Whether your child is a young naturalist or is just beginning to explore the natural world, our goal is to foster a love of nature in a fun, safe, and supportive environment.
We are dedicated to making youth programs affordable and available to ALL children. Please consider donating to our scholarship fund – thank you!
Select Fridays, September – June
10:00am to 11:30am at BEEC
For children ages 3 to 5 plus caregivers
Upcoming Playgroups:
Join a BEEC Naturalist Educator for a delightful walk in nature! Together, we’ll explore and engage in discovery, wonder and play. We’ll also enjoy seasonal songs, stories and crafts.
Dress for the weather, but if it’s unpleasantly cold/wet/windy, we’ll move inside the classroom. Littles in tow are welcome. We have snacks to share.
Come for the whole series or drop in, but please sign up to let us know you’re coming.
Please consider making a donation to support this program and BEEC’s work.
This family program series is supported in part by the Block Foundation and the Windham Foundation.
Questions? Call: 802-257-5785 or send us a message.
Select Saturdays, 10am – 12 pm
Location varies – see event details
Geared towards families with children ages 5 to 11
*but all ages welcome
Free to all, but pre-registration is required
Want a refreshing start to the weekend? Gather your family, and join naturalists & educators from BEEC and the Boys & Girls Club of Brattleboro as they lead us on a short, themed walk in a cool local spot. Each excursion is unique and designed to inspire family fun in the great outdoors.
Each outing includes a snack and covers basic trail safety. Transportation is available from downtown Brattleboro. Outdoor gear is available depending on the season and the program.
Contact BEEC or the BGCB with questions.
11/1 – Shelter Building at Retreat Farm
It is stick season! Join us for a fun stick challenge and build your skills with debris shelters.
11/15 – Night Creatures at BEEC
Join us on a hike to listen for sounds of the night and learn about night creatures around a fire.
12/6 – Nature's Treasures at BEEC
We will gather nature’s treasures and make wreaths to bring in the green during the winter season.
1/10 – Fire Making at Retreat Farm
Join us to practice our fire-making skills and together enjoy a snack around the fire.
1/31 – Winter Detectives I at BEEC
On part 1 of 2 tracking programs we will visit different habitats to find a variety of tracks and signs of animals in winter.
Thank you to the Vermont Children’s Trust Foundation for funding this opportunity!
No current offerings
Check back soon or plan your own afterschool adventure!
After being in school all day, there’s nothing better than getting outside in nature! Tuning into the changing seasons, our environmental educators plan afterschool sessions that mix active play with exploration of the natural world around us. In the past we’ve offered these programs at BEEC, the Retreat Farm, and Westgate Housing, and we’ve collaborated with organizations such as In-Sight Photography. We also offer afterschool programs for schools.
Autumn Amble: Come discover the autumn world of singing insects, falling leaves, and traveling seeds. We will explore the changing world around us and play games that mimic the autumn behaviors of animals.
Chilly Changes: Let’s investigate the changing forest. We’ll explore how the plants and animals are preparing for the long cold winter, and play games that mimic their activities.
Winter Woods: Come discover the winter world around us through games, activities and exploration. We will explore winter survival strategies of animals, uncover stories by tracking wildlife, and mimic their winter behaviors.
Warming Days: As the world begins to slowly re-emerge from winter’s slumber we will explore what animals are doing and play games that mimic their activities.
Spring Stroll: Come explore and discover the spring world of bursting buds, returning birds, and emerging insects. Welcoming this magical time, we will also make nature art, and build fairy and gnome homes.
No current offerings.
Check back soon, or contact us to plan something cool!
BEEC invites teens, ages 13 to 18, with a passion for the natural world to learn together with comrades and mentors.
Program series sponsored by a supporter of BEEC and youth education.
Physical Location:
1221 Bonnyvale Road
West Brattleboro, Vermont
Mailing Address:
PO Box 2318
West Brattleboro, VT 05303
Trails open year round, sunrise to sunset
Office hours 10am-4pm Monday-Friday
