With the ever-changing environment around COVID-19, we are unsure at this time what programs
will be able to safely run. We are hoping to be able to offer all of these programs in some form,
but will keep these pages updated with changes as needed.
Acoustic Nights
Come and enjoy some great local music at Winding Trails overlooking beautiful Dunning Lake. This series will highlight some of the great local musical talent we have in the area. Each evening will showcase three performers. These programs will be held rain or shine. Registration is required 3 days prior to the program.
Your child will spend 1.5 hours a week participating in a variety of outdoor adventure activities from developing communication skills on our low elements, to learning the basics of rock climbing on our 40' climbing tower consisting of 4 sides; a 15' beginner wall, a 35' intermediate wall, a 35' advanced wall and the fourth side is a 60' x 35' cargo net. Through this program your child can overcome personal fears and develop new self-confidence and trust. Registration is required by three days prior to the start of each session.
Would you like to become a certified lifeguard? Participants who successfully complete the course will be certified in CPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Training and Waterfront Training. This is a BLENDING LEARNING class, with 7 hours of online work along with in person classes. Online materials will be sent out a week prior to the start of the class. All candidates must be 15 years or older by the end of the last class. Prerequisite: Participants must able to swim 550 yards continuously using only front crawl with rhythmic breathing and breaststroke; tread water for 2 minutes using legs only; swim 20 yards pick up brick and swim back with brick within 1 minute and 49 seconds; and swim 5 yards submerged and retrieve three rings (5 yards apart). This will be assessed on the first day of in-person class. Registration is required one week before the start of class.
American Red Cross Lifeguarding Information Session
Are you 13 or older and thinking about becoming a certified lifeguard? Join us for an information session on what to expect in a lifeguarding course, and what a typical day can look like working as a lifeguard. Registration is required 3 days prior to the start of the session. The same information will be given at each session, so please only sign up for one date.
As the Northeast's leader in exotic animal education, Animal Adventures Rescue Center will present 8-10 exotic animals. Meet the animals, hear interesting stories and information about them up close. Each program session will highlight a different group of animals. This is a fun and unique learning experience to be enjoyed by all. Registration is required three days prior to the event. This program is for members only. PLEASE REGISTER ADULTS AND KIDS. We need accurate headcounts.
Bullseye! But can you do that twice? You can after learning the techniques and skills of a great marksman. Come try this challenging and exciting sport. Candidates must be at least seven years of age. All classes will meet at the Archery Range near Walton Pond. Registration is required by 3 days prior to the start of each session. This is a members only class.
Come join us for a fun filled creative class that will stir your preschooler's imagination. Every week your child will enjoy 45 minutes of creative arts and crafts projects that they will be able to take home and show off to the entire family. Registration is required three days prior to the start of each session.
Winding Trails will once again be presenting the popular Baked Potato Fest. Bring the family and create your own luscious version of these meal-sized baked potatoes and join in the fun of dancing the Electric Slide, Chicken Dance and other fun dances. Give yourself a night out and join us for an evening at Walton Pond. Registration is required by three days prior to the program, this is a member only event.
Strike-in with this great summer program! Participants will learn the fundamentals of baseball including game rules, proper battling technique, pitching, and the various field positions. What to bring: appropriate clothing, water bottle, sneakers, baseball glove, and sunscreen. We will provide gloves for those that need them.
Participants will have a great time as they work on their passing, ball handling, shooting, and dribbling skills. Newly acquired basketball skills will be put to the test at an end of the week tournament. What to bring: appropriate clothing, water bottle, snack, sneakers and sunscreen.
Join Blair Wlochowski, Winding Trails' bird volunteer, as we explore the Winding Trails' property to discover what birds are found here during the changing seasons. Learn tips on how to enhance your birding skills and work on your Bird Life List. The walks will travel through many habitat areas, so a good variety of birds are expected to be seen. Dress for the weather and wear a good pair of walking shoes. Registration is required by three days prior to the start of the program. Session One: Spring Migration Session Two: Summer Breeding
Have you or someone you know always wanted to learn how to fish? Well, this year we have a new learning experience to get you outdoors and fishing. The CT DEEP Fisheries Division offers an online ZOOM class to learn all about fishing while in the comfort of your home. After the ZOOM class, you come to an in-person program for personalized instruction with a Certified Fishing instructor that has years of fishing experience. We will cover all the basic fishing skills from how to set up a fishing rod, casting practice, and putting that line into the water to catching your first fish at Walton Pond to start a lifetime of fishing with family and friends. Upon registration for this program, a set of ZOOM dates will be sent to you. Choose the one that fits into your at-home schedule to complete the first step of learning. Then come to Walton Pond on May 15th to complete the hands-on portion of this program and begin your lifetime of fishing. Please register by Monday, May 10th. This program is for members only.
