ALLEY POND ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER

Summer SENSES Programs

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APEC's Summer SENSES Programs 2023


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Summer Science Squad

Entering Grades 1st - 3rd

Mondays - Fridays | 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
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Children will be immersed in hands-on, fun-filled outdoor activities, and a variety of science mini lessons. Program will include trail walks, literacy, nature games, projects, wild mindfulness, and live animals.
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Children should bring a bagged snack and labeled water bottle (reusable preferred).  Participants should have sunscreen and bug repellant applied prior to entering the Center.  Spots are limited.
​
Ages: Entering grades 1st-3rd (drop-off)   
$325* per week, per child 

​
Register Here!
* - $25 discount per week for early-bird registrations
​(up to and including March 31, 2023)
- $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)
Week 1: Shark Week
​July 10th - 14th
Take a bite out of summer during this exciting week, and dive deeper into the world of sharks, discovering their importance to maintain a healthy ocean ecosystem. Learn fantastic shark facts as you participate in shark related activities.          
Week 2: Animal Superpowers
​July 17th - 21st
Animal adaptations are like superpowers! Discover some incredible creatures in nature and learn how these animals use superpowers to hunt and protect themselves. 
Week 3: Indigenous Mighty Girls
July 24th - 28th
Learn about trailblazing Native American girls both past and present. Through literacy, hands on Native American manipulatives, games, and more, children will gain an awareness of Indigenous mighty girls. 
Week 4: Wildlife Conservation
July 31st - August 4th
Perfect for young animal lovers. Through various activities, children will gain a sense of awareness and empathy for the plight of axolotls and salamanders, elephants and chimpanzees, sea turtles, and parrots. Engaging activities, special guest speakers and animal time will enhance the week.  
Week 5: Nature Trail Investigators
August 7th - 11th
Observing nature up close, discover how to decipher clues to animal activity. From bite marks on a leaf, to bird nests and snail slime, your child will be on their way to becoming a junior nature detective.
Week 6: Forest Bugology
August 14th - 18th
Perfect for young insect lovers. Learn about various insects and the diverse forests around the world that they call home.  Observe live insects up close, participate in insect scavenger hunts and more.
Week 1
Week 4
Week 2
Week 5
Week 3
Week 6
Cancellation Policy: 
- If cancelling after registration & at least one month prior to program start date, full refund will be issued, less $25 registration fee per week.

- If canceling less than one month, no refund, no credit.

*We anticipate being located in our NEW building on Northern Boulevard, east of the Cross Island Parkway, in Douglaston this summer. However, we can not guarantee the move will occur by July 1st, 2023. If not, our summer programs will be at our present location in Oakland Gardens.*

APEC Pioneers

Entering Grades 4th - 6th

Mondays - Fridays | 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
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Welcome back scientists! Let’s unravel the mysteries of the cosmos and natural world with seasoned APEC educators, Mr. Jacob, and Mr. Asharee. Our daily sessions will include physical and mental games, STEM challenges, experiments, and literature. The program will also include time with APEC’s many animal ambassadors, and hikes along our nature trails! Whether we are making some slime, dissecting an owl’s last meal, or giving a chinchilla an exfoliating dust bath-you’ll be sure to enjoy this summer experience!
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Students should bring a bagged snack and a labeled water bottle (reusable preferred). Participants should have sunscreen and bug repellant applied prior to entering the Center. Spots are limited. 

Ages: Entering grades 4th - 6th (drop-off)   
$325* per week, per child 

​
Register Here!
* - $25 discount per week for early-bird registrations
​(up to and including March 31, 2023)
- $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)
Week 1: Weird, Wacky, and Wild
​July 10th - 14th
Our planet plays host to the most wonderful and bizarre creatures. Whether it’s a lizard that runs along the surface of water, or a fish that walks out onto dry land, these animal oddities captivate our imagination. We will come to understand their adaptations/superpowers and see how their bodies have been shaped to deal with predation, seasonal changes, and mating pressures. By the end of this week, you will be wanting to ask evolution: OK, BUT WHYY? JUST WHYYYY?   
Week 2: Biome Blitz
​July 17th - 21st
Explore the fascinating world of biomes and learn how they support the worlds’ vast array of species. By conducting experiments and playing games, we will better understand some of the hallmark features of a variety of biomes! We will also see how their continued health affects us all. BONUS: Participants will receive an age-appropriate nature coloring book!
Week 3: Summer Sustainability
July 24th - 28th
Over the course of this exciting week, students will focus on thought-provoking STEM challenges that get them thinking like real engineers. Students will also witness how “smart engineering” can be implemented to solve a host of environmental issues that make the world a safer and cleaner place.
Week 4: Our Planet Breathes
July 31st - August 4th
Our planet is a living breathing one. It morphs and changes, sometimes on a scale of millions of years when pertaining to the continental drift, sometimes on a scale of seconds when pertaining to earthquakes and tornadoes. Together we will see just how active our world can truly be, in the skies, on the surface, and down in the deepest depths. BONUS: Participants will crack open a beautiful geode to take home!
Week 5: Birds and Bird Memes
August 7th - 11th
APEC is bringing back this popular class topic from last summer! Participants will discuss the dazzling adaptations birds employ to thrive in nearly every environment on Earth. Students will then witness the incredible strength of bird eggs, unlock the secrets of bird flight, engage in a migration activity, and dissect owl pellets! Your children will surely QUACK up!
Week 6: The Story of Life
August 14th - 18th
From the very first single-celled organism, to dinosaurs and ancient mammals, to present day humans…we will uncover the remarkable history of biodiversity on our planet. Students learn about ancient humans, and see how after every cataclysm, life finds a way! BONUS: Participants will receive a free fossil to take home.
Week 1
Week 4
Week 2
Week 5
Week 3
Week 6
​Cancellation Policy: 
- If cancelling after registration & at least one month prior to program start date, full refund will be issued, less $25 registration fee per week.

