After School Program

Wilderness Kids partner with Alexandria City Public Schools to offer three  after-school programs each week for middle-school students at Francis Hammond and George Washington Middle Schools. We hope to expand in the 23-24 school year to offer programming 4 days per week after school.

 

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 2022-23 Schedule is currently as follows:

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 8

Fridays: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.: Francis Hammond MS Students in LINK Club. (Programming is on campus)

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Students interested in joining our After-School Program should speak to their school counselor at GW Middle School or to the head of International Academy or LINK Club at Francis Hammond.