Are you a new member and not quite sure where everything is? Then this extensive tour of the park is just for you. Learn about the history of Winding Trails, where all the facilities are, and where the "special" spots can be found. Dress appropriately for weather and walking. Registration is required by Thursday, April 29th. This program is for members only.
This 2.5-hour program allows you to get onto the climbing tower and enjoy the vertical realm. The climbing tower is 40' high consisting of 4 sides: a 15' beginner wall with incline, a 40' intermediate vertical wall, a 40' advanced wall with incline and over hangs and a 60' x 35' cargo net for the quickest way to the top. Once on top, it time for the ride, a 300' long zip line down Main Street. Registration is required by three days prior to the session date.
For those who don't golf, but would still like to be a part of our Campership fundraiser, this is for you! Join us for a great meal, raffles, silent auction and more! Tickets are limited, so register early. Start time is approximate, based on when players finish up their golf rounds.
Join us at Tunxis Plantation Country Club for a great day of golf, games, food and fun to raise money for our Campership Fund. Play as a foursome or as a single and complete someone else's team. The entry fee includes 18 holes of golf (scramble format), a cart, lunch, dinner, games and more. Registration begins at 11:30am followed by a shotgun start at 12:30pm. All proceeds will go to our Campership Fund. Help us make happy campers!
Drive fore Camp Golf Tournament- Single Registration
Join us at Tunxis Plantation Country Club for a great day of golf, games, food and fun to raise money for our Campership Fund. Play as a foursome or as a single and complete someone else's team. The entry fee includes 18 holes of golf (scramble format), a cart, lunch, dinner, games and more. Registration begins at 11:30am followed by a shotgun start at 12:30pm. All proceeds will go to our Campership Fund. Help us make happy campers!
This spring and summer, families with older children will join Miss Judy for a fun Saturday afternoon of learning something new about the great outdoors. The program format is an introduction about the day's topic followed by a hands-on outdoor activity to try out what you learned. Dress for the weather with appropriate shoes or boots. Each month, we will be exploring different locations as we discover the many animals and plants that make up Winding Trails' fields, forests, and waterbodies. Look and listen for wood frogs in the vernal pools. Learn about wildflowers and the animals that visit them. Discover the birds that nest and raise their young here. Wander through the forest to roll a log and see who lives there. Explore the pond searching for turtles, fish, and other creatures. Registration is required by 3 days before the date of the event. Session One: Spring Has Arrived Session Two: Wildflowers Session Three: Birds Raising Families Session Four: Forest Adventure Session Five: Splash at the Pond
Bring your family for a game night at Winding Trails! Join us at the Boathouse Pavilion for food, trivia, board games, and much more! Pizza, snacks, dessert and beverages will be included. Don't miss out on the fun! Registration is required three days prior to the program. This is a member only event.
Come visit our new Boathouse Pavilion for a drop-in movie during the summer. This is a great way to wind down your day at Winding Trails with a family movie in our newest pavilion with a view. Registration is required three days prior to the program. This is a members only event.
Participants will learn skills on both sides of the ball including the components of passing, catching, and de-flagging or defensive positioning, all presented in a fun and positive environment. The week will end with a fun skills showcase to show their newly acquired talents. What to bring: appropriate clothing, water bottle, snack, sneakers and sunscreen.
Our golf program focuses on the fundamental skills needed to participate in this sport. Participants learn the proper techniques in holding the clubs as well as footwork and swing mechanics. Players will also learn the basic rules and etiquette of the game. What to bring: appropriate clothing, water bottle, snack, sneakers and sunscreen.
This class will provide instruction in the basics of our watercrafts including canoes & kayaks. Students will also learn some basic water safety skills. Skills and exercises will be presented with the emphasis on FUN! Registration is required at least three days prior to the start of each session. This is a members only program. Due to limited availability, please only register for one session.
Calling all kids ready to have some bicycling fun on the trails! This club is intended to have fun, sharpen our mountain biking skills and most importantly make some new friends! Mountain bikes only, helmet mandatory. This club is not intended for beginner riders. Participants must bring a helmet and bike. Registration is required three days prior to event.
