Come and ride the beautiful trails at Winding Trails! Find the best trails and improve our technique. You will work on steep uphill and downhill techniques, drop offs, cornering, and interval training tips. All while having a BLAST! Bring your questions and your helmet. Mountain bikes only, no hybrids. Clipless pedals are recommended and helmets are mandatory. A basic level of fitness is needed. Jimena Florit Dolzadelli is a two-time Olympian, and a four time NORBA Champion. Please register by three days prior to the program.
Here is an exciting option to add to your morning sports/half day programs for parents that would like their children to experience all aspects of camp. Campers may sign up for this afternoon program if they are signed up for any Winding Trails Half Day camp that ends at noon. This will include all the best from our sports/half day camps in the morning combined with an afternoon filled with fun and adventure at Archery, Boating, Nature, and more. The fun and excitement is here for you! So what are you waiting for? Get out and PLAY! Transportation provided from our summer day camp buses (no additional cost) and campers can attend early and late program ($22.00 per week for either) if needed. This program will be run as part of our ACA accredited day camp and CT State Licensed Day Camp.
Come join us for a fun filled creative class that will stir your preschooler's imaginations. Every week your child will enjoy an hour of creative arts and crafts projects that they will be able to take home and show off to the entire family. Registration is required by 3 days to the start of the session.
Come join Blair Wlochowski, Winding Trails' volunteer birder, for a 2 hour bird walk to observe migratory waterfowl and other birds in and around Dunning Lake. The walk continues past Nature's Porch to look for woodland birds and waterfowl around Walton Pond. The walk finishes at the North Meadow to watch for field and forest edge birds. The walk will be a leisurely pace, stopping to observe as we go. If you have binoculars, bring them along. Always dress for the weather conditions and wear a good pair of walking shoes. Registration is required three days prior to the start of the program.
This is a 2.5-hour program introducing the bouldering wall, climbing tower and zip line. The climbing tower and zip line are designed to provide a more individual challenge and to build self-confidence while still relying on the group support system. The tower activities include the 8' x 30' bouldering wall for practice before the climbing tower. The climbing tower is 40' high consisting of 3 sides; a 15' beginner wall with incline, a 30'-35' intermediate vertical wall, a 30'-35' advanced wall with incline and over hangs. The 300' long zip line is located at the top platform of the tower. A safety system (belay system) is used with the tower and 2 Extreme Engineering auto belay system. Registration is required by 3 days prior to the start of each session.
Like people, animals come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. The vibrant colors and patterns found in the animal kingdom show not only the beauty of all living things, but also serve to help animals survive in their habitats. Colors can send a warning to potential predators, attract a mate, and regulate an animal's temperature. Patterns aid an animal with camouflage and with mimicry of more dangerous species. People of all ages will learn about these diverse colors and patterns and what they mean. Animal Embassy will bring their Animal Ambassadors such as an Eclectus Parrot, a Fire-bellied Toad, Red-eyes Tree Frogs, a Red-footed Tortoise, a Guatemalan Milk Snake, a Day or Leopard Gecko, and Chinchillas. This program is provided free of charge thanks to proceeds donated to our Trails Fund. Please register by three days prior to the event.
Your camper will participate in a variety of outdoor adventure activities from learning the basics of rock climbing on our 40' climbing tower, to soaring through the air on our High Ropes Course, to splashing around in the lake through lake orienteering and raft building, as well a Discover SCUBA program. Your camper is sure to leave with lasting memories as well as the opportunity to overcome personal fears and develop new self-confidence and trust. Friday we will go to Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park in Portland, CT. This trip will be a full day and will run until 4:30pm.
Have you ever wondered what it is like to breathe underwater? Or maybe you have just heard so much about the Walton Pond project and you wanted to take a closer look at the progress. Well then come out and see what everyone is talking about. In this program we will spend a little time to explain the basic principles of scuba diving and give you an overview of your scuba gear which will be supplied for you. Once you feel comfortable, we will help you learn basic scuba skills. The skills you learn during your Discover Scuba Diving experience may be credited toward the full Scuba certification course. Gear will be provided. Registration is required by 3 days prior to the start of the session.
Get outside on Saturday nights with Miss Judy for an educational walk with hands-on activities with your family and friends. After the walk, return to make a fire, roast a few marshmallows, and enjoy some lively conversation. On those nights when it becomes fully dark, we walk to the recreation fields to view the night sky for seasonal constellation identification and to view special celestial events. Come prepared for the weather by wearing a pair of good hiking shoes and a pair of water boots or shoes are recommended. Session 1: Vernal Pools, Session 2: Fishing, Session 3: Crayfish, Session 4: Trees, Session 5: Spiders Registration required three days prior to the event date.
Get outside on Saturday evenings with Miss Judy, Winding Trails' naturalist, for an educational walk that includes some hands-on activities with your family and friends. After the walk, return to make a fire, roast a few marshmallows, and enjoy some lively conversation about the night findings. Once it becomes fully dark, we walk to the recreation fields to view the night sky for seasonal constellation identification and to view special celestial events. Come prepared with walking shoes, clothes for the weather. Bring your binoculars and/or telescopes for night viewing; and red light flashlights, so we can see as we walk and not disturb the wildlife. Registration is required by 3 days prior to the start of the program.
