About Puddle Jumpers
A Nature Play Experience for 3 to 5-year-olds
“We must give children a chance to love the earth before we ask them to save it.” ~David Sobel
The Puddle Jumpers program for preschoolers mixes outdoor exploration with fundamental learning through hands-on experiences at Millbrook Marsh Nature Center! The Puddle Jumper's mission is to instill a life-long passion and appreciation for the environment through positive experiences with the natural world. This 3-hour drop-off program is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays for potty-trained children ages 3-5 years old. This program includes unstructured, imaginative exploration and structured, nature-based, hands-on learning. Kids should bring a snack each day and dress for the weather. We love to get outside and see mother nature at work! Rain, snow, and ice are amazing wonders! More parent information will be provided after program registration.
What is Nature Play?
Nature play is simply an intuitive and unstructured interaction with diverse natural elements, materials, organisms, and habitats, where children and adults play and learn through sensory, fine motor, and gross motor experiences. For centuries, nature play has been a natural part of our childhood. Our intention is to continue this beneficial tradition.
What are the benefits of a nature-based curriculum?
- Improves physical fitness
- Helps maintain a healthy immune system
- Creates lasting connections with nature
- Develops an understanding of science
- Supports better academic performances
- Improves mental health
Spring 2024: January 23 - May 9
(omit March 4 - 8)
Pick Your Plan:
1 Day: Tuesday OR Thursday $475 Residents; $712 Non-Residents
2 Days: Tuesday and Thursday $950 Residents; $1424 Non-Residents
Fall 2024: August 27 - December 12.
(omit November 25 - 29)
Pick Your Plan, public registration opens May 13 at 8 AM by calling the Nature Center:
1 Day: Tuesday, Wednesday AM , or Thursday $475 Residents; $712 Non-Residents
2 Days: Tuesday and Thursday, Tuesday or Wednesday AM, Wednesday AM and Thursday $950 Residents; $1424 Non-Residents
3 Days: Tuesday, Wednesday AM, and Thursday $1425 Residents; $2136 Non-Residents
Time:
Morning: 9 AM - 12 PM
Afternoon: 1:30 - 4:30 PM
Participants must be potty trained, should bring a snack each day, and dress for the weather. Payment plans are available. Registration opens August 28 at 8AM by calling (814) 235-7819. Resident = residents of State College Borough and the Townships of College, Ferguson, Harris & Patton. Non-Resident = all other municipalities.
Parent Testimonial...
"There’s always really cool and new hands-on activities to do until everyone arrives, then morning circle time. Each child gets a special task (filling the bird feeders, turning out the lights, etc.) assigned to them each week that they rotate through. They spend most of the time outside in the marsh, all year round, unless thunder storming, of course. Really smart, creative, and patient teachers!! I can’t express how impressed I am with them. And my kids won’t get this kind of learning opportunity in public school going forward." ~Laura Yocum, State College