Common Ground | For Children and Youth

FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH

For children and young people, Common Ground is a place to explore the outdoors, develop environmental understanding, and learn in a way far different than traditional classroom learning. Common Ground provides programs during school vacations, after-school opportunities, and summer camp. Common Ground’s site can also be rented for birthday parties and other events with educational and environmental themes.

After-School Programs for Ages 6-16

Eco-Explorers
Students ages 6-10 are invited to explore farm life and our connection to the natural world in this seasonal after-school program. Children may be registered for any or all of the three sessions. Enrollment limited to 20 participants. $50 per 5-week session, OR $125 for all three sessions if paid in-full before the start of Fall Session. Includes snack. Registrations accepted until each session is full. Payment must be received in full for your place to be reserved. To register, download and follow the instructions on the program registration form, or call Rebecca Holcombe at (203) 389-4333 ext 213 to receive a registration form by mail.
Fall Eco-Explorers: Wednesdays, October 22, 29, November 5, 12, 19, 3:30 – 5:30
Winter Eco-Explorers: Wednesdays, February 4, 11, 25, March 4, 11, 3:30 – 5:30
Spring Eco-Explorers: Wednesdays, April 29, May 6, 13, 20, 27, 3:30 – 5:30

Nature Arts Workshop NEW for 2008 – 2009
Curious and creative children ages 8-10 and 11-14 will use the farm and forest at Common Ground as inspiration for seasonal artwork and writing. Participants will create a personal nature journal and capture nature observations using creative writing techniques and artistic expression methods (drawing, painting, collage, etc). Tools and instruction provided; no experience necessary. This course may be taken in individual sessions; however, registering for all three seasonal sessions is RECOMMENDED. Enrollment limited to 12 participants per age group. $75 per 5-week session, OR $200 for all three sessions if paid in-full before the start of Fall Session. Includes snack. To register, download and follow the instructions on the program registration form, or call Rebecca Holcombe at (203) 389-4333 ext 213 to receive a registration form by mail.
Fall Session:
Ages 8-10: Thursdays, October 23, 30, November 6, 13, 20, 3:30 – 5:30
Ages 11-14: Wednesdays October 22, 29, November 5, 12, 19, 3:30 – 5:30
Winter Session:
Ages 8-10: Thursdays, February 5, 12, 26, March 5, 12, 3:30 – 5:30
Ages 11-14: Wednesdays, February 4, 11, 25, March 4, 11, 3:30 – 5:30
Spring Session:
Ages 8-10: Thursdays, April 30, May 7, 14, 21, 28, 3:30 – 5:30
Ages 11-14: Wednesdays, April 29, May 6, 13, 20, 27, 3:30 – 5:30

Farmer’s Helper
Calling all kids who love animals and enjoy being outside on the farm and in the garden! This program offers children ages 6-8 and 9-12 the opportunity to really participate in the daily operations of a small organic farm. Activities will be age-appropriate farm jobs ranging from feeding chickens to turning soil in the garden. Children should be dressed to participate! Children may be registered for Fall and/or Spring sessions. Enrollment limited to 12 participants per age group. $75 per 5-week session, OR $125 for both sessions if paid in-full before the start of Fall Session. Includes snack. To register, download and follow the instructions on the program registration form, or call Rebecca Holcombe at (203) 389-4333 ext 213 to receive a registration form by mail.
Fall Session:
Ages 6-8: Mondays, September 29, October 6, 20, 27, November 3, 3:30 – 5:30
Ages 9-12: Tuesdays, October 7, 14, 21, 28, November 4, 3:30 – 5:30
Spring Session:
Ages 6-8: Mondays, May 4, 11, 18, June 1, 8, 3:30 – 5:30
Ages 9-12: Tuesdays, May 5, 12, 19, 26, June 2, 3:30 – 5:30

West Rock Rangers: NEW for 2008 – 2009 (replaces Adventure Club)
Students ages 11-14 are invited to join the West Rock Rangers Club to meet new people, be with friends, and have active, outdoor adventures. Each monthly meeting will focus on different natural history topic or outdoor skill, including birding, animal tracking, outdoor survival skills, compass reading & orienteering, West Rock geology, vernal pools & spring amphibians, tree & wildflower ID, and more. Our final meeting of the year will be an overnight camp-out at Common Ground (date to be determined). Enrollment limited to 30 members; yearly membership fee: $60 (includes snack). To register, download and follow the instructions on the program registration form, or call Rebecca Holcombe at (203) 389-4333 ext 213 to receive a registration form by mail.
Monthly Meeting dates: 1st Thursday of MOST months, 3:30 – 5:30 (some meetings may be longer in order to have time to explore all of West Rock). September 4, October 2, November 6, December 4, January 8, February 5, March 5, April 2, May 7, June 4