Looking for a great cardio workout? Spinning offers the calorie burning, energy enhancing, stress decreasing, overall workout that is easy on the joints. This is a 12 week program that will help you stay or get in shape. Indoor cycling allows you the opportunity to work hard and have fun while you spin to your favorite tunes. You provide comfortable workout attires, sneaks, H20, towel and desire!
Flag Football is the perfect introduction to "America's Game" or a great refresher for those who want to brush up on their skills preparing for league play. Through our "skill of the day" exercises, campers will learn skills on both sides of the ball including the core components of passing, catching, and deflagging or defensive positioning- all presented in a fun and positive environment. The week ends with the Sports Bowl, giving participants a chance to showcase their skills on the gridiron!
Calling all goblins, ghosts, and witches! Come join Winding Trails for the third annual Haunted Trails! Enjoy a 15 minute haunted hay ride in the trails. There will also be Halloween crafts, games, pumpkins to carve (until 6:30), a movie and some light refreshments in Garmany Hall. Please make sure you sign up for one session, and arrive a little before the start time. Sessions 1-5 will be in the daylight, for those that would not like to ride in the dark. Space is limited! Registration is required by 3 days prior to the start of the program.
If you would like to volunteer to be a part of our Haunted Trails Scare Team, please call Bailey at 860-677-8458 ext. 11
This is the ultimate night out for any kid! Tons of fun games & crafts, a giant pizza party, an ice cream sundae bar, a big screen movie, and endless amounts of fun await you here at the Trails. This program has evolved into a very popular kid's event and space fills up quickly. So parent's, plan your night out and send the kid's here for theirs. Head on over to the Trails for a night out that you will never forget. Sorry, parent's not allowed! Please bring clothing that is appropriate for outdoor and indoor play as well as provide a sleeping bag/blanket and pillow for the movie. Registration is required by 3 days prior to the start of the program.
Calling all kids ready to have some FUN on the bike! Come and ride the trails and learn a few tips about technique, balance and eye focus. We will work on body position uphill & downhill, shifting, breaking and turning. Mountain bikes only, helmet mandatory. Jimena Florit Dolzadelli is a two time Olympian, and four time NORBA Champion. Registration is required by three days prior to event.
Wrona Soccer is proud to be working with Winding Trails to be able to offer opportunities for players of all ages with our camp this summer. Our experienced staff excels at knowing how to get the best out of players through demonstrating techniques and inspiring players to reach higher. Our players learn the fundamentals of the game, ball control, passing, defending, and scoring. We will teach every child at their own pace.
Join the fun! Each day your camper will spend time learning and practicing their skills on the Outdoor Bouldering Wall, the Climbing Tower and participating in adventure activities. Skills such as balance and coordination will be presented with the emphasis on FUN!
A soccer program for boys and girls, ages 4 & 5, will provide instruction in the fundamentals of the game of soccer. Skills and exercises will be presented with the emphasis on FUN! Registration is required by 3 days prior to the start of the program. Session one- no class on October 10th.
Discover the wonder of observing nature in real time. We get to experience a partial eclipse of the sun on our first day. Get wet as you capture frogs and turtles at Walton Pond. Explore the shore of Dunning Lake for crayfish and more. We'll explore how Poplar Swamp Brook creates its path as you look for who lives within its waters and along its edge. Each day involves hands-on activities and experiments. On our walks, we will explore, collect, and observe animals and different environments. Dress for the weather, bring your imagination, and plan to have fun as we discover what's out there!
Sponsored by the Alexander P. Franklin Foundation,
Nature's Open House is a walking tour of 80+ fairy and gnome dwellings set along a three-quarter mile stroll through our wooded trails. Upon returning from your tour, you can listen to Parents' Choice Award winning author, Tracy Kane, read from her amazing Fairy House Series. After being inspired by Tracy and the tour, you are ready to build your own fairy house in the permanent Winding Trails Fairy House Village. Using only natural material, you are free to create a place that is interesting, fun, cozy, inviting, and uniquely yours. Tickets are $5.00 per person. Please note: Tickets purchased the day of the event will cost $8.
This new element if the first of its kind in Connecticut. Comprised of ten telephone poles at 40 feet high with a series of multiple elements that will challenge and thrill all ages. This element is unique because it is designed to be climbed in a group. This allows for an individual challenge while having the support of a group to help you through each activity.
Join Miss Judy for an afternoon family nature walk. This walk is geared toward families with children that enjoy exploring all around the property. Each month the walk to will take you to a different area to explore. These informal programs are for all ages so come prepared with clothes that can get dirty. A pair of good hiking shoes and a pair of water boots or shoes are recommended. Session 1: Vernal Pools, Session 2: Crayfish, Session 3: Trees, Session 4: Spiders. Registration required three days prior to the event date.
Join Miss Judy, Winding Trails naturalist, for an afternoon family nature walk once a month that will explore a different topic and location appropriate for the changing fall season. Some walks will travel to a location where an activity will be held while other walks will observe seasonal wildlife and participate in activities during the walk. These informal programs are for all ages, so come prepared with good walking shoes and clothes that can get dirty. Registration is required by 3 days prior to the start of the program.
