Filtering by: Youth Programming
Strawberry Hill at FunFest
Jun
14
3:00 PM15:00

Strawberry Hill at FunFest

Strawberry Hill will be at FunFest!

Each year, the Adams County Library hosts FunFest at the Gettysburg Rec Park. FunFest is our free event that celebrates the kick-off into SummerQuest, the ACLS summer learning program. FunFest encourages children and families to participate in SummerQuest, as well as experience everything the community has to offer. We invite community organizations and businesses to host vendor booths with activities for children and information for parents.

Adams County Public Libraries are a vital part of our community's learning network. The need for free, high-quality programs for children and youth that are both fun and educational is critical during the summer months when they are susceptible to what is referred to as the "summer slide". In order to engage the children and youth of Adams County, both physically and mentally, we offer our annual SummerQuest program. The program provides children the opportunity to experience everything the library has to offer through leisure reading, virtual programs, and participation in a variety of activities. 

Food Truck vendors for 2024: Mr. Y's Shaved Ice, PA Dairyman's Association, The Mexican Food Truck, The Sweet Patch

For more information, check out the library’s website: ACPL

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Adventures in Hiking
Jun
22
5:00 PM17:00

Adventures in Hiking

Join in the summer fun with Strawberry Hill and Adams County Public Library’s Adventures in Hiking!

Join us for a 1-mile family hike through the forest and we'll discuss basic safety while hiking and fun games to play on the trail.  This program is weather permitting. Please bring water and sunblock and wear appropriate footwear. A parent/ guardian must be present for the hike if your explorer is under 18 years old. Free and open to the public. Space is limited and registration is required. 

To register, click here.

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Explore a Shore
Jul
20
5:00 PM17:00

Explore a Shore

Join in the summer fun with Strawberry Hill and Adams County Public Library’s Explore a Shore!

During this program, we will visit the creek and talk about what creatures live in freshwater streams and what a healthy stream looks like. We'll plan to get in the water with nets and search for macroinvertebrates.

This program is weather permitting. Please bring water and sunblock and wear appropriate footwear. A parent/ guardian must be present for the hike if your explorer is under 18 years old. Free and open to the public. Space is limited and registration is required. 

To register, click here.

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Strawberry Hill's Scout Adventure Day
Sep
14
1:00 PM13:00

Strawberry Hill's Scout Adventure Day

  • Strawberry Hill Foundation, Inc (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Earn Scout badges as you explore the outdoors at Strawberry Hill’s Adventure Day. Join us as we go on a nature hike with a Naturalist, play nature-themed games, and discover how to stay safe while out hiking!

This program meets the requirements for the following badges: Daisy Trail Adventure and Brownie Outdoor Adventure. Each Scout will receive a certificate from Strawberry Hill.

$10 per Scout Click here to register.

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Homeschool Days - Citizen Science & Butterflies
May
6
11:00 AM11:00

Homeschool Days - Citizen Science & Butterflies

Spring means butterflies! Join us for a day of discovery as we learn about - and search for - local species of butterflies and create a citizen science report!

Recommended for ages 9-12 years but all ages welcome!

Program schedule:

11am-12:15pm - The Beauty of Butterflies

12:15-1pm - lunch on your own

1-2:30pm - Citizen Science & Butterflies

$20/child over the age of 4 (adult chaperones free)

Click here to register!

Please note this is not a drop-off event

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Homeschool Days - All About Birds
Apr
15
11:00 AM11:00

Homeschool Days - All About Birds

Birds are incredible engineers who have just the right “tools” for the job! Spend the morning discovering the process and ingenuity behind birds’ marvelous creations!

Later in the day, we’ll learn what the spring migration means to our area. Birders of all ages are putting their Citizen Scientist skill to use. Break out the binoculars and join us we hit the trails in search of birds on the move!

Recommended for ages 5-12 years but all ages welcome!

Program schedule:

11am-12:15pm - Bird “Tools”

12:15-1pm - lunch on your own

1-2:30pm - Citizen Science & the Spring Migration

$20/child over the age of 4 (adult chaperones free)

Click here to register!

Please note this is not a drop-off event

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Homeschool Days - Fun with Frog & Toad
Apr
1
11:00 AM11:00

Homeschool Days - Fun with Frog & Toad

Frog and Toad are literary best friends but they’re very different. Explore the science behind these fascinating amphibians and discover their unique adaptations that make both incredible creatures. Make your very own Toad Abode to take home!

Recommended for ages 5-12 years but all ages welcome!

