Vacation Week Programs

2008 Vacation Week Information!

Winter Break Nature Nuts
Learn about Brookline's wildlife through games, stories, activities and lessons. We will travel to the parks and sanctuaries in Brookline and learn how the animals adapt to winter conditions. We will also journey to Franklin Park Zoo for a day of indoor animal excitement! Children should come prepared for the outdoors.


Spring Break Eco-Explorers
Get ready for Earth Day with a week full of science and nature activities! Children will study earth science, chemistry, biology and physics by participating in activities including water testing, soil testing, trail work, natural history, and composting. We will travel to the different parks and sanctuaries in Brookline to learn about the science behind our environment. Special activities include guest speakers and a field trip.

 

Summer Nature Camps

2008 Nature Camp Information!
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Nature Explorations
An extended version of our popular Nature Explorations program! All explorers ages 2-5 are invited to discover nature through stories, crafts, activities and hikes in Brookline's parks and sanctuaries. Nature Explorations aims to increase your budding naturalist's appreciation for science and the outdoors while developing his/ her skills in observation, classification, counting and investigation. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and backpack babies are welcome to attend at no additional cost. Directions and location will be mailed out after registration.

 
Little Acorns
Young naturalists can explore the natural areas of Brookline this summer. Little acorns will have the opportunity to visit many of Brookline's parks and sanctuaries, and unravel the mysteries of the natural world through hands-on exploration, stories, arts & crafts, nature walks, and games. We will focus on local wildlife and their habitats. Each day will feature a different theme and a new location for campers to enjoy. Nature Camp is designed to encourage children to discover, enjoy and respect nature through personal experiences.

Sprouts
This older group of naturalists will explore Brookline , focusing on the native plant life and varied habitats found in our natural areas. Sprouts will have the opportunity to visit many of Brookline 's parks and sanctuaries, and discover the growth cycle through hands-on exploration, stories, arts & crafts, nature walks, and games. Campers will also participate in the maintenance and harvesting of our community garden. Each day will feature a different theme and new location for campers to enjoy. Nature Camp is designed to encourage children to discover, enjoy and respect nature through personal experiences.

Junior Rangers
At Junior Ranger camp, children will experience nature based learning in the outdoors as they work towards earning a Junior Ranger badge. Campers will learn about nature and the environment through hands-on exploration, orienteering, arts & crafts, nature walks and group activities. While visiting Brookline 's extraordinary parks and sanctuaries, campers will be introduced to many different environmental topics including: wildlife, habitats, ecology, biodiversity, and conservation. The Junior Ranger Camp will provide young people with a unique learning experience while encouraging stewardship of our natural areas. This program emphasizes hands-on, field-based, experiential learning, and includes daily excursions.

Adventurers
For the more adventurous spirit, this program will begin with explorations in Brookline and then move beyond the town's boundaries. Our oldest group of naturalists will expand their knowledge as they practice identification, orienteering and outdoor living skills. Excursions will include hikes, canoeing, tide pooling and a two-night overnight. This program emphasizes hands-on, field-based, experiential learning and aims to foster stewardship. Choose to participate in a one-week session, or enroll for two weeks.

Special Events
Family Nature Nights
Looking for a fun, educational way to spend time with your family? Join Brookline Environmental Education for one of our monthly family nature nights. Activities include hikes, live animal demonstrations and seasonal celebrations

Crafts for Kids
Drop your child off for a fun and educational day while you spend time to relax or run errands. We will create nature crafts, take an outdoor hike and enjoy a snack. We will spend time outside so dress accordingly and bring a bag lunch.

Adult Programs

Interpretive Nature Walks for Seniors
Join your fellow nature lovers for our series of interpretive walks throughout Brookline. While visiting a number of different parks and sanctuaries, we will learn about the natural history and wildlife found there. Walks will take place at such places as Larz Anderson, Olmsted Park, Walnut Hills Cemetery, and Hall's Pond.


Digital Photography
Join Mass Audubon Sanctuary Director Bob Speare for a stroll through Hall’s Pond Sanctuary and Amory Woods where we will witness the vivid colors of fall. We'll approach each scene with a photographer's eye, discuss and identify the flora and fauna we find, and learn how to best capture the colors and textures of the season. Explore a variety of techniques designed to improve animal portraits, landscapes, close-ups, light balance, depth of field, and composition. Beginners are welcome, but please have a working knowledge of your camera. Bring your camera and its manual, extra charged batteries and enough memory to take about 100 pictures. You may bring a tripod if you have one.

Nature Birthday Parties
Does your nature enthusiast have a birthday coming up? Consider having your party at one of Brookline’s parks, sanctuaries or recreation centers. We will provide 1.5 hours of nature activities based on your interests. The remaining time is yours for cake, etc. Please call for details.
$250 for two hour party

Directions

Eliot Recreation Center


Soule Recreation Center


Larz Anderson Park


Hall’s Pond Sanctuary
Hall’s Pond is located off of Amory Street just off of Beacon Street prior to Coolidge Corner. There is a ball field and a large parking area. Park in the lot, and meet at the picnic tables located before the Sanctuary entrance.

Dane Park
Dane Park is on Woodland Road, on the Pine Manor side of Hammond Street, just south of the Soule Recreation Center. Once you have parked, walk back and along the side of Hammond Street for about 300 feet. You will see the entrance on your left.

Brookline Reservoir Park
The Brookline Reservoir is located along Route 9 East. From Route 9 East, turn right onto Warren Street. Follow to the stop sign, bear right onto Walnut, and then make your first right turn onto Dudley Street. Park on the right side of the road. We will meet near the end of Dudley Way.

Brookline Golf Club at Putterham
From Route 9, take Hammond Street heading south and stay on Hammond Street until you reach the rotary. Go three quarters around the rotary until you see Newton Street (fourth turnoff). Brookline Golf Club is the first left turn on Newton Street, approximately 100 yards from the rotary.

D. Blakely Hoar Sanctuary
The Sanctuary is located behind the Baker School and Hancock Village. Follow Grove Street out of Putterham Circle. After a short distance, it turns into Independence Drive. Take a right onto Sherman Road (the beginning of a horseshoe road) that becomes Gerry Road. As the road goes right, you will see the Sanctuary on your left. Park on the street and walk toward the tennis courts where you will see a small bridge marking the entrance.

Lost Pond Sanctuary
Lost Pond Sanctuary is located in Chestnut Hill, near Newton. Take the Hammond Pond Parkway south from Route. 9. Take the first right onto Heath Street. Take the first left on Arlington Road. The entrance to the sanctuary is at the end of this dead end road. Park on the side of the street.

Olmsted Park
To access Olmsted Park, take Route 9 East. Just before you reach Boston, you will see the Brook House on your right. Take the next right onto Pond Avenue. Follow Pond Avenue, passing Leverett Pond on the left, to the second parking lot on the left (across the street from the playground). We will meet in the lot.


Contact Information
Christine Dean, Environmental Education and Outreach Coordinator
Eliot Recreation Center
ATTN: Environmental Education
133 Eliot Street
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
617-730-2076
christine_dean@town.brookline.ma.us