During the school year, CISF is proud to offer after-school programs for all students in grades K – 8! Students can sail, kayak, explore, and learn about our natural world in a variety of after-school programs. Help us improve! Please take our short survey to give us your feedback about our programs. Click here to access the survey.
Fall Programs
Vacation Day Program
Indigenous People’s Day (Monday 10/13)
• Foraging & Cooking! Grades 2-8 (9:30am – 1pm)
Join us for a one-day adventure exploring Fort Getty’s diverse ecosystem! Students will discover edible treasures along the shore, in the fields, and among the woods, learning how to harvest them safely and responsibly. Depending on what nature provides, we might cook periwinkle snails, dig clams, make autumn olive jam, bake bannock over a fire, or try out other creations from the day’s harvest.
Students will also explore the world of medicinal plants and how they can be used in everyday life—from calming a bug bite to brewing a soothing tea. This hands-on program blends exploration, cooking, and curiosity, giving kids a unique chance to connect with nature in a fun and memorable way.
Where: CISF Ft. Getty Tent
When: Monday (10/13), 9am – 1pm
Cost: $65
Session 2: October 20th – November 21st
• Backyard Explorers: Mondays (Grade 3) & Wednesdays (Grade 4)
This popular after-school program will again be offered during the fall season for Grades 3 and 4. The students will explore, adventure, and learn about the natural world. Children will be picked up from their classes and will explore the outdoor environment at school once a week for five weeks with Ms. Haley Barber. The students will be picked up from their classes after school.
Where: Jamestown Melrose School
When: 2:40-4pm
Mondays: 3rd Grade
Wednesdays: 4th Grade
Cost: $65
• Nature Detectives (Natural Scavenger Hunts!): Tuesdays, Grades 1 + 2
Enjoy exploring nature with a little more challenge! Students in grades 1 and 2 will join us each week for a nature scavenger hunt in a different habitat around Fort Getty. We will hunt at the Rocky Shore, Secret Cove, in the woods, and more—finding creatures and nature treasures on the way. And, of course, we’ll have time for free play and exploration after we are done!
Where: CISF Ft. Getty Tent
When: Tuesdays, 3:30-5pm
Cost: $110
• Outdoor Survival Skills: Wednesdays, Grades 5 – 8
Whether you’re planning for your next backyard adventure or a back-country expedition, come learn the basics of how to survive in the WILD!!! Over the course of this five-week program participants will develop an overall understanding and appreciation of what skills are needed to make the most of your outdoor adventures. Participants will learn the following: how to build and start a fire without a match and cook over it; how to forage and fish for food; how to set up a shelter, and more!
Where: CISF Ft. Getty Tent
When: Wednesdays, 3:30-5pm
Cost: $110
• Jr. Naturalist Training: Thursdays, Grades 3 + 4
Calling all budding naturalists! This program is for all children in grades 3 + 4 who love to be outside and learn about nature. We will practice important naturalist skills such as close observation, identification, and drawing, with a focus on a different habitat each week.
Where: CISF Ft. Getty Tent
When: Thursdays, 3:30-5pm
Cost: $110
• K-2 Nature Exploration: Fridays, Grades K-2
Children in grades K – 2 are invited to explore the natural world at Fort Getty every Friday. They will spend time exploring and learning about the diverse ecosystems at Fort Getty. Fall is a great season to spend time outside and watch the changing natural world!
Where: CISF Ft. Getty Tent
When: Fridays, 3:30-5pm
Cost: $110
Financial Aid is available for CISF Programs
Secure Financial Aid Application (for 2025 Programs)
Questions? Contact Meg Myles at cisfsailing@gmail.com