Summer Science Squad

For Kids Ages 6-8

Mondays - Fridays | 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. (3 hours)
Ambitious scientists ages 6-8 will love exploring nature and science at APEC!  Each weekly program will focus on a different topic and have live animal guests, hands-on activities, and outdoor time.

Children should dress for a daily nature walk and bring a labeled REUSABLE water bottle and nut-free snack. Participants should have sunscreen and bug repellant applied prior to entering the Center. Space is limited.

Ages 6-8 (drop-off)
$325* per week, per child
​*$20 discount per week if registering for all 6 weeks (call for discount code)
*$10 discount per week if registering for 3 – 5 weeks (call for discount code)

Registration Opens Monday, 3/31/2025
Week 1: Classy Animals
​July 7th - 11th
Scientists classify creatures into groups based on similar characteristics. Find out what makes mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish so special. We will learn about a different vertebrate group each day!

CANCELLED - Week 2: Built for Survival
​July 14th - 18th
Animals are equipped with a variety of physical attributes and behavioral characteristics which ensure the survival of their species. Explore coloration, body covering, venom, and more!

Week 3: Avian Adventures
July 21st - 25th
Calling all bird lovers! Feathered friends have many amazing adaptations which inspire aww! Interactive activities will allow youngsters to examine bird beaks, feet, nests, and eggs.

CANCELLED - Week 4: Budding Botanists
July 28th - August 1st
Close inspection of plants reveals their great diversity, from leaves, to seeds, to flowers! Channel your inner botanist and explore the amazing plant world!

CANCELLED - Week 5: Biomes of the World
August 4th - 8th
Planet Earth is a diverse place with different biomes, characterized by varied climates and landforms. Learn about animals and plants living in the forests, wetlands, deserts, and tundra. 

Week 6: Interesting Invertebrates
August 11th - 15th
Investigate the amazing world of boneless creatures living beneath our feet and in the oceans. Discover why invertebrates are an essential part of the Animal Kingdom, serving as food and nourishing our soil.
​​Cancellation Policy:
- If cancelling one month in advance, $25 registration fee will be charged, and then remaining balance will be refunded.
- If canceling less than one month, no refund, no credit.

Alley Pond Pioneers

For Kids Ages 9-11

Mondays - Fridays | 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. (3 hours)
Budding scientists ages 9-11 will love exploring nature and science at APEC!  Each weekly program will focus on a different topic and have live animal guests, hands-on activities, and outdoor time.

Children should dress for a daily nature walk and bring a labeled REUSABLE water bottle and nut-free snack. Participants should have sunscreen and bug repellant applied prior to entering the Center. Space is limited.

Ages 9-11 (drop-off)
$325* per week, per child
​​*$20 discount per week if registering for all 6 weeks (call for discount code)
*$10 discount per week if registering for 3 – 5 weeks (call for discount code)

Registration Opens Monday, 3/31/2025
Week 1: Sustainable Gardening
​July 7th - 11th
Throughout this exciting week, students will learn all about plants and gardening. They will help take care of the APEC greenhouse and compost, learn about invasive weeds, and harvest greens to feed our animals. Students will get to plant a variety of seeds to take home. All levels of garden experience are welcome, be prepared to get your hands dirty.

Week 2: What is a Scientist?
​July 14th - 18th
Calling all young scientists!! Have you ever wanted to design an experiment? This week will be full of hands-on experimentation and there will even be an end of week science fair. Come and find out if you have what it takes to be a scientist.

Week 3: Animal Science
July 21st - 25th
There are lots of wacky animals in the animal kingdom. In this class, we will learn why a whale isn't a fish and why a frog isn't a reptile. We will look at bone, x-rays, pelts, and footprints as we learn all about animal classification.

Week 4: Ecosystems and Ethnobotany
July 28th - August 1st
Ethnobotany is the study of how humans have historically interacted with and used plants. This includes everything from food, to fibers, to medicine. In this class, we will experiment with weaving natural materials, create a nature journal, and much more. We will also meet several animals and learn how both plants and animals have been domesticated.

Week 5: Ologies
August 4th - 8th
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between an archeologist and an anthropologist? Or wondered where the distinction is between an ecologist and a zoologist? Each day this week we will look at a different field of science ranging from archaeology to zoology. Students will complete hands-on activities to learn what it's like to work in each of these fields.

Week 6: Interesting Invertebrates
August 11th - 15th
Scientists estimate that 95-97% of known species are invertebrates. We will come to understand their adaptations and see how evolution has shaped them to deal with predation, seasonal changes, and varying environments. Students will get to meet several different invertebrates throughout the week.
​​Cancellation Policy:
- If cancelling one month in advance, $25 registration fee will be charged, and then remaining balance will be refunded.
- If canceling less than one month, no refund, no credit.
The environmental center is located in Alley Pond Park, surrounded by lush nature trails where visitors can enjoy NYC's natural landscapes. Guests are welcome to attend one of APEC's many nature oriented programs for all ages and visit the center's animal ambassadors. Please explore our website to learn more and register for programs.
Follow our journey on social media:
229-10 Northern Boulevard
Douglaston, NY 11362
MAIN: (718) 229-4000
Email Us
[email protected]