What is TimberNook?
TimberNook is a nature-based developmental outdoor program that integrates sensory experiences, imagination and nature for all kids. Children play together and independently using stories, games, and new experiences to have fun, learn, develop, and explore. The TimberNook curriculum weaves together the therapeutic benefits of nature with activities that inspire children to think creatively, to accept challenges, and even to learn from failure.
What is TimberNook of Lancaster County?
TimberNook of Lancaster County is offered as a service of Excentia, a nonprofit organization in Lancaster County that provides supports for people with developmental needs and autism throughout the lifespan. At TimberNook of Lancaster County, children have the chance to play together and independently, using stories, games, and experiences to have fun, learn, develop, and explore. Excentia believes in the TimberNook philosophy that the more children engage in self-directed play and take reasonable risks outdoors, the better equipped they are to be successful in home and school environments.
When will TimberNook programming happen?
Storybook Session 1
Dates: May 20 – 24
Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Capacity: 20
Ages: 4-7 years
Description: One of our most popular programs where young children “live and breathe” stories out in the wild. We’ll be doing everything from experimenting with colors in a giant foam experience for the story “Little Blue and Little Yellow” to creating life-sized spider webs over the mud after hearing the story “The Very Busy Spider.” With the turn of every day comes a new story for the children to experience and lots of FUN!
Tiny Ones Session
Dates: May 28 & 30 and June 4 & 6
Time: 9:00am – 11:00am
Capacity: 16
Ages: 2-4 years with an adult
Description: This program was designed for the smallest of our TimberNook adventurers. You and your child will venture into the woods for creative play opportunities that engage the mind and challenge the senses, such as hosting a tea party in the garden to doing “construction work” in mud puddles to experimenting with color in giant foam experiences. You’ll also walk away each week with an idea on how to inspire creative play at home.
Going Wild Session
Dates: July 8 -12
Time: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Capacity: 24
Ages: 7-12 years
Description: An all-time classic TimberNook camp for older children who enjoy taking play to a whole new level. Children will create an elaborate fort system equipped with trap doors, barricades, tunnel systems, and more. It will be a week full of adventure, games, and surprises! This program will stretch the minds of your young ones and leave them asking for more.
Extreme Art Session
Dates: July 15 – 19
Time: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Capacity: 24
Ages: 7-12 years
Description: This week is full of active creativity and lots of color! Campers will have the opportunity to create their own fruit and veggie dye to dye fabrics, build some fabulous forts to duck and cover from paint bombs, rocket paint into the sky, play Messy Monkey In the Middle and more! Those who enjoy art in a big way will have a large canvas to work with.
Storybook Session 2
Dates: August 5 – 9
Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Capacity: 20
Ages: 4-7 years
Description: One of our most popular programs where young children “live and breathe” stories out in the wild. We’ll be doing everything from experimenting with colors in a giant foam experience for the story “Little Blue and Little Yellow” to creating life-sized spider webs over the mud after hearing the story “The Very Busy Spider.” With the turn of every day comes a new story for the children to experience and lots of FUN!
How much does it cost?
Storybook Sessions: $110
Tiny Ones: $60
Extreme Art: $235
Wild Ones: $230
Where is the TimberNook site?
All TimberNook sessions will be held at Climbers Run Nature Preserve, in partnership with the Lancaster County Conservancy. Climbers Run is located at 226 Frogtown Road, Pequea, PA 17565.
Who can attend TimberNook?
Below is some information that may be helpful in deciding if your child would be successful in a TimberNook program. We are available to answer specific questions about your child, so please contact us if you have questions.
- As a program in the woods, children will be walking a short distance to the site; navigating over natural surfaces such as roots and uneven ground.
- Children should be able to follow directions such as being kind to other children and keeping an adult in sight at all times.
- Children should be able to stay within a designated area and not be a flight/elopement risk.
- TimberNook is a child-led program. This means that adults step back but tune in for many portions of the day. Peer interaction is a vital component of the program.
How do I register?
Registration is open now! Click here to sign up.
Who can I contact for more information?
For more information about TimberNook, email timbernook@ourexcentia.org or call 717-299-4829 ext 333. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page!
