Registration for Park members begins on January 2, 2008.
Non Park members can register beginning February 4, 2008.
For questions or to register, call the York County Parks at (717) 840-7440.

The popular youth summer Nature Discovery Programs (NDP) return this summer. These specialty weeks combine education and recreation into a fun-filled week. Registration begins on Monday, January 5, 2009 for Parks members. Non-members can register beginning on Monday, February 2, 2009.You may use Visa, MasterCard or Discover to register for a class. Please call the York County Parks at 717-840-7440 to register. Specific questions on the activities for all programs should be addressed to Jeri Jones, Program Coordinator at 717-840-7226

REGISTRATION IS SIMPLE! Complete both the registration form and health form and return it with payment. Your registration is not official until full payment has been received. Mail registration to York County Parks, 400 Mundis Race Road, York, PA 17406. You may also register over the telephone if paying with Visa, MasterCard or Discover, but the completed health form must be returned to our office. Call (717) 840-7440 between 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.

Download Brochure and Registration Form now
 
July 21 - 24: Nature Discovery Program I
Ages: 5 - 6
Times:  9:00 - 11:30 a.m. OR 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $55.00
Class Size: 20
Park: Nixon
Description: Classes introduce children to a variety of natural history topics using hands-on activities, props, hikes, stories, and take-home projects. The class will be educational as well as fun. Some themes may be repeated from 2008, but using different activities .
August 4 - 7: Nature Discovery Program II
Ages: 7 & 8
Times: 9:00  - 11:30 a.m.  OR 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $55
Class Size: 20
Park: Nixon
Description: Classes introduce children to a variety of natural history topics using hands-on activities, props, hikes, stories, and take-home projects. The class will be educational as well as fun. Some themes may be repeated from 2008, but using different activities.
June 23 - 26: Nature Discovery Program III 
Ages: 9 - 12
Times: Tues/Wed  9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
             Thursday 7 p.m. - Friday 8 a.m. (Sleepover)
Cost: $95.00
Class Size: 20
Parks: Nixon/Kain/Rudy
Description: Enjoy a variety of activities and nature studies in different habitats. Tuesday, the class will meet at Nixon Park to do various nature-related programs. Wednesday, the students will meet at Lake Redman Activity Area for water-centered games and boating. Thursday, the class meets for a nocturnal-themed evening at Rudy Park before going to bed under the stars.
July 6 - 10: Archaeology Week I
August 10 - 14: Archaeology Week II
 
Ages: 9 - 12
Times: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Cost: $125.00
Class Size: 24
Park: Nixon/Raab
Description: Co-sponsored with the York County Heritage Trust (YCHT), this week of hard work, fun and education get right down to earth! Students learn the concepts of doing archaeology by conducting actual excavations at an archaeological site. Students will learn how to take notes, catalog artifacts and build displays. Interwoven between excavations, the class tours selected YCHT sites to show how archaeology ties into historical interpretation. A public hike to examine the excavations and the student’s findings will be held on Thursday evening beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Quotes from NDP 2008:
– “We wish this class could be two weeks long!”
– “The class is worth every cent combined with fun, education and making new friends”
– “This is a fantastic program for the kids!”
– “The staff has been wonderful”
 
DID YOU KNOW? The York County Department of Parks and Recreation hires two seasonal staff to plan and run these programs. Many of those hired over the past 18 years have been college students. This experience is a great stepping-stone for college students who plan on working with children in the future or simply love children.   Please let us know if you are aware of anyone who is interested in working with the children (paid or volunteer).

     Previous NDP staff members have not only graduated from college but some have received Masters and Doctoral degrees, have become full-time teachers, youth counselors, recreation directors and York County Park Naturalists. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Jeri Jones at (717) 840-7226 for further details.
 
VOLUNTEERS are sought to assist in all of the classes. If you are interested in being employed by the Parks for the summer or would love to volunteer, please contact, Jeri Jones, Program Coordinator at (717) 840-7226. Those who volunteer do so because they love giving back to the community, like to work with children, have an interest in the outdoors or area history