The Pathfinders and
The Outsiders
The Pathfinders
Afterschool explorations for 5-9 year olds. Forest rambles, nature crafting, garden projects, barn time and plenty of fresh air and playtime 2 days a week afterschool. We regularly offer fall and spring sessions if we have staff availability.
The cost of the program is $535 for the session
All materials and tools needed will be provided by Fiddleheads. Children will need to come with their own outdoor clothing and gear. If there are barriers to obtaining appropriate clothing and gear please reach out.
How to Join the Pathfinders
Programming will take place at Fiddleheads School location or at the Dana L Thompson Memorial Park.
Dates are:
Fall session tbd
Typical schedule:
3:00-3:30 drop-off, snacks, playtime and gear up
3:30-4:45 adventures and crafting
4:45-5:00 cleanup, gear storage and pickup
The Outsiders
Adventure After School for 9-12 Year Olds
After School Forest Fridays at Fiddleheads
Calling all 9-12 year olds to take a break from screen time and get outside with some real life tools and adventure maps. Fiddleheads is again offering The Outsiders, in late fall of 2025. It will be a 6 week session of Fridays from 3:30-5:30pm, running from mid October through early December. Sessions will take place at different natural areas around Manchester and activities may include hiking and exploring, birdwatching, team building games and activities, tracking, foraging, orienteering, shelter building, fire starting, bow and arrow skills, fishing and journaling. Programming will take place almost entirely outdoors, appropriate clothing will be necessary.
Cost for the full program will be $350 per child. Financial aid is available, please inquire. All materials and tools needed will be provided by Fiddleheads. Snacks will be provided, children will need to come with their own water bottle. Programming will take place almost entirely outdoors, rain or shine. Children will need to come wearing their own appropriate outdoor clothing and gear. If there are barriers to obtaining appropriate clothing and gear please reach out.
How to Join the Outsiders
Programming will take place at various locations. See below.
Fall 2025 Dates and Locations are:
October 24th
First session fun and fishing at Bullhead Pond
October 31st
Seed session, Corn Maze Scavenger Hunt and treats at Equinox Valley Nursery (session ends a little early for trick or treating)
November 7th
Freedleyville Quarry hike in East Dorset. Bat Caves at sunset and nocturnal animal study (session ends a little late to hike down from bat caves)
November 14th
Hunting info session at Emerald Lake and bow and arrow skills
November 21st
Wildlife tracking at Equinox Pond
December 4th
Full moon hike at Fiddleheads, wolf call game in the woods and fire in play yard.
Typical schedule:
3:30-3:45 drop-off/snacks/gear up
3:45-5:00 hike/explore/games
5:00-5:15 fire pit hang out time/closing activity
5:15-5:30 cleanup/gear storage and pickup
This program will be led by Jessica Rhys and Derek Andersen with regular volunteer support from Sam Bledsoe.