Program schedule:

11am-12:15pm - Hop, Jump, and Run: Unique Adaptations

12:15-1pm - lunch on your own

1-2:30pm - Frog and Toad Hike with Make and Take: Toad Abode

$20/child over the age of 4 (adult chaperones free)

Click here to register!

Please note this is not a drop-off event

*photo by Peter Paplanus

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Homeschool Maple Sugaring Demonstration
Mar
6
11:00 AM11:00

Homeschool Maple Sugaring Demonstration

Have you ever wanted to learn how to make maple syrup? Or wondered if your trees are the “right” kind of maple? Join Strawberry Hill Naturalists as they introduce you to the process of making maple syrup, from tap to table. Participants learn the history of maple sugaring in Pennsylvania, how changes in weather patterns can affect the maple sugaring season, how to identify the characteristics that distinguish different types of maple trees, how to tap, and the supplies required to process sap into maple syrup.

There are two program times to choose from: 11am & 2pm. Each program runs about 90 minutes and is entirely outdoors. Please dress warmly!

$10 per person. Children under 3 free.

Click here to register!

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Homeschool Days - Eco Engineers
Nov
6
10:30 AM10:30

Homeschool Days - Eco Engineers

Beaver dams are structural wonders and ecologically fundamental. Explore the building concepts and environmental impact of America’s largest rodent and even put your knowledge to the test when you build a beaver dam of your own! Later in the day, join us as we explore the shifting ecology of our Pennsylvania forests and then hit the trails in search of beaver-approved trees.

Recommended for ages 9-12 years but all ages welcome!

Program schedule:

10:30-12pm - Beaver Dams

12-1pm - lunch on your own

1-2:30pm - Tree Hike

$20/participant over the age of 4

Click here to register!

Please note this is not a drop-off event

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Homeschool Days - Art in Nature
Oct
16
10:30 AM10:30

Homeschool Days - Art in Nature

Many artists are inspired by nature, but few can rival the art of nature herself! Join us as we explore the colors, patterns, and textures that are all around us. Learn how plants and animals use color in different ways, and spend a day making natural art of your own.

Recommended for ages 5-12 years but all ages welcome!

Program schedule:

10:30-12pm - Colors in Nature

12-1pm - lunch on your own

1-2:30pm - Textures & Patterns

$20/participant over the age of 4

Click here to register!

Please note this is not a drop-off event

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Homeschool Days - All About Birds
Sep
25
10:30 AM10:30

Homeschool Days - All About Birds

Birds are incredible engineers who have just the right “tools” for the job! Spend the morning discovering the process and ingenuity behind birds’ marvelous creations!

Later in the day, we’ll learn what the fall migration means to our area. Birders of all ages are putting their Citizen Scientist skill to use. Break out the binoculars and join us we hit the trails in search of birds on the move!

Recommended for ages 5-12 years but all ages welcome!

Program schedule:

10:30-12pm - Bird “Tools”

12-1pm - lunch on your own

1-2:30pm - Citizen Science & the Fall Migration

$20/participant over the age of 4

Click here to register!

Please note this is not a drop-off event

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WILDlife
Sep
19
10:00 AM10:00

WILDlife

Welcome to the WILDlife

Homeschooling, Unschooling, or Distance-Learning… no matter your path, learning should be authentic, memorable, and most of all, FUN!

Our WILDlife program is designed to connect children, ages 7-12, to the natural world through hands-on, child-led experiences. It’s founded on the principles of Wonder, Imagination, Liberty, and Discovery. WILDlife kids will go on hikes, engage in citizen science through on-trail investigations, learn basic survival skills, create nature art, and spend their entire class time outdoors (with the exception of inclement weather). Each class will be led by knowledgeable and engaging Naturalists in small class sizes (8 students).

WILDlife also incorporates multiple areas of learning including math, science, social studies (natural and Pennsylvania history), literature, creative arts, and physical development. Classes also provide documentation to aide in homeschool portfolio reviews and will offer one make-up class in the event of cancellation.

Our 10-week fall program will run on Tuesdays from Sept. 19th-Nov. 21st from 10am-2pm.

For ages 7-9 click here to register

For ages 10-12 click here to register

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Homeschool Days - Citizen Science & Biodiversity
Sep
13
10:30 AM10:30

Homeschool Days - Citizen Science & Biodiversity

What makes a healthy ecosystem and why is biodiversity important? Spend the day searching the creeks and hiking paths as we look and document signs of biodiversity in our forest!

Recommended for ages 9-12 years but all ages welcome!

Program schedule:

10:30-12pm - Intro to Identification

12-1pm - lunch on your own

1-2:30pm - Citizen Science & Our Watershed

$20/participant over the age of 4

Click here to register!

