Wildlife Photograph

First Child in the Woods

is a unique educational series that introduces young children to the wonders of nature and earth science. Programs provide early learning experiences, parent-child interaction and enhance children's intuitive connections with the natural world. Classes are filled with age appropriate animal visits, hikes, activities, crafts and games. 

 First Child in the Woods

Brochure download: First Child in the Woods
Wee ones: (2 & 3-year-olds with an adult partner):
Introducing inquisitive youngsters to nature in a gentle nurturing environment. Topics include Fur, Feathers, Scales, Fins and Antennae.
Nature Pre-school: (4 & 5-year-olds with an adult partner)
Building on nature themes and exploring outdoor connections. Topics include:
Colors in Nature, Shapes in Nature and Animals in Winter.
Elementary Explorers: (6 to 8-year-olds with an adult partner) Exploring earth sciences while creating lifelong natural connections. Topics include: Wind & Weather and the Power of Water.
Junior Naturalists: (9 to 14-year-olds)
Graduating as a Junior Naturalist is the pinnacle of First Child in the Woods. This hands-on program develops tracking skills, wildlife identification, hiking safety, wild animal care and creates new generations of young environmentalists. These programs explore and build connections with nature that will last a lifetime.


The above programs are fee based or FREE to members at the family level or higher.

Family Public Programs

Experience, appreciate, and enjoy the flora, fauna and natural habitats through engaging programs for all the family, including:

• Nature's Yuckiest
• Owl Prowls
• Night Lights
• Bug Nights
• And much more!

  Ijams Program


All family public programs are free or discounted for Ijams members.
Check Monthly Calendar for upcoming program dates and times.

Ijams Spring Break Camp- "Going Green for Spring"!

Dates: March 29th-April 1st

Grades: Kindergarten- 4th

We will be learning about everything green- from new flowers to frogs to making your world a little "greener. Monday and Tuesday are regular times from 9am-4pm. But on Wednesday, the day will start out at 9am, but the fun doesn't stop at 4pm. We will be doing an overnight stay at Ijams which will include midnight hikes, searching for bats, and owl prowls (and maybe a little campfire with smores!). For those campers that stay overnight, dinner and breakfast will be provided. Campers will be picked up Thursday at lunchtime.

The cost for the whole spring break camp-including the overnight is $130 for Ijams members/$150 for non-members. It breaks down to $30 per day for Ijams members, $35 for non-members, and the overnight portion is $40 for members/$50 for non-members.

If you have any questions at all, or would like to register your child for Spring Break Camp, please contact Sarah Brobst at 577-4717 ex 24 or send an email to sbrobst@ijams.org.

Ijams Summer Camp

For 26 years Ijams has provided day camp experiences that nurture children's interest in nature. Ijams Nature Day Cap promotes environmental responsibility and increases self confidence through discover, science, fun, and friendships. The positive impact Ijams has on campers is evident as campers return year after year to learn more about their favorite plants an animals, see old friends, and have fun in the summer sun. Some campers even come back as volunteers and counselors. Ijams Nature Day Camp staff is dedicated to providing a quality experience for every camper by following American Camping Association standards.

2010 Summer Camps: Download our Summer Camp 2010 dates and descriptions sheet for more infomation! Here:Camp Brochure

To register for Summer Camp 2010 please call Sarah at (865) 577-4717 ext. 24 or email her at sbrobst@ijams.org

 

Prices are $150 per week for Ijams members and $175 per week for non-members. For the half week camp: price is $90 for members, $105 for non members. Scholarships are available based on availability and qualifications. Extended care is available between the hours of 8-9 a.m. and 4-5 p.m. for an additional $10 fee per hour.

 Knox Moms Logo Special thanks to Knoxmoms.com and Knoxville News-Sentinel for their generous sponsorship of First Child in the Woods.    Knoxville News Sentinel