Kateri Naturalists can bring these programs to your school or meeting place. Call for details.

Animal Hideaways Feel like living in a tree, pond or cave? Join us on a search for hidden signs of our quiet neighbors. Games will help us to experience some animal survival skills. (grades pre K-4) [CCCS 5.12]

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-4) [CCCS 5.12]

Before Columbus: Native American Lore No microwaves? No Home Depot? No MTV? What kind of life is that? Find out how the Native Americans made food, built shelter and had fun. SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER ONLY (grades pre K-6) [CCCS 6.5]

Earth Vision: The Big Picture How has our understanding of the earth changed since astronauts first ventured into space? This mostly indoor program includes a slide show, guided meditation and work on the spectacular eight foot big picture puzzle. We will explore the earth as an ecosystem through art and technology. (grades 8 -12) [CCCS 5.12 and 6.4]

Eco Explorers In small groups, students become foresters and explore the weeds, trees, wildlife and wonders on a small plot of their own. Discoveries, favorite findings and poems are shared as a class. (grades 4-12) [CCCS 5.12]

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 1.3]

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 squid. Be prepared to stand in several inches of water. WARM WEATHER ONLY APRIL - JUNE; SEPTEMBER - MID OCTOBER (grades 3 -12) [CCCS 5.10]

Group Challenge These exciting and challenging activities are designed to foster communication and cooperation. Students must work together as a group to solve these problems. (grades 5-12. Maximum group size 24) [CCWR 4]

How's the Water? Explore water from creek and pond through surface skimming, muck sampling and wildlife inventories. Students will view the hidden world of minute aquatic life and discover the lesser known effects of pollutants. WARM WEATHER ONLY APRIL - JUNE; SEPTEMBER - MID OCTOBER (grades 6-12. Maximum group size 24)[CCCS 5.12]

Insect Safari During our safari we will explore some of your reactions as well as the myths, mysteries and crucial importance of our insect neighbors. The program includes games, a hike and an insect search. (grades 2-7) [CCCS 5.7]

Maple Sugaring Discover the history and folklore of maple sugaring; learn to tap a tree and gather sweet sap; then take part in the great Kateri Maple syrup taste test. FEBRUARY - MARCH ONLY (grades K-12) [CCCS 6.5]

New Games Olympics Enjoy crazy, spirited, cooperative and fun games such as spirals, hug tag, skin the snake and people pass; the object is not winning, but abandon and enjoyment. (grades 3-12)

Predator - Prey Simulation Become a fox, groundhog or squirrel and comb the field and forest for your food and shelter. Will you survive or be captured like most? Learn about the daily routines of wildlife by experiencing them. (grades 5-12) [CCCS 5.6]

Sensory Surprise All senses are awakened and refreshed as children explore the woods in ways they may never have. Noses, ears, eyes and fingers will find surprise in unknown forest delights. (grades pre K-4) [CCCS 5.7]

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-4) [CCCS 5.7]

Terrific Trees Have you ever hugged a tree? Meet a tree and its products and make tree art as we celebrate our friends the trees. (grades K-6) [CCCS 6.9]

Survival Would you make it if lost in the wild for a night? Learn the basics of building and securing shelter, water and food in the woods. (grades 4-12) [CCCS 6.9]

Kateri Naturalists can bring these programs to your school or meeting place. Call for details

Earth Vision: The Big Picture How has our understanding of the earth changed since astronauts first ventured into space? Through a slide show, guided meditation and art we will explore the earth as an ecosystem. (grades 8 -12)

Indoor Insect Safari Explore the wonderful world of insects through games and a fascinating slide show. (grades 2-7)

Scout programs are available after school Mondays through Thursdays. Scouts may choose from our regular school programs or take part in one of our specially designed scout activities.

Animals Play games and take a hike to learn about animals. We’ll complete the requirements for: Understanding Animals, Creature Moves, Looks Mean Something and Sound Charades.

Earth and Sky Look up, Look Down fun things to see and do are all around. Brownies will complete the requirements for Can you Dig it? Going Going Gone, Sky Watching and Creatures of the Air.

Eco-Explorer Begin by making a Food Chain and playing the What’s a Habitat game. Then head out on the trails for Exploring Nature and Make a Habitat.

Outdoor Adventurer Hit the trail in small groups for a fun Day Hike. We’ll stop to Touch, Smell and Listen and Build a Shelter. We'll play a fun Dress for the Weather Relay. Troops will need to bring their own walking salad to complete the requirements.

Senses All senses are awakened and refreshed as Brownies explore the woods in ways they may never have. We'll complete the requirements for Only the Nose Knows, Make a Better Ear, Can You Feel It? and What's It Like?

Water Everywhere We’ll have lots of fun exploring the pond and stream as we complete these requirements: Drip Drop; Made of Water, Water Snooper and Water Explorer. (You will get muddy and possibly wet, dress for action) MAY - JUNE ONLY

Junior Badges:
Our updated Junior badge programs meet the requirements from the new 2001 Badge Book.

Earth Connections  Girls will have a fun time exploring Kateri’s woods to complete six requirements for their Ecology Badge.  

Outdoor Creativity  Let nature inspire you to create works of art as we explore Kateri’s woodlands. Girls will have the opportunity to finish six requirements for this fun and creative badge.

Rocks Rock  Get your feet wet as you complete six requirements for the Rocks Rock badge, including the highlight of the day - a fossil hunt in the Tan Vat Brook. WARM WEATHER ONLY APRIL - JUNE; SEPTEMBER - MID OCTOBER

Water Wonders  Learn more about the world of wet and wonderful water during a visit to Kateri’s pond and stream. We’ll get wet and muddy as we complete the requirements for the Water Wonder badge. AVAILABLE APRIL - JUNE ONLY.

Wildlife  Try your hand at observing and helping wildlife as you earn your Wildlife Badge.

Wolves: Join us for a fun hike in Kateri’s woods as you earn arrow points toward your Birds or Outdoor Adventure electives.

Bears: We’ll help your den to complete some fun activities for Sharing your World with Wildlife or Native American Life.