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.
Junior Lifeguarding is a newly revised program which is designed to guide youth to the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course. This program focuses on building a foundation of knowledge, attitudes, and skills for future lifeguards. Please note that this program does NOT provide any type of certification. Registration is required 3 days prior to the start of the 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. All candidates must be 15 years or older by the end of the last class. Prerequisite: 1st day is 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 minutes and 49 seconds; and swim 5 yards submerged and retrieve three rings (5 yards apart). Registration is required one week before the start of class.
Winding Trails is pleased to have Brian Kleinman of Riverside Reptiles returning with his new program, Ancient Reptiles. Crocodilians and turtles have been around for more than 100 million years, but they have changed little in their appearance. In this program you will learn about how these fascinating reptiles adapted and evolved into the animals we see today. We will learn about their size, power, and hunting strategies, as well as conservation issues that affect their preservation. You will meet a crocodile and alligator, along with turtles, tortoises, and an 80 lb. SWAMP MONSTER! This is a free program provided by donations made to the Trails Fund.
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.
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 to the Electric Slide, Chicken Dance and other fun dances. Give yourself a night out and join us for an evening at the beach. Registration is required by July 9th. This is a members only event. Menu: Garden salad, baked potato (with assorted toppings), dessert, beverages.
Baseball takes the rich history of the game from Cooperstown to your town. Our staff uses our progressionnal curriculum to teach the fundamentals of fielding, catching, throwing, hitting, and base running, all in a fun, positive environment. Specifically designed for beginner and intermediate players, this camp teaches all athletes new baseball skills along with vital life lessons such as respect, teamwork, and responsibility. Participants come away with new friends, new skills, and a love for the game! Participant-to-coach ratio: 12:1.
This fun, skill-intensive program is designed with the beginning to intermediate player in mind. Using our progression curriculum, our basketball staff focus on the whole player, teaching your child the skills needed both on and off the court to be a better athlete. Each day will start with a "skill of the day" and progress into drills and games. After a week of passing, shooting, dribbling, and rebounding, your child will show you why this is one of our most popular programs.
Come join Blair Wlochowski, Winding Trails' volunteer birder, as we explore the Winding Trails' property watching the changing population of birds as the seasons progress from spring through summer. 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. Walks occur on Saturdays or Sundays. Always 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.
This 2.5-hour program introduces 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 40' intermediate vertical wall, a 40' 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 three days prior to the start of each session.
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: Spring Plants, Session 3: Nesting Boxes, Session 4: Geology, Session 5: Mushrooms and more! Registration required three days prior to the event date.
Bring your family for a game night at Winding Trails! Enjoy trivia, board games, a scavenger hunt, and much more. Pizza, snacks, dessert, and beverages will be included. Don't miss out on the fun! Registration is required by August 6th. This is a members only event.
The Farmington River is consider one of CT's most scenic waterways. Join the Winding Trails staff on the "flats" of the Farmington. This a trip for all skill levels. If you have never canoed, we will teach the basics. Winding Trails will provide gear and transportation. Registration is required by three days prior to the start of each session. Session 1: For all skill levels, ages 8 and up. Session 2: Intermediate and advanced skills required, ages 12 and up.
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!
This program breaks down the fundamental skills of golf through easily understood and applicable games and exercises that increase the athlete's abilities. Each athlete will learn proper grips, footwork, and swing mechanics to help develop the total player. Each day will start with a "skill of the day" and progress into drills and games.
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.
Come along on this adventure as we enjoy the weather out on our lake. In the beginning of the week we will be canoeing, the second half of the week we will be kayaking. This camp will cover paddle strokes, rescue techniques, and whitewater basics. On Tuesday we will canoe and Friday we will kayak down the Farmington River. Both of these trips will be full days and will run until 4:30pm.
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. Our staff helps campers learn not only the sport of lacrosse, but also important life skills such as respect, teamwork, and discipline. Designed for ages 7 to 12, this camp ensures that every athlete will come away with a deep understanding of the game and its traditions.
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!
This program is designed for children ages 5-6 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.
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: Plants, Session 3: What Visits Plants, Session 4: Baby Birds, Session 5: Rocks, Session 6: Sand, Session 7: Mushrooms. Registration required three days prior to the event date.
Discover the wonder of observing nature in real time. Explore different waterways as we locate frogs, turtles, and other aquatic animals. Wandering the forest and field checking on the squirrels, birds, and other land animals. Learn some life skills such as fishing and fire building. Relax with kayaking and swimming. Each day involves hands-on activities and experiments. During 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. Registration is required by three days prior to the start of each session.