TrailTeam Service Club: NEW for 2008 – 2009
Students ages 11-16 are invited to partner with Common Ground High School, the West Rock Ridge Association, and the Department of Environmental Protection to maintain trails and participate in community service projects in West Rock Park. TrailTeam Service Club members will host a public event to share their accomplishments at the end of each three week work project. Documentation of community service hours available if needed. Members may register for the fall project, the spring project, or both. Enrollment limited to 16 students per work project. $25 fee per work project includes all activities/tools and snack. To register, download and follow the instructions on the program registration form, or call Rebecca Holcombe at (203) 389-4333 ext 213 to receive a registration form by mail.
Fall TTSC Project: Mondays & Fridays, November 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 3:30 – 5:30
Spring TTSC Project: Mondays & Fridays, June 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 3:30 – 5:30

Grow Your Own Backyard Garden: NEW for 2008 – 2009
Children ages 8-12 will get their hands dirty as they plan, plant, and care for their own backyard garden! Children will start the season by making their own garden plan based on the foods that they and their families like to eat. As spring progresses, they will start seedlings in our greenhouse, learn about compost, make garden signs and labels, build tree-branch structures for growing peas and beans, transplant their seedlings into pots for taking home, and learn about how to care for their garden through the summer and fall. All children will create and take home their own garden plans, vegetable seedlings, and some homemade garden projects (signs, structures, etc.). At home, families should plan to provide a small (4’ X 6’) outdoor garden space OR several large containers for their child’s backyard garden! Enrollment limited to 16 participants. $175 fee includes all materials and snack. To register, download and follow the instructions on the program registration form, or call Rebecca Holcombe at (203) 389-4333 ext 213 to receive a registration form by mail.
Class dates: 10 Fridays, March 13, 20, 27, April 3, 17, May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 3:30 – 5:30

Vacation Programs

Common Ground offers educational, active environmental programs for children ages 6-12 during the New Haven Public School February and April Vacations. All programs take place both indoors and outdoors in all weather. Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately each day. Shoes must have a closed toe, a closed heel, and be good for walking, running, and hiking. Children should bring their own bagged lunch each day. Space is limited to 30 children per program, registrations accepted until each program is full. Payment must be received in full for your place to be reserved. To register, download and follow the instructions on the program registration form, or call Rebecca Holcombe at (203) 389-4333 ext 213 to receive a registration form by mail. For February vacation programs, read below. For April vacation programs, see page 15 of our program catalog.

February Vacation Programs

The Farm in Winter: Monday, February 16, 9:00 - 2:00
Explore the farm in winter and learn about winter farm foods and products. We will take a walk in the woods to see Common Ground's maple syruping process, turn winter veggies from the farm into delicious soup, and use wool and other farm and forest products to make crafts for taking home. Program fee: $35/child

Snow Adventures: Tuesday, February 17, 9:00 - 2:00
Join us for a day of fun and adventure in the winter woods. We will learn about animal tracks and other wildlife signs and go for a hike to test our new skills. We will also go sledding, build snow forts, or take part in other winter activities depending on the weather. Program fee: $25/child

Recycled Art Fair: Wednesday, February 18, 9:00 - 12:30
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! At the Recycled Art Fair, children will use a wide variety of recycled materials to create take-home craft projects. Make a personal journal, a rainstick instrument, recycled paper jewelry, tin can stilts, and more. Program fee: $25/child

Garbage Museum Trip: Wednesday, February 18, 1:00 - 4:30
Adults and families are invited to join us for a trip to the Garbage Museum in Stratford. Meet Trash-o-saurus, a dinosaur made from a ton of trash – showing how much trash an average person throws away in a year! Walk through a giant compost pile, meet resident compost worms and discover the energy savings that are derived from recycling. Watch from the enclosed observation deck as trucks bring your recyclables into an active sorting and processing facility. See plastic being crushed, metals being sorted, and papers being baled for recycling into new products! Children MUST be accompanied by an adult, $15 per person includes bus transportation and museum entrance fee.

Adventures in Cooking:Thursday, February 19, 9:00 - 2:00
What does food have to do with the environment? Children will play games and participate in activities that demonstrate how organic farms and locally grown food benefit the environment. We will also cook and taste many kinds of vegetables that grow in Connecticut, including those that may be less familiar to children: pumpkin, winter squash, kale, mustard greens, sweet potato, and more! Children will take home recipes for their favorite new veggies. Program fee: $35/child.

Summer Farm and Nature Camps for ages 4-13

Check back in the Spring for information on Common Ground's Summer Ecology Camp.