This is the ultimate night out for any kid! Tons of games, pizza, 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 parents plan your night out and send the kids here for theirs. Head on over to the Trails for a night out that you will never forget. Sorry, parents not allowed! Please bring clothing that is appropriate for outdoor (weather dependent) and indoor play as well as provide a sleeping bag/blanket and pillow for the movie. Registration is required by May 13th.
What child doesn't love to swim, bike, and run? Your child will love these fun kid triathlons thought the summer. Ages 5- to 7-year-olds swim 25-yards, bike a1/2 mile, and run a 1/2 mile. The 8- to 10-year-olds swim 50-yards, bike 1mile, and run a 1/2 mile. Swim is along the shore, where everyone can reach the bottom. Bike and run are done on the peninsula near overflow parking. Come cheer on your family and friends! Do all 3 races and earn a free t-shirt! Preregistration is required three days prior to program
Suit up and find out why lacrosse is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. Lacrosse combines the basic skills used in soccer, basketball and hockey into one fast-paced, high-scoring game. Athletes will learn all the fundamentals of stick handling, cradling, passing, and shooting in a fun, non-checking environment. What to bring: appropriate clothing, water bottle, snack, sneakers, mouthpiece, protective gloves, helmet with full mask (or goggles for girls), lacrosse stick and sunscreen. We will provide equipment for those who need it.
Grab your friends and join us for a late summer BBQ in the beautiful Boathouse Pavilion on scenic Dunning Lake. Lunch will be a traditional summer picnic with hamburgers, hot dogs, salads and more. Lunch will be followed by the incredible timeless sounds of a Barbershop Quartet. Registration is required by Monday, September 6th.
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. What to bring: appropriate clothing, water bottle, snack, sneakers, shin guards, and sunscreen. Each child will receive a camp t-shirt.
Join the fun! This 5-week program is designed for your 4 and 5 year olds. Each week your child will spend 1.5 hours learning and practicing their skills participating in outdoor adventure activities. Skills such as balance and coordination will be presented with the emphasis on FUN! Registration is required by three days prior to the start of each session.
A soccer program for boys and girls, ages 4 & 5, will provide instruction in the fundamentals of the game of soccer. Skills and exercise will be presented with the emphasis on FUN! Registration is required three days prior to the start of each session.
This program is designed for children ages 6- 10 years old. Basketball, soccer, tee-ball and tennis will all be included in this 5 day, 1 1/2 hour program. The program will focus on teaching the very basic beginner skills of each sport and will have a big emphasis on having fun.
This spring and summer, children with their families will join Miss Judy for a fun Saturday morning of learning something new about the great outdoors. The program format is an introduction about the day's topic followed by a hands-on outdoor activity to try out what you learned. Dress for the weather with appropriate shoes or boots. Each month, we will be exploring different locations as we discover the many animals and plants that make up Winding Trails' fields, forests, and waterbodies. Look and listen for wood frogs in the vernal pools. Learn about wildflowers and the animals that visit them. Discover the birds that nest and raise their young here. Wander through the forest to roll a log and see who lives there. Explore the pond searching for turtles, fish, and other creatures. Registration is required by 3 days before the date of the event. Session One: Spring Has Arrived Session Two: Wildflowers Session Three: Birds Raising Families Session Four: Forest Adventure Session Five: Splash at the Pond
The Farmington River Watershed Association (FRWA) and Winding Trails are teaming up for this timely workshop. Aimee Petras, Program Director at the FRWA, will present this program that covers how to manage your lawn without using chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Aimee will outline the steps you need to take including mowing techniques to manage weeds. Additionally, we'll delve into common lawn problems such as grubs and thatch. After the program, there will be time for a question and answer period. Prior to the program, test your soil via the UConn soil testing lab (http://soiltest.uconn.edu/sampling,php) and bring your results so we can customize a lawn care plan for your specific needs. Registration is required by April 26th.
This spring and summer, we continue a new series of programs for adult life learners that enjoy getting out and about. Join Miss Judy for an interesting Tuesday morning of learning something new about the great outdoors with some historical or current event information added in. The program format changes based on the topic and includes exploring the trails and shorelines throughout the property so dress for the weather with appropriate footwear. Come prepared to explore, have fun, and learn a bit more about what is around us! Registrations is requires 3 days prior to the start of each session. Session topics: April- Vernal Pools, May- Bird Nesting, June- Wildflowers, July- Summer Fruits & Berries, August- Insects
Calling all Pickleball enthusiasts! If you are one the individuals who has caught the pickleball craze you will want to sign up for this new program. Come out and meet new friends, get some exercise, and enjoy the outdoors. Registration is required by three days prior to the start of each session.
