Connecting Children to Nature
In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, the importance of connecting children with nature cannot be overstated. Auerfarm, a 120-acre educational center in Bloomfield, Connecticut, is at the forefront of this movement, offering two exceptional enrichment programs that blend outdoor exploration with STEAM-based learning. These programs not only foster a deep connection with the natural world but also support crucial aspects of child development.
Our Programs
Morning Sprouts
Ages 3-7
Meeting weekly for three hours, this program is designed for younger children to learn about the outdoor world through their senses. With a small group size of up to 9 children, it provides a nurturing environment for early childhood development and nature exploration.
Mondays, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
April 7, 2025 – June 2, 2025
Afterschool Enrichment
Grades K- 5
This program runs every once a week offering students a unique opportunity to engage in hands-on STEAM activities in an outdoor setting. Children explore the farm’s diverse environments, from gardens and barns to trails and play forests, all while developing critical thinking skills and environmental awareness.
Wednesdays, 3:30 – 5:30 PM
February 26, 2025 – May 28, 2025
“Attending Auerfarm’s Sprouts program has allowed my sons to socialize with peers, learn about how plants and animals grow, and also has had such an impact on their sense of community.”
– Enrichment Parent
(Photo/Cristina Santillan)
The Importance of Nature-Based Enrichment
Studies have demonstrated that exposure to green spaces and outdoor learning environments can significantly enhance children’s cognitive abilities. A Norwegian study found that children who spend time outdoors have better concentration spans and improved short-term memory. This cognitive boost is attributed to nature’s restorative effects on attention processes, which can help prevent symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity.
Our Objectives
Establish a better connection to the environment
Connect with others in a unique setting
Develop independence in self-help skills
Develop a positive self-image and a feeling that “I can do it!”
Participate in group activities
Strengthen communication skills
Learn respect for others and the outdoors
Explore, create, and express themselves comfortably
Embracing Nature-Based Learning
Auerfarm’s 120-acre property serves as a living classroom, offering a diverse range of environments for children to explore and learn from. From hands-on experiences with farm animals to observing the changing seasons in the gardens, every aspect of the farm becomes an opportunity for discovery and growth.
The programs are designed to challenge children while encouraging them to explore their interests and express themselves freely. This approach not only enhances academic learning but also supports emotional growth, making it a comprehensive educational experience.
In an era where screen time often dominates children’s lives, programs like those offered at Auerfarm provide a crucial counterbalance. They offer a return to the fundamentals of experiential learning, allowing children to engage all their senses in the learning process. This holistic approach to education not only improves academic outcomes but also nurtures well-rounded individuals who are curious, confident, and connected to the world around them.
As we look to the future, the importance of environmental education and nature connection cannot be overstated. Auerfarm’s enrichment programs are more than just after-school activities; they are investments in our children’s future and the health of our planet.
Join The Auerfarm Community
If you’re inspired by the potential of nature-based learning and want to give your child the gift of a truly enriching educational experience, now is the time to act. Enrollment for Auerfarm’s After-School S.T.E.M. Enrichment Program and Sprouts Program is currently open.
Don’t miss this opportunity to nurture your child’s curiosity, creativity, and connection to nature. Visit www.auerfarm.org/enrichment-programs/ today to learn more and register your child for an adventure in learning that will last a lifetime.
Join the Auerfarm community and be part of a movement that’s shaping the future, one curious mind at a time.
