After School Program

Wilderness Kids partner with Alexandria City Public Schools to offer after-school programs each week for middle-school students at:

• Francis Hammond Middle School

• George Washington Middle School

• Jefferson Houston PreK-8 IB School

• 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:

• participate in team-building and trust-building activities,

• learn about the ecosystems we explore, including their flora and fauna,

• hone their observational skills through observing nature and through mindfulness activities

• learn introductory camping skills, such as setting up a tent, hanging a bear bag, or filtering water

• develop their communication skills among a group of peers and with our staff and volunteers;

• 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:

• Mondays 3:15 to 5 p.m.: Jefferson Houston Students, grades 6 to 8

• Tuesdays 3:15 to 5 p.m.: George Washington MS Students, grades 6 to 8

• Wednesdays 3:15 to 5 p.m.: Francis Hammond MS Students in the International Academy, grades 6 to

• Thursdays 3:15 to 5 p.m.: Charles Houston Recreation Center Students, grades 6 to 8

• 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.