Butterflies of the Adirondacks:  Columbia Silkmoth on the Boreal Life Trail at the Paul Smiths VIC (3 June 2011)

VIC Educational Programs

Paul Smiths VIC: Educational Field TripsThe Paul Smitihs VIC offers educational field trips to area school children at no cost to the schools.

The Paul Smiths VIC is committed to promoting a closer connection between children and nature. To that end, the VIC offers a variety of educational programs designed to teach area school children about the natural world and give them a positive outdoor learning experience at the VIC. Area school teachers are encouraged to contact Brian McDonnell for more information.

No School Day Programs: The VIC provides day-long sessions for children ages 6-10, who become VIC eco-explorers, going on hikes, exploring the marsh, playing games, and making arts and crafts. The program is offered on days during the school year when school is not in session, including spring vacation, when a full week of outside activities is offered, with a different theme for each day.

Little Bobcats: The Little Bobcat program is meant to introduce preschool age children to the wonders of nature. Through activities that also involve parents, children have a chance to encounter the local flora and fauna of the Adirondacks. Weekly themed projects include a short lesson and art project for 3-5 year olds and their parents. Topics include dragonflies, bluebirds, wildflowers, and monarchs! The program is offered on Thursdays during the winter. During the summer, the program is offered Saturdays at 10 AM in July and August.

Nature Classroom for Schools

The Paul Smiths VIC also offers excellent educational opportunities for school classes. VIC naturalists and volunteers lead an array of programs for pre-K through high school. The VIC's educational programs are aligned with NYS Learning Standards.

Individual Activity Combinations: Schools may choose from selections of the different VIC programs. This allows schools to create their own program for a VIC visit. With this option, teachers are welcome to focus field trips on whichever activities best compliment their classroom curriculum. Each program is about an hour; and schools may choose up to three. These programs include:

Full day activities: The VIC also offers full day long programs. These explore a single theme for the duration of a trip, allowing students to study specific subjects in more depth. These programs include:

 

Explore the VIC

The Paul Smiths VIC offers a wide variety of programs throughout the year to educate and inform Adirondack Park residents and visitors about the natural wonders of the Adirondack Mountains. You can help support these programs by joining the Friends of the VIC. More information on Friends of the VIC memberships

Explore the Trails

The VIC trails are free and open to the public, from dawn to dusk, spring through fall. In winter, the trails are open to cross-country skiers and snowshoers for a fee. Day or season passes may be purchased.