Saturday Morning Families with Young Children Walks
This program is for an adult with their child or children to explore different aspects of nature and seasons with Miss Judy, the Winding Trails' naturalist. Dress with good walking shoes and choose clothes that can get dirty and are appropriate for the weather so we can explore rain or shine. Registration is required by 3 days prior to the start of the program.
Saturday Morning Family Nature Walks (Young Children)
Join Miss Judy, Winding Trails' naturalist, for a morning family nature walk. This walk is geared toward families with young children, six years and younger. Each month the walk will take your family to a different location so a new topic can be explored. Be prepared to watch for animals and listen for fun sounds. Wear good walking shoes and dress for indoor and outdoor activities. Registration is required by three days prior to the date of the program. Session 1: Vernal Pools, Session 2: Crayfish, Session 3: What lives in trees?, Session 4: Spiders & Bugs
Come and enjoy a nice lunch at our beautiful new Boathouse Pavilion and follow it with live music and dancing with Dave & Friends. This is a new program and should be a hit for all those who love live music, dancing, and a great view. Registration is required by three days prior to the event.
Dates:
Wednesday, September 13 to Wednesday, September 13
A soccer program for boys and girls will provide very basic instruction in the fundamentals of the game of soccer. Skills and exercise will be presented with the emphasis on FUN! Registration is required by 3 days prior to the start of the program. Session one- no class on October 10th.
Discover the fascinating underwater life of the watershed with the Farmington River Watershed Association as we explore the Walton Pond and Poplar Swamp Brook at beautiful Winding Trails. Spend the morning pond-side and wading in the brook to observe, identify and marvel at the life histories and ecology of insects and other creatures that inhabit still and flowing waters. Learn how and why we use aquatic insects in our watershed-wide water quality monitoring. We will provide nets, buckets and expertise. We meet at Nature's Porch and will go outdoors rain or shine. Please dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear to wade into shallow water. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required by 3 days prior to the start of the session.
Come join Steve Messier, Winding Trail's volunteer botanist, to explore the lichens found throughout the Winding Trails property. The variety found is due to the substrate or surface they grown upon and their surrounding habitat. These interesting life forms are a symbiotic partnership between multiple organisms. Discover what each provides so all can survive. Always dress for the weather and wear a good pair of walking shoes. Registration is required three days prior to the event.
This program is designed for children 3-4 years old. The one hour program will focus on teaching the very basic beginner skills of sports, balance, coordination, and ball handling with a big emphasis on having fun.
Try your luck and skill in this annual Thanksgiving event. You and your entire family will follow clues around our very own trail system in hopes of being the quickest to find our fleeing fowl. We will have two divisions. Session one for those up for a challenging trail run and session two for those looking for a nice walk in the woods. Please choose which division best suits your family as Tom Turkey will be watching! The winning family will leave with a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner! Registration is required by 3 days prior to the start of the program.
**Please note: Session One is the fast-paced hunt and Session Two is the walking hunt.
Many of our veteran Tri Series participants have inquired about a longer event at the end of the summer- something they can look forward to and train for. Well, here it is! The Double Whammy will follow our exact Sprint Tri Series course, gone through twice. Twice the swim, twice the bike, twice the run- double the distance, double the fun! The day of the race, registration will open at 7am and the race will begin at 8am. Day of registration fees are $80 for members, and $90 for non-members. Register online early and save! Online registration is open until August 15th.
Come join Miss Judy for a casual exploration as we walk along some of our many trails. We'll talk about what we see or some nature topics in the news. Sometimes we'll stop to gawk at an interesting find alongside a trail. A different route and topic is planned for each day. Always dress for the weather and wear a good pair of walking shoes. Registration is required by 3 days prior to the start of each session.
Whether you are a novice or a comfortable trail runner this club if for you. Even if you can only run-walk, you will be taught how to build up your stamina and eventually run longer. Running trails is easier on the joints and works all muscle groups all while building up your cardio fitness. For the beginners, you will learn how to navigate the trails and have fun. Run with trail runner expert, Andrea Buono, each week to help you sharpen your skills. This club is about having fun, enjoying nature, meeting new trail runners, building friendships and learning the joy of trail running. Each week Andrea will teach you a new skill on how to better your running. All abilities are welcome. No special equipment required. We run in all kinds of weather.
Your camper will spend 2.5 hours a day participating in a variety of outdoor adventure activities from learning the basics of rock climbing on our 40' climbing tower (consists of a 15' beginner wall, a 35' intermediate wall, a 35' advanced wall, a 60' x 35' cargo net and a zipline). Your camper is sure to leave with lasting memories as well as the opportunity to overcome personal fears and develop new self-confidence and trust.
Winding Trails, Inc. is a non-profit organization serving people from Farmington and surrounding communities, providing year round recreational and educational activities for the enjoyment and growth of families and individuals of all ages. Winding Trails is dedicated to the conservation and stewardship of the natural woodlands and waterways that allow outdoor programming, character development, and other activities that strengthen the lives of those we serve.