Please note this is not a drop-off event

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Wild Strawberries - Mystery at Middle Creek
Aug
9
12:30 PM12:30

Wild Strawberries - Mystery at Middle Creek

Wild Strawberries is Strawberry Hill’s new summer program designed to immerse kids in nature while engaging their hearts and minds with hands-on, play-based learning outdoors.

This is a drop-off event and will include snack time.

Curiouser and Curiouser - Ages 9-12

A shelf knocked over, a picnic stolen, unidentified objects on the trail; strange things are happening at Strawberry Hill! Learn how to interpret the clues left behind by creatures unseen and work together to solve the mysteries in this afternoon of outdoor sleuthing!

Detectives on the Go - Ages 5-8

A shelf knocked over, a picnic stolen, unidentified objects on the trail; strange things are happening at Strawberry Hill! Learn how to interpret the clues left behind by creatures unseen and work together to solve the mysteries in this afternoon of outdoor sleuthing!

Click here to register

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Wild Strawberries - Frog & Toad Go Hiking
Aug
2
12:30 PM12:30

Wild Strawberries - Frog & Toad Go Hiking

Wild Strawberries is Strawberry Hill’s new summer program designed to immerse kids in nature while engaging their hearts and minds with hands-on, play-based learning outdoors.

This is a drop-off event and will include snack time.

Frog Fun - Ages 9-12

Frog and Toad might be best friends but they’re very different. Explore frogs’ habitats and discover what makes this amphibian so much fun!

Toad Abode - Ages 5-8

Frog and Toad might be best friends but they’re very different. Explore toads’ habitats and make your very own Toad Abode to take home!

Click here to register

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Wild Strawberries - Leave No Trace
Jul
26
12:30 PM12:30

Wild Strawberries - Leave No Trace

Wild Strawberries is Strawberry Hill’s new summer program designed to immerse kids in nature while engaging their hearts and minds with hands-on, play-based learning outdoors.

This is a drop-off event and will include snack time.

Hiking - Ages 9-12

Have fun with new friends as you learn about how to prepare for a hike and what it means to go hiking responsibly. Meet some of our Animal Ambassadors as you discover why healthy environments are key to protecting the web of life.

Fun on the Trail - Ages 5-8

Have fun with new friends as you learn about how to prepare for a hike and what it means to go hiking responsibly. Meet some of our Animal Ambassadors as you discover why it’s important to be kind to the forest.

Click here to register

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Wild Strawberries - Backyard Geologist
Jul
19
12:30 PM12:30

Wild Strawberries - Backyard Geologist

Wild Strawberries is Strawberry Hill’s new summer program designed to immerse kids in nature while engaging their hearts and minds with hands-on, play-based learning outdoors.

This is a drop-off event and will include snack time.

Rock Hunt - Ages 5-8

We’re going on a rock hunt! Weather and erosion can expose all types of rocks and you never know what we’ll find. Join us as we explore our beautiful mountain in search of hidden treasure and discover the secrets of this beautiful mountain! The day will include painting rocks for you take home.

Rock n Roll - Ages 9-12

This mountain is a geological treasure trove. Join us as we hike the trails and learn how mountains are formed. Let’s dig in the dirt and discover the secret treasures the mountain holds.

Click here to register

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Wild Strawberries - Oh my! It's "The Bad Guys!"
Jul
12
12:30 PM12:30

Wild Strawberries - Oh my! It's "The Bad Guys!"

Wild Strawberries is Strawberry Hill’s new summer program designed to immerse kids in nature while engaging their hearts and minds with hands-on, play-based learning outdoors.

This is a drop-off event and will include snack time.

Scales & Tails - Ages 5-8

Sharks and wolves have had a bad rep for way too long. Let’s explore some of the mysteries behind their bad reputation and discover some little-known facts about these misunderstood creatures to help them become one of the “good guys”.

Webs & Teeth - Ages 9-12

Tarantulas and snakes have had a bad rep for way too long. Let’s explore some of the mysteries behind their bad reputations and discover some little-known facts about these misunderstood creatures to help them become one of the “good guys”.

Click here to register

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Wild Strawberries - Citizen Scientist
Jun
28
12:30 PM12:30

Wild Strawberries - Citizen Scientist

Wild Strawberries is Strawberry Hill’s new summer program designed to immerse kids in nature while engaging their hearts and minds with hands-on, play-based learning outdoors.

This is a drop-off event and will include snack time.

Butterflies - Ages 5-8

How many different species of butterflies are native to Pennsylvania? Do they all migrate? Let’s explore the world of butterflies and create a nature journal documenting what we find!

