Youth Programs

The Environmental Education Department at Wesselman Woods provides youth with experiences that will connect them to our local environment and ignite positive environmental, ecological, and social change within the community and region.


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.


2025-2026 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.


SUMMER CAMP - sold out!

Wesselman Woods offers five weeks of summer camp each summer. Each camp runs for one week from 9 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Drop-off is 8:45-9 AM, and pick-up is 3:30-3:45 PM. We do not offer before or after care.

We provide a nutritious midmorning snack each day, but campers are required to bring their own lunch.

Cost
$200 for public
Members receive a 10% discount and early registration access! Please email info@wesselmanwoods.org for the discount code.

Registration notes:
- Please register your child
for no more than two camps.
- Camper(s) must be going into the grade(s) of the camp for which they are being registered.

June 1-5 ▪︎ 1st-3rd Graders



June 8-12 ▪︎ 4th-7th Graders


Do you dream of exploring the great outdoors like a true naturalist? Join us for a week filled with adventure, discovery, and fun! From learning how to identify trees to mastering the art of fort-building, we’ll dive into the wonders of the natural world and learn some survival skills!  


June 22-26 ▪︎ 2nd-5th Graders


Grab your pickaxe and step into the world of Wesselcraft! This Minecraft-inspired camp brings the creativity and problem-solving of the game into the real world. Campers will explore the woods and work as a team to build shelters, gather “resources”, and complete Minecraft-style challenges. Come discover how the game they love mirrors the biomes, materials, and survival skills of the natural world!


July 6-10 ▪︎ 1st-3rd GraderS



July 13-17 ▪︎ 4th-7th GraderS


Get ready to make your skin crawl as we investigate the eerie and icky (but fun!). We will explore a wide range of odd topics, from arachnids and insects to skeletons and scary stories. Come and get your hands dirty this week. Perfect for those interested in the strange and abnormalities of the world.

Frequently Asked Questions