	For children & youth FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH For children and young people, Common Ground is a place to explore the outdoors, develop environmental understanding, and learn in a way far different than traditional classroom learning. Common Ground provides programs during school vacations, after-school opportunities, and summer camp. Common Ground’s site can also be rented for birthday parties and other events with educational and environmental themes. After-School Programs for Ages 6-16 Eco-Explorers Students ages 6-10 are invited to explore farm life and our connection to the natural world in this seasonal after-school program. Children may be registered for any or all of the three sessions. Enrollment limited to 20 participants. $50 per 5-week session, OR $125 for all three sessions if paid in-full before the start of Fall Session. Includes snack. Registrations accepted until each session is full. Payment must be received in full for your place to be reserved. To register, download and follow the instructions on the program registration form, or call Rebecca Holcombe at (203) 389-4333 ext 213 to receive a registration form by mail. Fall Eco-Explorers: Wednesdays, October 22, 29, November 5, 12, 19, 3:30 – 5:30 Winter Eco-Explorers: Wednesdays, February 4, 11, 25, March 4, 11, 3:30 – 5:30 Spring Eco-Explorers: Wednesdays, April 29, May 6, 13, 20, 27, 3:30 – 5:30 Nature Arts Workshop NEW for 2008 – 2009 Curious and creative children ages 8-10 and 11-14 will use the farm and forest at Common Ground as inspiration for seasonal artwork and writing. Participants will create a personal nature journal and capture nature observations using creative writing techniques and artistic expression methods (drawing, painting, collage, etc). Tools and instruction provided; no experience necessary. This course may be taken in individual sessions; however, registering for all three seasonal sessions is RECOMMENDED. Enrollment limited to 12 participants per age group. $75 per 5-week session, OR $200 for all three sessions if paid in-full before the start of Fall Session. Includes snack. To register, download and follow the instructions on the program registration form, or call Rebecca Holcombe at (203) 389-4333 ext 213 to receive a registration form by mail. Fall Session: Ages 8-10: Thursdays, October 23, 30, November 6, 13, 20, 3:30 – 5:30 Ages 11-14: Wednesdays October 22, 29, November 5, 12, 19, 3:30 – 5:30 Winter Session: Ages 8-10: Thursdays, February 5, 12, 26, March 5, 12, 3:30 – 5:30 Ages 11-14: Wednesdays, February 4, 11, 25, March 4, 11, 3:30 – 5:30 Spring Session: Ages 8-10: Thursdays, April 30, May 7, 14, 21, 28, 3:30 – 5:30 Ages 11-14: Wednesdays, April 29, May 6, 13, 20, 27, 3:30 – 5:30 Farmer’s Helper Calling all kids who love animals and enjoy being outside on the farm and in the garden! This program offers children ages 6-8 and 9-12 the opportunity to really participate in the daily operations of a small organic farm. Activities will be age-appropriate farm jobs ranging from feeding chickens to turning soil in the garden. Children should be dressed to participate! Children may be registered for Fall and/or Spring sessions. Enrollment limited to 12 participants per age group. $75 per 5-week session, OR $125 for both sessions if paid in-full before the start of Fall Session. Includes snack. To register, download and follow the instructions on the program registration form, or call Rebecca Holcombe at (203) 389-4333 ext 213 to receive a registration form by mail. Fall Session: Ages 6-8: Mondays, September 29, October 6, 20, 27, November 3, 3:30 – 5:30 Ages 9-12: Tuesdays, October 7, 14, 21, 28, November 4, 3:30 – 5:30 Spring Session: Ages 6-8: Mondays, May 4, 11, 18, June 1, 8, 3:30 – 5:30 Ages 9-12: Tuesdays, May 5, 12, 19, 26, June 2, 3:30 – 5:30 West Rock Rangers: NEW for 2008 – 2009 (replaces Adventure Club) Students ages 11-14 are invited to join the West Rock Rangers Club to meet new people, be with friends, and have active, outdoor adventures. Each monthly meeting will focus on different natural history topic or outdoor skill, including birding, animal tracking, outdoor survival skills, compass reading & orienteering, West Rock geology, vernal pools & spring amphibians, tree & wildflower ID, and more. Our final meeting of the year will be an overnight camp-out at Common Ground (date to be determined). Enrollment limited to 30 members; yearly membership fee: $60 (includes snack). To register, download and follow the instructions on the program registration form, or call Rebecca Holcombe at (203) 389-4333 ext 213 to receive a registration form by mail. Monthly Meeting dates: 1st Thursday of MOST months, 3:30 – 5:30 (some meetings may be longer in order to have time to explore all of West Rock). September 4, October 2, November 6, December 4, January 8, February 5, March 5, April 2, May 7, June 4 TrailTeam Service Club: NEW for 2008 – 2009 Students ages 11-16 are invited to partner with Common Ground High School, the West Rock Ridge Association, and the Department of Environmental Protection to maintain trails and participate in community service projects in West Rock Park. TrailTeam Service Club members will host a public event to share their accomplishments at the end of each