This program provides you and your family the opportunity to spend some quality time together. Make memories your kids will cherish forever while enjoying dozens of activities and camping out at Winding Trails. Activities available include soccer, basketball, hiking, baseball, boating, archery and more. You bring the tent, sleeping bags and toiletries and we will do the rest! This is a very popular program so early registration is advised. A BBQ on Friday night (6:30pm - 7:30pm) and a continental breakfast on Saturday morning (7:00am - 8:30am) are included. Please note: the availability of archery and boating are based on certified staff availability and cannot be guaranteed. Registration is required by three days prior to the event. Members Only Event.
Scale new heights and explore the subterranean wonders. Learn and practice technical skills and movement on our 40-foot outdoor climbing tower. We will cover the description and use of basic hardware, belaying and rappelling, as well as discuss the formation of caves, structures and wildlife. On Tuesday we will be caving in New York and Friday we will go to Rattlesnake Mountain here in Farmington. Both of these trips will be full days and will run until 4:30pm.
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.
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: Frogs & Tadpoles, Session 2: Spring Flowers, Session 3: Baby Birds, Session 4: Rocks & Soil, Session 5: Fungi
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!
Winding Trails and Kids Who Tri Succeed present the Splash & Dash. This event combines swimming and running and allows kids who don't yet have biking skills to taste the fun of the multi-sport world. The swim will be in Dunning Lake, followed by a run. The distances will be as follows: Ages 4-6: 25 yards swim, .5 mile run Ages 7-8: 50 yards swim, 1-mile run Ages 9-11: 75 yards swim, 1.5-mile run Ages 12-14: 200 yards swim, 2-mile run This is a great opportunity to get together with friends by taking part in a fun race with them. Kids may want to graduate to the full triathlon in August, held in Mansfield. (All finishers are entitled to reduced registration before July 4) Swim caps,and refreshments for all participants. T-shirts will be provided to the first 100 racers! Pre-Registration and Day of Registration are both available for this event. Registration opens at 8am, race begins at 9am. For Pre-Registration Prices Please Register before June 20th.
SUP Fitness classes are one hour in length, starting on shore and then on the SUP board on the water. This FUN SUPFIT class is designed to help you build a strong core, improve your cardio and increase endurance utilizing a stand-up paddle board as your base... on the water. The class is a combination of stand-up paddle boarding, yoga and classic fitness exercises which will tone and sculpt every muscle in your body. Confident swimmer with paddle board experience is recommended but not necessary. Dress appropriately, wear workout clothes, swim suit, change of clothes just in case, bring a water bottle, towel, hat, and don't forget your sunscreen. Use our boards and paddle or bring your own. Instructor: Lesa Laraia, WPA Certified Instructor
Start the summer off sizzling. Enjoy the sounds of summer provided by our DJ and dance away the night in the evening breeze at the beach. Join in on our family summer game tournaments, including bean bag toss, ladder ball, beach volley ball and many more. The kids will also enjoy our inflatable obstacle course and bounce house. Offerings will also include a cookout and activities to delight the young and the young-at-heart. Registration is required by June 25th. This is a members only event. Menu: Hot dogs, hamburgers, mixed vegetables, potato salad, fruit salad, dessert, beverages.
Join the Winding Trails Swim Team! This group will meet on weekday afternoons starting in June for some swim practice and of course, fun in the water. Become a lean, mean swimming machine!
Prerequisite: Must be able to swim 25 yards unassisted.
Come join Steve Messier, Winding Trails' volunteer botanist, to learn about the plants that appear during mid-summer. Plan to explore the varied habitats within the property to view the diversity that exists. Always 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.
Sports Tennis breaks down the fundamental skills of tennis through easily understood and applicable games and exercises that increase the athlete's abilities. Each athlete will learn proper grips, footwork, strokes, volleys, and serves to help develop the total player. Participant-to-coach ratio: 8:1.
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.
Let's get wacky! Today 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 many more! You don't want to miss out on the fun! Registration is required by July 16th. Rain date: July 19th. Members only event.
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! Registration is required by July 23rd.. Rain date: July 26th. Members only event.
Enjoy the skills and spills as our own members compete in Olympic events. Winding Trails lifeguards will coach the teams. So come join the fun and help carry the torch down the beach. Registration is required by July 30th. Rain date: August 2nd. Members only event.
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 is pleased to have The Zoo at Forest Park join us this summer with a wide variety of mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, and arthropods! Their knowledgeable and engaging staff will explore the diets of the animals, the habitats that they would live in, how they defend themselves, and their special adaptations. This is a free program provided by donations made to the Trails Fund. Registration is required by three days prior to the event.
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.
