings are then shared with the class at an ecology conference. (grades 4-12) CCCS: 5.10

 Environmental Treasure Hunt  Movies, malls, and video games - Make way! Outdoor fun is rediscovered and dulled senses awakened as student teams search for many of the natural wonders at Kateri. (grades 5-12) CCCS: 5.5

 Fossil Fun  Step back in time to when the ocean covered New Jersey. We will explore the Tan Vat Brook and search for fossilized sharks teeth, seashells and crustaceans. Be prepared for mud. WARM WEATHER ONLY APRIL - JUNE; SEPTEMBER - MID OCTOBER (grades 3 -12) CCCS: 5.8

 Frog Frolics   Frogs, fish, turtles and insects make their home at the Kateri pond. Students will collect and learn about aquatic creatures. (You will get muddy and possibly wet, dress for action and do not wear insect repellent) MAY - JUNE ONLY (grades K-12) CCCS: 5.5

 Group Challenge  These exciting and challenging activities are designed to foster communication and cooperation. Students must work together as a group to overcome real and imaginary obstacles. (grades 5-12. The maximum group size for this program is 24; students will be split into two groups of 12.) CCCS: 5.1

 Insect Safari  During our safari we will explore some of the myths, mysteries and crucial importance of our insect neighbors. The program includes games, a hike and an insect search. (grades K-12) CCCS: 5.5, 5.10

 Maple Sugaring  Discover the folklore and science of maple sugaring through our funny skits. Learn how trees are tapped and take part in the Kateri maple syrup taste test. FEBRUARY - MARCH ONLY (grades K-12)CCCS: 5.6

 Native American Lore  What did Indian children do for fun? Take a hike through the forest and play some Native American games, then join our sharing circle to find out more about the lives of the Indians. SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER ONLY (grades pre K-4) CCCS: 6.4

 Predator - Prey Simulation Tag , Our most popular program! Become an animal and try to survive while searching the fields and forest for food, water and shelter. Learn about the strategies and adaptations of wildlife by living them. (grades 5-12) CCCS: 5.10

 Sensory Surprise Take a walk through our trails and awaken your senses. We will play games to explore the woods using our eyes, ears, noses, and fingers. (grades pre K-2) CCCS: 3.4, 5.10

 Spring Surprise  Uncover the magic of springtime by visiting Kateri's woodland wildflowers. Meet Jack in his pulpit; find tiny potatoes and umbrellas just big enough for an elf. Games and poetry add to the fun on this special discovery hike. APRIL - MAY ONLY (grades pre K-2) CCCS: 5.10

 Survival  Would you survive if lost in the wild for a night? Learn the basics of securing shelter, water and food in the woods. Students will work in teams to build their own shelters from woodland materials. (grades 4-12)CCCS: 5.1, 6.1

 Terrific Trees  How do trees work? Become a part of a tree and find out as we explore tree life processes and products. (grades K-6) CCCS: 5.5, 5.10

 Wild and Woolly Dyes  Children will gather leaves, flowers and berries and then brew them to discover the true colors of nature’s rainbow. Each class will take samples of their own dyed yarn back to school. (grades K-12) CCCS: 1.5, 5.2

Wildlife Wonders  Wildlife abounds in our woods and neighborhoods. How much do you know about the animals that live nearby? Through slides, stalking techniques and games, students learn how to more carefully observe and appreciate their wild neighbors. (grades 3-8) CCCS: 5.5, 5.10