PROGRAM NEWS:
Space available for the 2025/26 school year for students at Henderson Elementary and Winnequah Schools.
OAKS lottery enrollment for the 2025/26 school year is closed and the Nuestro Mundo group is full.
Contact camps@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org to add your child’s name to the waiting list.
OAKS (OUTDOOR ACTION KIDS IN STEAM) PROGRAM
ALNC’s OAKS After-School Program is for students at Henderson Elementary, Nuestro Mundo, and Winnequah Schools. The program runs Monday through Friday, from school dismissal until 5:30 PM. Families will pick their children up at ALNC.
Program Objectives
To use nature as a teaching tool to:
- Encourage risky play, sparking resilience, igniting creativity, building physical strength, and sharpening social skills
- Foster a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world, leading to admiration and respect for the environment
STUDENT GROUPS
Students are divided into three groups based on their arrival times at the nature center: (1) Nuestro Mundo, (2) Henderson, (3) Winnequah. Nuestro Mundo and Henderson students will be picked up in the ALNC van at their school release times. Winnequah students will be dropped off by the district bus at ALNC and staff will receive them at the bus stop.
DAILY SCHEDULE
- When students arrive at ALNC, they eat snack (provided by ALNC) and participate in activities like hiking, free play, and nature journaling with their small groups.
- “Community time” begins at 4:30pm – students have the option to play with loose parts and sports equipment in the field or smaller manipulatives and art supplies in the outdoor classroom.
- Optional quiet time begins at 5:00pm – the indoor quiet space opens up for board games, puzzles, and books.
- Students must be picked up by 5:30pm.
SLIDING-SCALE TUITION
Pro-rated tuition, limited tuition assistance, and payment plans are available. Wisconsin Shares are accepted.
REGISTRATION AND ENROLLMENT INFORMATION
Registration is done by lottery if there is a greater demand than space available. Re-enrollment for current families begins in mid-March and new student enrollment forms will be available by early April. If spots remain after the initial enrollment period is complete, enrollment will be rolling throughout the school year. The enrollment process is for one school year.
Current families? Login to the BRIGHTWHEEL APP to access forms and billing.
Contact camps@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org with questions and for more information.