Who's ready to go camping? You bring the tent, sleeping bags and toiletries and we will do the rest! This program provides you and your family the opportunity to spend some quality time together and make memories your kids will cherish forever while enjoying many activities and camping out at Winding Trails. Activities available will include soccer, basketball, baseball, boating, archery, and a special night hike ending with a campfire and s'mores. A BBQ on Friday night (6:00pm - 7:30pm) and a continental breakfast on Saturday morning (7:30am - 8:30am) are also included. Please note: the availability of archery and boating are based on certified staff availability and cannot be guaranteed. This is a very popular program so early registration is advised. Registration is required by three days prior to the session date. This is a members only program.
Sailing classes will be offered on beautiful Dunning Lake. Learn the parts of a sunfish along with set up procedures, basic maneuvering, tacks, jibes, capsizing and safe boating practices. All sailing is two or three people per sunfish. Registration is required at least three days prior to the start of each session. This is a members only program. Due to limited availability, please only register for one session.
Shoot and score with our new soccer camp. Participants will learn the fundamentals of soccer including game rules, dribbling and shooting techniques, as well as the proper positions on the field. The program will be a mix of drills and fun games with the intent of getting ready for a full field game on the last day of camp. The main emphasis will be on having fun while playing the world's game! What to bring: appropriate clothing, water bottle, snack, sneakers, shin guards, and sunscreen.
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 three days prior to the start of each session.
The Save Walton Pond project was the single largest capital project in the history of Winding Trails. The planning, moving of animals, and subsequent renovations took many years and the efforts of many to see to its completion. Join our staff as we walk you through this project from beginning to end. We will share what we learned and the state of the Walton Pond 10 year s after the renovation. A lunch will follow the presentation. Registration is required 3 before the date of the event
Start the summer off sizzling. Enjoy a summer cookout and the sounds of summer provided by our DJ. Join in on our family activities including boating on Walton Pond, lawn games, music and more. Registration is required three days prior to the event. This is a member only event.
Our tennis program focuses on the fundamental skills needed to participate in this life long sport. Participants will learn the proper techniques of grips, footwork, ground strokes, volleys, overheads, and serves. Players will also learn the basic rules and etiquette of the game. What to bring: appropriate clothing, water bottle, snack, sneakers, sunscreen and tennis racquet. We will provide racquets for those who need them.
A Triathlon for beginners! The course has 1/8 mile swim, a 3 mile bike and a 1 mile run. A mountain bike and helmet are required for this race. Pre-registration is required; series passes only. No day of registration or single race registration is available for 2021.
Through the generosity of many local businesses, children can see a variety of "special" vehicles up close. Each year we have vehicles from the local fire, police, and EMS. There is also construction equipment, military vehicles, and more. Food is available for a nominal fee. You and your little one won't want to miss this day. If you are a business and would like to display your vehicle, email bailey@windingtrails.org. This is a great community event and a nice way to promote your business. Registration required three days required prior to program date. Rain date: May 16th PLEASE REGISTER ADULTS AND KIDS. We need accurate headcounts.
Our weekly triathlon series races consist of a 1/4 mile swim, 4.5 mile bike, 3.1 mile trail run. A mountain bike and helmet are required for the race. Pre-registration is required; series passes only. No day of registration or single race registration are available in 2021.
Let's get wacky! At this program we will be getting wacky with relays like the dizzy bat relay, egg toss, a whip cream pie eating race, an obstacle course relay and more! You do not want to miss out on the fun!
When it comes to celebrating summer, nothing is better than getting wet & wild in the sun. Enjoy all your favorite water games as we splash our way into fun, ending with everyone's favorite waterslide!
Enjoy the skills and spills as our own member's children compete in Olympic events. Winding Trails lifeguards will coach the teams in tug of war, swimming, and more! So, come join the fun and help carry the torch down the beach.
Your camper will spend 2.5 hours a day participating in a variety of outdoor adventure activities from developing team building skills on our low elements to 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.
PROGRAM DISCLAIMER: With the ever changing environment around COVID-19, we are unsure at this time what programs we will be able to safely run. We are hoping to be able to offer all these programs, but will update with changes as necessary.
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.
