Programs for Kids

The Environmental Education Department at Wesselman Woods is equipped with highly-experienced environmental leaders who educate with the ambitious intention to ignite positive environmental, ecological, and social change within the community and region.

As changemakers, we are constantly adapting and discovering our niches within the community to deliver the highest quality environmental and ecological programs in the Tri-State region.

Our goal is to provide you with an experience that will not only connect you to our local environment, but will enrich your understanding of the environmental and ecological importance and integrity of Southwestern Indiana.

Our programs for children range from monthly programs focusing on environmental science for all-ages to programs for parents and children to explore the Nature Playscape together.

By attending Little Eco-Scholars, you consent to being photographed and to the possible release, publication, or reproduction of the photos for any purpose in connection with Wesselman Woods and its initiatives (including, by way of example only, use on websites, in social media, news and advertising). For the full terms of this release, please request a copy from the instructors. If you do not agree to these terms, please inform the instructors.

Junior Forest League

Saturdays will be a day of forest exploration for your children!

Junior Forest League (JFL) is a monthly program designed to encourage youth to engage with their local ecosystem, meet like-minded peers, and become stewards of the environment.

Each Saturday introduces a new environmental topic through activities like Nature Playscape exploration, animal encounters, guided hikes, and nature-based games and projects. All sessions are adapted to align with Indiana Academic Standards and Earth Charter principles.

The program is split into two leagues: Tulip League is for children ages 6-8, and Maple League is for children ages 9-12. Both leagues meet once a month from September to April, 10 AM - 2 PM. Drop-off is from 10-10:15 AM, and pick-up is from 2-2:15 PM. A nut-free snack is provided, but children need to bring their own lunch.

Schedule

JFL Tulip League: Ages 6-8

September 6 • October 4 • November 1 • December 6 • January 10 • February 7 • March 14 • April 4

JFL Maple League: Ages 9-12

September 20 • October 11 • November 8 • December 13 • January 17 • February 14 • March 21 • April 11

Cost

$40 per session. Purchase all sessions early and save even more!

Members receive a 12% discount! Contact the Director of Environmental Education for the members-only discount code.

    • Should I bring my lunch? Yes, participants must bring their own lunch. Please label all lunch boxes and water bottles with the child's name for identification purposes.

      • We supply one nut-free snack during the program. Accommodations will be made for children with dairy and/or gluten allergies.

    • Should I bring anything else? Aside from a lunch and water bottle, participants should participants should leave all other items at home including, but not limited to, electronics, expensive jewelry, toys, and trading cards.

    • What should I wear? We try to spend as much time outside as possible, including during cold months and rainy days, so please dress your children for the weather. We also do lots of playing, so comfortable clothes and close-toed shoes are encouraged.

    • What does the day entail? We split the day between free-time in the Nature Playscape and guided activities. Each month, we use a different forest-related theme to design our guided activities.

  • If you need financial assistance for JFL, please visit our Eco-Access Initiative to fill out the Become a Sponsored JFL form.

    Please note:

    • Availability of sponsorships is dependent on the kindness of people in the community. We will contact based on need and on a first-come, first-served basis as sponsorships become available.

    • Depending on request amount, we may only be able to offer partial sponsorship.