Beginner Naturalists Club: Snowflakes
Ages 3 – 6 years with adult companion
CWPD is looking for our newest generation of naturalists! This program is an opportunity for participants to dress up as naturalists and explore the park through their five senses. The theme for December is Snowflakes.
Registration deadline: Friday, December 1
Ohio Young Birders Gathering
Ages 10 – 18
Saturday, December 9
Program Code: 01-30501-A (registration through Kettering)
Join other Ohio Young Birders for a pizza and friendship before heading out to see what birds we can find in the December woods. Bring a friend who might be interested in trying out this fun hobby.
Embroidered Ornaments
Ages 14 and up
This program will cover the basic stitches required to create your own personalized handmade ornaments for the season. All supplies will be provided, and no previous embroidery experience is required to participate in this fun seasonal stitching program.
Registration deadline: Sunday, December 3
Recommended for ages 3 – 6
With the holiday season kicking off, this RecKit is themed around the holidays! There are fun activities and an easy STEM challenge. The crafts can double as gifts or decorations!
Registration deadline: Monday, December 4
Recommended for ages 7 – 13
With the holiday season kicking off, this RecKit is themed around the holidays! There are fun activities and an easy STEM challenge. The crafts can double as gifts or decorations!
Registration deadline: Monday, December 4
Art & Imagination
Ages 6 – 8
Tuesdays, December 12, January 9 & February 13
Does your child love art time? This drop-off program is designed to give your child an opportunity to get creative! They will try new techniques and design unique projects based on a monthly nature theme.
Registration deadline: Tuesday, December 5
Recommend for ages 3 – 5
Thursdays, December 14, January 11 & February 8
This take-home kit features crafts and activities revolving around a fun nature-based seasonal theme! There will be three different kits — one for each month!
Registration deadline: Thursday, December 7
Hike with a Naturalist
Ages 18 and up
Join us on a stroll through your park! A naturalist will point out seasonal changes and discuss the wildlife we observe. Hike is on a natural path.
Registration deadline: Tuesday, December 12
Seed Stocking Stuffers
All ages
Create native seed balls to hand out as a holiday gift to friends and family. Each family will make 12 seed balls, cut fabric squares and make labels. Staff will be on hand to assist with the creation of your unique holiday gifts.
Registration deadline: Wednesday, December 13
Seed Stocking Stuffers
All ages
Create native seed balls to hand out as a holiday gift to friends and family. Each family will make 12 seed balls, cut fabric squares, and make labels. Staff will be on hand to assist with the creation of your unique holiday gifts.
Registration deadline: Wednesday December 13
The Ugly Sweater Oh What Fun Run
All ages
December 16 is National Ugly Sweater Day! Wear your ugliest sweater (or make one yourself!) and be ready to learn about some of the ugly “sweaters” we can find in the natural world. The 100-meter dash will begin promptly at 11:30 am. For the one-mile course, you have the option to take a photo of your ugly sweater on our “green carpet ” and share to the Facebook Event page or email to mail@cwpd.org. Staff will vote on the ugliest sweater of the event and the winner will receive a prize!
This event is sponsored by Dayton Children’s Hospital.
Teen Volunteer Afternoon
Ages 11 – 15
An afternoon of pizza and projects that give back to your community! There will be multiple project options.
Registration deadline: Monday, December 11
Fire and Ice Party
Ages 8 – 12
We will combine the elements of fire and ice during a winter hike and campfire. We will search for icicles, icy puddles and snowy patches that we can paint! Afterward, we will warm up around the campfire and make s’mores.
Registration deadline: Friday, December 8
D&D with CWPD A
Ages 12 – 17
Tuesday, December 19 – Friday, December 22
Participants will play as members of a Forest Ranger’s Guild, working to protect and conserve a vibrant fantasy world. This four-day program will teach you everything you need to know about playing D & D, and each participant will be given their own set of dice. Both beginner and experienced players are welcome.
Registration deadline: Friday, December 15
Arctic Exploration Camp
Ages 5 – 12
A winter break camp experience to keep your children active while school is out! Much like our summer day camp, campers will explore the park, but this time for all things winter! Children will warm up in the Smith House with games, crafts and nature programs.
Registration deadline: Friday, December 15