“If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in.”
– Rachel Carson

Introduce your toddler or pre-school aged child to a safe and wonderful natural world. This program is specifically designed for children ages 2-5 (before entering kindergarten). Each week, we’ll explore a different seasonal topic through hikes, outdoor exploration, music, puppetry, songs, stories and more. Each session will include a snack. Programs will be held rain or shine, so please dress appropriately for the weather. In the case of severe weather, outdoor activities will move indoors. An adult must accompany all children to the program.

Programs are offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the school year to provide flexible options for busy schedules.

Wonder Bugs Objectives:
1. to provide an opportunity for parents to interact with their child in a natural setting
2. to foster a sense of wonder for the natural world
3. to foster admiration and respect for the land

Each topic is taught from 9:30-10:45am on both Tuesday and Wednesdays. Registration is limited to 20 children per session.

Registration policies
Pre-registration and advance payment is required by registration deadline.
For questions or to register by phone, call 221-0404 x 1.

Medical Form
A medical form is required for any child NOT accompanied by a parent or guardian (ex. Those coming with caregivers, grandparents, etc). If a parent/guardian is in attendance, a medical form is not needed. Medical forms are kept on file for one year, so completing a new form each session is not required.
Click here for a 2012 Medical Form (PDF)

Cancellation Policy
Please notify us of any cancellations at least 7 days prior to the session you are enrolled in. If you inform us at least one week before, we will issue you a voucher or register you for an alternate session of the Wonder Bugs class. If a class is listed as “full” and you need to cancel your registration, we will only issue a voucher if we are able to fill your spot in the class. If you do not call and do not attend, no credit will be given. ALNC does not give cash refunds for Wonder Bugs, only vouchers good for credit for future programming.

Sibling Policy
Wonder Bugs is an adult/child program for 2-5 year olds. If an older sibling is attending along with you that is old enough to participate, they should be registered as well.  You are highly encouraged to leave other siblings at home. Having younger children present can distract from the parent child experience for you and for others. If our instructors and other participants feel that younger children are affecting the quality of the program for others participating, you may be asked to leave. 

NEW WINTER SESSIONS:
Prices for Wonder Bugs for all individual sessions:
ALNC Members: $6/child; Non-members: $7/child

For questions or to register over the phone, please call 608-221-0404 x1.
Registration Form 

KEEP ON TRACKING…
Tuesday, February 14 & Wednesday, February 15, 2012
9:30-10:45am
Registration Deadline: Friday, February 10, 2012

While the snow is stacking! Discover what it’s like to walk in someone else’s shoe (prints). Practice counting the toes- they always knows- and you’ll be able to guess the animal who walked there since.
Registration Form

MICE ON ICE
Tuesday, February 28 & Wednesday, February 29, 2012
9:30-10:45am
Registration Deadline: Friday, February 25, 2012

For birds of prey, this is a delicacy in the winter! Explore the predatory world of raptors in winter. Songs and games are sure to keep you roasty toasty.
Registration Form

Be sure to also check out the NEW Wonder Bugs Family Day Programs below:

WONDER BUGS FAMILY DAYS
Join us for weekend Wonder Bugs family days where we will explore, sing, and craft the day away to a different nature topic each month. These are new topics in addition to our weekday programs.  You won't want to miss out on the opportunity to share the Wonder Bugs experience with your whole family! Appropriate for children 2-5 years accompanied by an adult.

ALNC Members: $6/child; Non-Members: $7/child

READ OWL ABOUT IT!
Saturday, February 18, 2012
9:30 -10:45 am
Registration Deadline: Thursday, February 16, 2012

This just in: nocturnal owls are being studied during the day! Owl pellets are dropping in! Masks and talons are on their way. Come be a part of the owl news!
Registration Form