three week work project. Documentation of community service hours available if needed. Members may register for the fall project, the spring project, or both. Enrollment limited to 16 students per work project. $25 fee per work project includes all activities/tools and snack. To register, download and follow the instructions on the program registration form, or call Rebecca Holcombe at (203) 389-4333 ext 213 to receive a registration form by mail. Fall TTSC Project: Mondays & Fridays, November 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 3:30 – 5:30 Spring TTSC Project: Mondays & Fridays, June 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 3:30 – 5:30 Grow Your Own Backyard Garden: NEW for 2008 – 2009 Children ages 8-12 will get their hands dirty as they plan, plant, and care for their own backyard garden! Children will start the season by making their own garden plan based on the foods that they and their families like to eat. As spring progresses, they will start seedlings in our greenhouse, learn about compost, make garden signs and labels, build tree-branch structures for growing peas and beans, transplant their seedlings into pots for taking home, and learn about how to care for their garden through the summer and fall. All children will create and take home their own garden plans, vegetable seedlings, and some homemade garden projects (signs, structures, etc.). At home, families should plan to provide a small (4’ X 6’) outdoor garden space OR several large containers for their child’s backyard garden! Enrollment limited to 16 participants. $175 fee includes all materials and snack. To register, download and follow the instructions on the program registration form, or call Rebecca Holcombe at (203) 389-4333 ext 213 to receive a registration form by mail. Class dates: 10 Fridays, March 13, 20, 27, April 3, 17, May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 3:30 – 5:30 Vacation Programs Common Ground offers educational, active environmental programs for children ages 6-12 during the New Haven Public School February and April Vacations. All programs take place both indoors and outdoors in all weather. Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately each day. Shoes must have a closed toe, a closed heel, and be good for walking, running, and hiking. Children should bring their own bagged lunch each day. Space is limited to 30 children per program, registrations accepted until each program is full. Payment must be received in full for your place to be reserved. To register, download and follow the instructions on the program registration form, or call Rebecca Holcombe at (203) 389-4333 ext 213 to receive a registration form by mail. For February vacation programs, read below. For April vacation programs, see page 15 of our program catalog. February Vacation Programs The Farm in Winter: Monday, February 16, 9:00 - 2:00 Explore the farm in winter and learn about winter farm foods and products. We will take a walk in the woods to see Common Ground's maple syruping process, turn winter veggies from the farm into delicious soup, and use wool and other farm and forest products to make crafts for taking home. Program fee: $35/child Snow Adventures: Tuesday, February 17, 9:00 - 2:00 Join us for a day of fun and adventure in the winter woods. We will learn about animal tracks and other wildlife signs and go for a hike to test our new skills. We will also go sledding, build snow forts, or take part in other winter activities depending on the weather. Program fee: $25/child Recycled Art Fair: Wednesday, February 18, 9:00 - 12:30 Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! At the Recycled Art Fair, children will use a wide variety of recycled materials to create take-home craft projects. Make a personal journal, a rainstick instrument, recycled paper jewelry, tin can stilts, and more. Program fee: $25/child Garbage Museum Trip: Wednesday, February 18, 1:00 - 4:30 Adults and families are invited to join us for a trip to the Garbage Museum in Stratford. Meet Trash-o-saurus, a dinosaur made from a ton of trash – showing how much trash an average person throws away in a year! Walk through a giant compost pile, meet resident compost worms and discover the energy savings that are derived from recycling. Watch from the enclosed observation deck as trucks bring your recyclables into an active sorting and processing facility. See plastic being crushed, metals being sorted, and papers being baled for recycling into new products! Children MUST be accompanied by an adult, $15 per person includes bus transportation and museum entrance fee. Adventures in Cooking:Thursday, February 19, 9:00 - 2:00 What does food have to do with the environment? Children will play games and participate in activities that demonstrate how organic farms and locally grown food benefit the environment. We will also cook and taste many kinds of vegetables that grow in Connecticut, including those that may be less familiar to children: pumpkin, winter squash, kale, mustard greens, sweet potato, and more! Children will take home recipes for their favorite new veggies. Program fee: $35/child. Summer Farm and Nature Camps for ages 4-13 Check back in the Spring for information on Common Ground's Summer Ecology Camp.