Nature Based Enrichment Program for Elementary School Children

Cristina Santillan
The 4-H Education Center at Auerfarm

Bloomfield, CT-- Looking for a fun, hands-on, after-school activity for your child? Consider enrolling in Auerfarm’s after-school enrichment programs!

The 4-H Education Center at Auerfarm, also known as Auerfarm, is offering before & after-school enrichment programs for children in grades K-8 starting October 31, 2023, with sessions in fall, winter, and spring!

Our Enrichment Programs engage students in grades K-5 in farm-based activities that will connect them to nature and inspire a love of learning in a unique and fun way! Auerfarm enrichment is perfect for your little ones who love to be outside, explore nature, and learn about the environment and science!

Fall Session 2 begins October 31st! Register online at www.auerfarm.org!

The Auerfarm Enrichment Program was designed upon the request of local parents seeking more social-emotional opportunities for their children during after-school hours. The Enrichment Program will allow children to spend time on the farm expanding their knowledge and understanding of nature, science, agriculture, and the arts by doing STEAM-based (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) hands-on activities with trained Auerfarm educators. Outdoor learning in a small group setting provides a safe and interactive way to engage learners with varied interests.

Contact JMARSHALL@AUERFARM.ORG for more info.

Our Sprouts program is designed for children ages 3-7. It is an educational program with a small group size that encourages young people to learn about the outdoor world through their senses, sharing the experience with their peers. Sprouts meet twice a week for two hours each class (9:45 AM - 11:45 AM). Sessions are six weeks long.

Our Enrichment Afterschool Program is designed to challenge children and engage them in an outdoor setting. The gardens, barns, trails, and play forest are used as the primary classroom space for learning STEAM-based activities. A farm-based educator works with small groups to create a social-emotional learning experience for school-aged learners. This program is designed for students in
Kindergarten - Grade 5. This group meets once a week for two hours from 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm. Sessions are six weeks long. Depending on demand future sessions may include a second day.

DATES:
Fall Session 2: Oct. 31 - Dec. 12

After school:
Wednesdays - 11/1, 11/8, 11/15, 11/22, 11/29, 12/6

Morning Sprouts:
Tuesday and Thursday- 10/31, 11/2, 11/7, 11/9, 11/14, 11/16, 11/21, 11/28, 11/30, 12/5, 12/7, 12/12

Winter Session: Jan. 9 - Feb. 15
Spring Session 1: Feb. 27 - Mar. 3
Spring Session 2: Apr. 6 - May 30

The central mission of the Auerbach farm was set down by the Auerbach family in 1976, to create a real hands-on farm learning experience for students. Students learn that the farmer is a scientist and that agriculture science affects everyday life. Lessons in biology, biotechnology, horticulture, and math address content standards and expected performances in science.

The lessons follow the NGSS and S.T.E.A.M learning standards. Programs are all based on the inquiry learning method, encouraging critical thinking and curiosity, while providing concrete hands-on discovery experiences essential to motivate and inspire scientific literacy.

Sign up today and blur the line between education and recreation!

Visit www.auerfarm.org for more information or contact jmarshall@auerfarm.org

ABOUT AUERFARM:4-H Education Center at Auerfarm, located in the southwest section of Bloomfield on 120 acres in Connecticut was deeded to the non-profit Connecticut 4-H Development Fund, Inc. in 1976. Known as the 4-H Education Center at Auerfarm, the farm is committed to engaging all ages in learning about farming, science, and the environment. For more information on Auerfarm, visit www.auerfarm.org and our Facebook and Instagram pages.