Biodiversity - Ages 9-12

What makes a healthy ecosystem and why is biodiversity important? Search the creeks and hiking paths as we look and document signs of biodiversity in our forest!

Click here to register

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Glow Party on the Hill
Jun
24
8:00 PM20:00

Glow Party on the Hill

Bioluminescence is one of nature’s coolest adaptations. Join us as we celebrate all things bright and glowing! Discover the science behind fireflies’ unique glow and explore how other creatures have adapted to shine bright like a star. Enjoy games, snacks, crafts, and more as we light up Mount Hope!

$5 per participant or $20 per family Click here to register

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Wild Strawberries - Colors of the Forest
Jun
21
12:30 PM12:30

Wild Strawberries - Colors of the Forest

Wild Strawberries is Strawberry Hill’s new summer program designed to immerse kids in nature while engaging their hearts and minds with hands-on, play-based learning outdoors.

This is a drop-off event and will include snack time.

Natural Paints - Ages 9-12

Many artists are inspired by nature, but few can rival the art of nature herself! Walk the trails of Strawberry Hill and explore the colors, patterns, and textures that are all around us. Learn how plants and animals use color in different ways, and spend an afternoon making natural art of your own.  

Texture & Patterns - Ages 5-8

Many artists are inspired by nature, but few can rival the art of nature herself! Walk the trails of Strawberry Hill and explore the colors, patterns, and textures that are all around us. Learn how plants and animals use color in different ways, and spend an afternoon making natural art of your own.  

Click here to register

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Wild Strawberries - Eco Engineers
Jun
14
12:30 PM12:30

Wild Strawberries - Eco Engineers

Wild Strawberries is Strawberry Hill’s new summer program designed to immerse kids in nature while engaging their hearts and minds with hands-on, play-based learning outdoors.

This is a drop-off event and will include snack time.

Bird Nests - Ages 5-8

What does it take to keep a nest together? What materials do birds use? Explore the amazing natural engineering of birds to answer all these questions and more, then use your knowledge in an afternoon of hands-on building and experimentation. Build your own nest, see who can best protect their egg, and make your own creations take flight!

Beaver Dams - Ages 9-12

Beaver dams are structural wonders and ecologically important. Explore the building concepts and environmental impact of America’s largest rodent and even put your knowledge to the test when you build a beaver dam of your own! Bring water shoes because we’ll be getting an up-close look at what it takes to build like a beaver!

Click here to register

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Strawberry Hill Summertime Forests Day
Jun
10
1:00 PM13:00

Strawberry Hill Summertime Forests Day

Earn Scout badges as you discover the wonderous secrets of a mid-summer forest! Learn about insects, flowers, & the trees they call home while you hike!

This program meets the requirements for the following badges: Brownie Bugs, Cadette Trees, and Junior Flowers. Each Scout will receive a certificate from Strawberry Hill.

$10 per Scout Click here to register.

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Endangered Species Homeschool Program
May
24
11:00 AM11:00

Endangered Species Homeschool Program

When one species goes extinct, it causes a ripple effect that can change an entire ecosystem. Join us as we explore our forest and discover the hidden history of extirpated and extinct Pennsylvania animals.

$10/participant over the age of 3. Please click here to register.

Please note, this is not a drop-off event.

Recommended for ages 9-12 but all ages welcome!

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Strawberry Hill Art in Nature Day
May
6
1:00 PM13:00

Strawberry Hill Art in Nature Day

Earn Scout badges as you explore art in nature! Learn about natural pigments, drawing & shading, and creating art with the most unexpected finds.

This program meets the requirements for the following badges: Cadette Outdoor Art, Junior Outdoor Art, Junior Trees, and Senior Outdoor Art. Each Scout will receive a certificate from Strawberry Hill.

$10 per Scout Click here to register.

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Energy Connection Homeschool Program
May
1
11:00 AM11:00

Energy Connection Homeschool Program

Have fun exploring the ways in which all things are connected. Learn about how humans can protect our environment by making wise energy choices.

$10/participant over the age of 3. Please click here to register.

Please note, this is not a drop-off event.

Recommended for ages 9-12 but all ages welcome!

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Strawberry Hill Environmental Stewardship Day
Apr
29
1:00 PM13:00

Strawberry Hill Environmental Stewardship Day

Canceled due to trail conditions

Earn Scout badges as you explore the outdoors! Join us as we explore Eco Advocates' roles & what we can do to protect our natural world.

This program meets the requirements for the following badges: Daisy Eco Learner, Brownie Eco Learner, Cadette Eco Trekker, and Ambassador Eco Advocate. Each Scout will receive a certificate from Strawberry Hill.

$10 per Scout

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