After School Program
Wilderness Kids partner with Alexandria City Public Schools to offer after-school programs each week for middle-school students at:
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Francis Hammond Middle School
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George Washington Middle School
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Jefferson Houston PreK-8 IB School
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Charles Houston Recreation Center
During After-School, students explore nearby natural areas such as Dora Kelly Nature Preserve, Huntley Meadows Wetland, Bren Mar Park, Mason District Park and others. While benefiting from this time of outdoor exploration, breathing fresh air, and being off screens, our students also:
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participate in team-building and trust-building activities,
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learn about the ecosystems we explore, including their flora and fauna,
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hone their observational skills through observing nature and through mindfulness activities
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learn introductory camping skills, such as setting up a tent, hanging a bear bag, or filtering water
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develop their communication skills among a group of peers and with our staff and volunteers;
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give back to the community through service projects that include trash collection and native species plantings.
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Our Schedule is Roughly as follows:
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Mondays 3:15 to 5 p.m.: Jefferson Houston Students, grades 6 to 8
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Tuesdays 3:15 to 5 p.m.: George Washington MS Students, grades 6 to 8
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Wednesdays 3:15 to 5 p.m.: Francis Hammond MS Students in the International Academy, grades 6 to
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Thursdays 3:15 to 5 p.m.: Charles Houston Recreation Center Students, grades 6 to 8
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Fridays: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.: Francis Hammond MS Students in LINK Club.
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Students interested in joining our After-School Program should speak to their school counselor, the head of International Academy, or LINK Club.
Banner Photo at Top: 7th grade LINK students at Francis Hammond enjoy hot chocolate cooked on a camp stove after learning some basic camping skills in 6th and 7th grade at GW Middle School explore Mason District Park.
Gallery Photos clockwise from top left (click any photo to expand): Students in in 6th and 7th grade at GW Middle School explore Mason District Park; trust falls are just one game Wilderness Kids uses to build a sense of trust and community after school; Hammond students from the International Academy meet a turtle at the Buddie Ford Nature Center; students give back by collecting trash during one after school session; a 7th grade Hammond student warms up in a mummy bag; students give back by planting native species near the Francis Hammond campus; students give back by collecting trash during one after school session; students enjoy planting native plants at Raue Pond Soccer Field.