Ocean State Kids has partnered with the Norman Bird Sanctuary and is offering two different programs: Aquidneck Island Kids (Ages 5 - 9 years) and Little Tweets (Ages 0 - 5 years) One of our core principles is that we believe nature is the ultimate classroom, and we’re excited to call the Norman Bird Sanctuary our new campus from January through June.
IMPORTANT FACTS BEFORE WE DIVE INTO THE DETAILS
These are not a drop-off programs. Parent participation is required and highly encouraged, as we aim to empower parents to become their child’s most influential teacher and advocate for nurturing a lifelong passion for learning in nature.
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Contrary to previous marketing, the program cost does not include a yearly family membership to the Norman Bird Sanctuary. It only includes trail access once a week during your designated meet up day.Â
REFUND POLICY: The registration fee is refundable up to two weeks before the program start date. After this period, our 14-week programs are non-refundable. As these programs operate on a cooperative basis, all membership donations are fully allocated to cover programming expenses, location permits, and materials.
AQUIDNECK ISLAND KIDS (AIK*)
AQUIDNECK ISLAND KIDS is an outdoor learning and nature walk program for children in grades K–4 (ages 5–9), led by group leader, Jamie Meeks. Using the "Exploring Nature with Children" curriculum, this program provides a rich framework for students to engage with and explore the natural world. By fostering creativity and curiosity outdoors, we spark a lifelong desire to understand the world, while helping raise confident, well-rounded individuals.
Ocean State Kids is inviting families to join the second session, running from January 7th, 2025 through June 10th, 2025.
photo by Jackie Paiva
AQUIDNECK ISLAND KIDS GENERAL OVERVIEW
AGE: 5 - 9 Years Old
LOCATION: Norman Bird Sanctuary
DAY & TIME:Â Meeting Every Tuesday from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
DURATION: January 7th, 2025 through June 10th, 2025
GROUP LEADER: Jamie Meeks (you can learn more about our group leaders here.)
GROUP SIZE: 15 - 30 students
MEMBERSHIP DONATION COST & WHAT IT INCLUDESÂ (approximately $10 per day) $225.
22 Weeks of Trail Access Every Tuesday
Access to the Indoor Studio Classroom for harsh climates
Access to the Curiosity Lab
Exploring Nature with Children Curriculum and Guided Journal
Weekly Learning Activities & Materials
Exploring Tools
Custom Norman Bird Sanctuary Trail Map designed for children
Custom Nature Field Guides designed for children
and involvement in our growing outdoor learning community!
To learn more about program cost transparency.
LITTLE TWEETS
We invite families to be part of a magical outdoor learning experience, where children’s natural sense of wonder and curiosity can flourish. Through immersive nature-based activities, we will foster literacy skills through OSK’s Literacy in Nature Curriculum while introducing our new Children's Norman Bird Sanctuary Trail Map & Nature Field Guides—a fun and visually engaging tool filled with literacy exercises for kids to explore and learn.
Ocean State Kids is inviting families to join Little Tweets, running from January 8th, 2025 through June 11th, 2025.
LITTLE TWEETS GENERAL OVERVIEW
AGE: 0 - 5 Years Old
LOCATION: Norman Bird Sanctuary
DAY & TIME: Meeting Every Wednesday from 9:30 am - 11:30 am
PROGRAM DATES: January 8th, 2024 - June 11th, 2024
GROUP LEADER: Kassia O'Reilly, KK Behan and Kristen Clemente
GROUP SIZE: 15 - 18 students
MEMBERSHIP DONATION COST & WHAT IT INCLUDESÂ (approximately $10 per day) $225
23 Weeks of Trail Access Every Tuesday
Access to the Indoor Studio Classroom for harsh climates
Access to the Curiosity Lab
Literacy in Nature Curriculum
Weekly Learning Activities & Materials
Exploring Tools
Custom Norman Bird Sanctuary Trail Map designed for children
Custom Nature Field Guides designed for children
and involvement in our growing outdoor learning community!
To learn more about program cost transparency.
PHOTO GALLERY FROM PREVIOUS YEAR
WHAT MAKES OUR PROGRAMS UNIQUE
PARENT PLAY A PIVOTAL ROLE: We are extremely passionate about outdoor learning, nature play, creativity and allowing parents to grow alongside their children. Parent participation is required & it’s our goal to provide parents the opportunity to be your child’s best teacher and strongest advocate for their learning. As parents, you play a pivotal role in cultivating a love for learning. This is not a drop off program.
GROUP LEADERS ARE VOLUNTEERS: We are truly grateful for our dedicated group leaders, who are parents volunteering their time to make a difference in our community. These leaders not only guide weekly activities but also serve as a vital link for families exploring alternative learning. They play a key role in fostering a sense of community among those who share our passion for outdoor education and nature play.
DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE: Our Director of Education ensures that every program offers activities tailored to the developmental needs of each child. For those eager to dive deeper, we provide worksheets that cover a broad range of skills, including literacy, math, science, social-emotional development, cognitive growth, and creative arts. These worksheets are laminated for durability, making them perfect for learning in any outdoor environment.
​​NATURE IS THE BEST CLASSROOM: We believe that young children thrive when given the freedom to explore their interests in a nurturing setting, and at Ocean State Kids, we see nature as the ultimate classroom. By fostering creativity and curiosity in the outdoors, we spark a passion for discovery, helping them grow into well-rounded, remarkable individuals.
PHYSICAL SKILLS: 100% of our programs are outdoors, which allow children to engage in daily activities that enhance their physical abilities and endurance. The natural environment provides an ideal backdrop for students to develop a strong connection between mind and body.
MILD STRUCTURE: Even though we provide weekly activities, we do our best to resist the urge to over-schedule with structured activities. Each child is different and learns at their own pace. If your child prefers just to play, they are still developing problem-solving skills, creativity, and resilience.
PROTECTING CHILDHOOD: Ocean State Kids is committed to protecting childhood at all costs—meeting children’s needs without imposing rules, assessments, or societal pressures. By allowing children to explore and learn in nature, we foster an environment where they can grow naturally, free from the constraints of a structured system, embracing the freedom to develop at their own pace.
WE GATHER SMALL: We aim to keep our program attendance small to maintain sustained focus and productivity, avoid overstimulation for younger children, and preserve the peacefulness of the day. Programs are typically limited to 15 - 18 families.
FUELING THE FUN: To ensure our kids are meeting their dietary needs, families are asked to participate in a snack rotation, where each parent is responsible for bringing snacks during one week. This is not required, however, most parents enjoy the gift of giving. There is a section in the registration for allergy & dietary restrictions to eliminate any potential problems.
AFFORDABILITY: The Program Membership Donation includes weekly age appropriate curriculum, learning materials and creative activities, downloadable educational worksheets, outdoor access, and much more along the way! You can learn more on our Program Cost Transparency page.
