The Pathfinders and

The Outsiders

The Pathfinders

Afterschool explorations for 5-9 year olds. Forest rambles, nature crafting, garden projects, barn time and plenty of fresh air and playtime 2 days a week through the spring of 2025.

The cost of the program is $535 for the session

All materials and tools needed will be provided by Fiddleheads. Children will need to come with their own outdoor clothing and gear. If there are barriers to obtaining appropriate clothing and gear please reach out.

How to Join the Pathfinders

Programming will take place at Fiddleheads School location or at the Dana L Thompson Memorial Park.

Dates are:

Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 25th-May 29th

Typical schedule:

3:00-3:30 drop-off, snacks, playtime and gear up

3:30-4:45 adventures and crafting

4:45-5:00 cleanup, gear storage and pickup

The Outsiders

Adventure After School for 9-12 Year Olds

After School Forest Fridays at Fiddleheads

Calling all 9-12 year olds to take a break from screen time and get outside with some real life tools and adventure maps. Fiddleheads is again offering The Outsiders, in spring of 2025. It will be a 6 week session of Fridays from 3:30-5:30pm, running from March 28th through May 9th. Sessions will take place at different natural areas around Manchester and activities will include hiking and exploring, birdwatching, team building games and activities, tracking, foraging, amphibian monitoring, shelter building, fire starting and journaling. Programming will take place almost entirely outdoors, appropriate clothing will be necessary.

Cost for the full program will be $350 per child. Financial aid is available, please inquire. All materials and tools needed will be provided by Fiddleheads. Snacks will be provided, children will need to come with their own water bottle. Programming will take place almost entirely outdoors, rain or shine. Children will need to come wearing their own appropriate outdoor clothing and gear. If there are barriers to obtaining appropriate clothing and gear please reach out.

How to Join the Outsiders

Programming will take place at various locations. See below.

Dates and Locations are:

March 28st

At Fiddleheads School. Ice breakers, team building, fire starting and maple syrup making.

April 4th

Manchester Rec. Shelter building and stick throwing in the town forest.

April 11th

Freedleyville Quarry hike in East Dorset. Quarry exploration and outdoor cooking.

April 25th

Merck Forest. Page Pond amphibian investigations.

May 2

Dene Farm at Hildene. Wetland walk and bird observations.

May 9th

The Red Gate Trailhead at the Equinox Preserve. Foraging and plant id on the White Bluffs Trail.

Typical schedule:

3:30-3:45 drop-off/snacks/gear up

3:45-5:00 hike/explore/games

5:00-5:15 nature journaling

5:15-5:30 closing activity/ cleanup/gear storage and pickup

This program will be led by Jessica Rhys and Derek Andersen with regular volunteer support from Sam Bledsoe.

“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” – John Muir