SUMMER DISCOVERY WEEKS 2026
Register before March 1st for our Early Bird pricing!
Registration is OPEn for all programs except Adventures on the Waterside
Registration Beginning dates vary depenDING ON the program
Registration for All programs (EXCEPT Adventures on the Waterside) will open on Wed 1/28/26
*Including Amazing Animals, Animal Detectives, Animal Investigators, Big STEAMer’s, Fantastic Furry & Feathered friends, Little STEAMer’s, Nature’s Explorer’s, Nature Sprouts, & Wildlife Advocates
Registration for Adventures on the Waterside ONLY will open on Wed 2/18/26
Each week is a different theme and each day a different topic. Each and every day, children will explore and learn about the natural world while also meeting our animal ambassadors.
*Some weeks have a field trip or offsite activities
All Summer Discovery programs (Except Nature Sprouts) run weekly from 9am-3pm.
Aftercare is available until 5pm.
For aftercare pricing information please email bjaycox@sweetbriarnc.org.
Please read before signing up:
1.Select the program you are interested in and add to your cart. (Once you click the checkout button the registration form will pop up to fill out.)
2. Please fill this out completely then complete the payment page to finalize your child(s) registration.
** Registration forms are for one child only per program. Must fill out a registration form per program.
If paying by check/cash:
please email me at bjaycox@sweetbriarnc.org with your child’s name and what program you were looking to register your child for.*
DO NOT PAY IF YOU ARE ON THE WAITLIST*
(Payments made are all subjected to the same refund policy regardless of registration status.)
If you’d like to sign up to be a Sweetbriar Family Member, you can add it to your cart on the payment screen.
Amazing Animals
Week of June 29th- July 3rd
Week of August 17th-21st
This is an immersive and educational program designed to connect children with nature, teach them about the diverse animal kingdom, and foster an understanding of environmental stewardship. Through a series of engaging outdoor activities, nature walks, and interactive learning sessions, children will explore the wonders of the natural world and learn how they can help protect it.
Ages: 6-11y
Time: 9am- 3pm
How Much: Members $375/Non-Members $425
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Animal Detectives
Week of July13th- 17th
This immersive program transforms children into wildlife detectives as they investigate the fascinating world of animal adaptations. Through a series of engaging activities, nature exploration, and problem-solving challenges, children will learn how different species have evolved unique traits to survive and thrive in their environments.
Ages: 9-11y
Time: 9am-3pm
How Much: Members $375 /Non-Members $425
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Animal Investigators
Week of July13th- 17th
In this hands-on adventure, young explorers will step into the role of wildlife investigators. They will learn how animals adapt to survive in their environments by examining clues, participating in interactive activities, and observing live animals. This program is designed to spark curiosity and encourage children to think like scientists as they uncover the secrets of animal adaptations.
Ages: 6-8y
Time: 9am-3pm
How Much: Members $375/Non-Members $425
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Fantastic Furry & Feathered Friends
**FULL** Week of July 27th- July 31st **FULL**
Week of August 10th- 14th
This exciting and educational program invites children to explore the fascinating world of mammals and birds. Through interactive activities, guided nature walks, and up-close encounters with animal ambassadors, children will discover what makes furry and feathered animals so special.
Ages: 6-11y
Time: 9am-3pm
How Much: Members $375/Non-Members $425
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Big S.T.E.A.M.er’s
Week of July 20th- 24th
This dynamic program combines the wonders of nature with the excitement of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Music) education. Children will explore the natural world through hands-on projects that incorporate scientific inquiry, technological innovation, engineering challenges, artistic creativity, and musical expression.
Ages: 9-11y
Time: 9am-3pm
How Much: Members $375/Non-Members $425
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Little S.T.E.A.M.er’s
Week of July 20th- 24th
In this dynamic and engaging program, children will explore the wonders of nature through the lens of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Music). By participating in hands-on activities that blend creativity with critical thinking, young explorers will discover how these disciplines intersect with the natural world around them.
Ages: 6-8y
Time: 9am- 3pm
How Much: Members $375 /Non-Members $425
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Nature Explorer’s (Ages 12y-15y)
Week of July 27th- July 31st
Week of August 10th- 14th
Teens aged 12-15 are invited to join an exciting and immersive outdoor adventure that combines exploration, physical activity, and environmental education. We will go beyond the borders of Sweetbriar to explore new frontiers i.e., kayaking the Nissequogue River, hiking the Greenbelt trail and exploring the forests, wetlands & beaches of Long Island. An overnight camp out with barbecue, campfire, and night hike brings the week to a close. This program is designed to foster a love for nature, build outdoor skills, and create lasting memories.
Ages: 12-15
Time: 9am-3pm *Some days may vary on time
How Much: Members $525/ Non-Members $575
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Nature Sprouts
Week of July 6th- 10th
Week of August 3rd- 7th
Little ones will learn about animals and nature through play-based learning, sensory exploration, and hands-on activities, music, stories, play, and more. Children will gain a greater appreciation of nature and wildlife while having fun.
Ages: 3y- 5y
Time: 10am-1pm
How Much: Members $145/Non-Members $130
Each session is Mon, Wed, Fri
(Optional: Adult Accompany or Drop Off *Only available if FULLY Potty Trained)
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Wildlife Advocates
Teen Animal Care & Education Week
Week of June 29th- July 3rd
**FULL** Week of August 17th-21st **FULL**
To be added to the waitlist please email bjaycox@sweetbriarnc.org
Join us for an exciting week at the Nature Center, where teens aged 13-16 will dive into the world of wildlife rehabilitation, animal care, and animal education! This hands-on program blends animal care with learning how to teach natural science education to others. Participants will practice handling mammals like rabbits and hedgehogs while developing skills in educating others about their care. They'll also learn to teach about and care for reptiles, amphibians, and birds, including raptors. Each day features interactive games, outdoor adventures, and opportunities to assist in real wildlife and domestic animal care. Guided by Sweetbriar’s experienced staff, teens will gain valuable skills in both animal care and wildlife education, while connecting with nature and building confidence in presenting scientific knowledge to others.
Ages: 13-16
Time: 9:00am- 3:00pm
How Much: Members $475 / Non-Members $525
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Adventures on the Waterside
Week of July 6th- 10th
Week of August 3rd- 7th
During this week, children will go on adventures along the Nissequogue River, they will go on a stream trek to waterfalls and learn about animals and nature through guided exploration.
Ages: 7 -12y
Time: 9am-3pm
How Much: Members $435/Non-Members $485
CHILDREN MUST BRING WATER SHOES AND SNEAKERS. CHILDREN WILL BE IN THE WATER EVERYDAY SO PLEASE PACK A CHANGE OF CLOTHING AND A TOWEL. CROC’S ARE NOT WATER SHOES AND WILL GET STUCK IN THE MUD AT THE RIVER.
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