- If canceling less than one month, no refund, no credit.

*We anticipate being located in our NEW building on Northern Boulevard, east of the Cross Island Parkway, in Douglaston this summer. However, we can not guarantee the move will occur by July 1st, 2023. If not, our summer programs will be at our present location in Oakland Gardens.*

Kindergarten Kids

Entering Kindergarten

Mondays - Fridays | 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
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Young scientists entering Kindergarten in the fall will love exploring nature and science at APEC!  Each weekly program will focus on a different topic and have live animal guests.  Activities will include children’s literature, hands-on activities, and development of math skills including sorting, comparing, and graphing.

​Children should dress for a daily nature walk and bring a labeled water bottle (reusable preferred). Participants should have sunscreen and bug repellant applied prior to entering the Center.  Spots are limited.
​
Ages: Entering Kindergarten (drop-off)   
$225* per week, per child 
Week 1: Animal Classification
​July 10th - 14th
Explore and compare different vertebrate groups including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. 
Week 2: Pond Life
​July 17th - 21st
The pond is filled with many amazing plants and animals. Explore the amazing life cycle of frogs, learn about unique adaptations of waterfowl, and visit a local pond.
Week 3: Weights and Measures
July 24th - 28th
A variety of hands-on STEM challenges will develop understanding about length, size, sequencing, speed, and weight.
Week 4: Ornithology
July 31st - August 4th
Channel your inner bird watcher as we explore feathers, beaks, eggs, and nests while learning about different bird species.
Week 5: Animal Senses
August 7th - 11th
Whether predator or prey, wild animals depend on their senses for survival.  Interactive activities will develop better understanding of human and animal senses.
Week 6: Colors in Nature
August 14th - 18th
Nature is filled with a rainbow of colors providing camouflage, serving as warning colors, and beautifying our world.

Register Here!
* - $25 discount per week for early-bird registrations
​(up to and including March 31, 2023)
- $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)

Week 1
Week 4
Week 2
Week 5
Week 3
Week 6
​​Cancellation Policy: 
- If cancelling after registration & at least one month prior to program start date, full refund will be issued, less $25 registration fee per week.

- If canceling less than one month, no refund, no credit.

*We anticipate being located in our NEW building on Northern Boulevard, east of the Cross Island Parkway, in Douglaston this summer. However, we can not guarantee the move will occur by July 1st, 2023. If not, our summer programs will be at our present location in Oakland Gardens.*

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:
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224-65 76th Ave.
Oakland Gardens, NY 11364
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MAIN: (718) 229-4000
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Email Us
contact@alleypond.org
  • Home
  • About us
    • Mission & History
    • Your Visit
    • Who's Who at APEC?
    • Staff & Board
    • Our Future
    • FAQ
  • In-Person Programs
    • Upcoming Programs >
      • Early Childhood Programs
      • After School & Vacation Day Programs
      • Weekend Programs
      • Adult Programs
    • Summer SENSES Programs 2023
    • Animal Care Programs
    • Birthday Parties
    • Field Biology Internship
    • Homeschool
    • Program Calendar
  • Education
    • Class Visits
    • Outreach
    • Scouts
    • Teacher Workshops
    • Adult Clubs
    • Room Rentals
  • Support
    • Fundraisers >
      • APEC's 2023 Green Gala
      • Buffalo Exchange's Token for Bags® Program
      • Welcome Autumn Fundraiser Concert 2022
      • APEC's 50th Anniversary Green Gala
    • Donate >
      • Contribute
      • Amazon Wishlist
      • Lakeshore Learning Registry
    • Volunteer
    • Membership
    • APEC Merchandise
  • Contact