Park Reservations

Park Naturalist and Community Programs

Dutchess County Parks offers a variety of educational programs throughout the year. Our programs provide children and adults an opportunity to experience, share and have hands on learning time within our parks. Our programs focus on various aspects of environmental awareness, prehistoric Native American culture, and survival skills. Our goal is to give youth and adults a deeper understanding and appreciation of nature within a fun and entertaining park atmosphere. We also try to instill a sense of personal responsibility and teamwork during each program offered. We hope you join us for some of our programs throughout the year.

If you have any questions regarding Dutchess County Park Naturalist Programs, please contact the Park Naturalist at 845-298-4602 or by email at parknaturalist@dutchessny.gov. If you have any questions regarding Dutchess County Parks Community Programs, please contact the Parks Office at 845-298-4600.

Dutchess County Parks Programs are on a first come, first serve basis. Be sure to check back often for new opportunities and register early.

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Park Naturalist
Community Programs

2023 Spring Survival Experience Ages 9-11
This two day program is designed to give participants an idea of what our summer programs are like. We will cover survival basics, nature awareness and team building skills.
Location: BOWDOIN PARK	Dates: 4/3/2023 - 4/4/2023
Price: 60.00	Time: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Seats Remaining: 17	Seats Remaining: 17
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2023 Spring Adventure Experience 9-11
This two day program is designed to give participants an idea of what our summer programs are like. We will cover foam weapon combat, character creation, teambuilding games and a short adventure at the end.
Location: BOWDOIN PARK	Dates: 4/5/2023 - 4/6/2023
Price: 60.00	Time: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Seats Remaining: 14	Seats Remaining: 14
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2023 Weekend Archery : Spring Session 10am
This program is designed for children and adults with any level of experience in archery. The first class will be a review of basic archery safety and skills for those who may not have attended in the past. The majority of the time will be spent practicing with the bows, learning through experience. The program consists of 5 classes, held on Saturdays, with several time slots to choose from. Each class lasts an hour. All equipment is provided. Children must be 8 years of age or older to participate. Sign-up is required. For more info please call (845) 298-4602. Session Dates : Saturday, Apr 8th Saturday, Apr 22rd Saturday, May 6th Saturday, May 20th Saturday, June 3th Time Slot: 10:00am to 11:00am Cost: $60 per person (for all 5 classes) Location: The sessions will be in the athletic fields at Bowdoin Park, located at 85 Sheafe Road, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590.
Location: BOWDOIN PARK	Dates: 4/8/2023 - 6/3/2023
Price: 60.00	Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Seats Remaining: FULL (Contact the Bowdoin Office for possible openings)
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2023 Weekend Archery : Spring Session 11:30am
This program is designed for children and adults with any level of experience in archery. The first class will be a review of basic archery safety and skills for those who may not have attended in the past. The majority of the time will be spent practicing with the bows, learning through experience. The program consists of 5 classes, held on Saturdays, with several time slots to choose from. Each class lasts an hour. All equipment is provided. Children must be 8 years of age or older to participate. Sign-up is required. For more info please call (845) 298-4602. Session Dates : Saturday, Apr 8th Saturday, Apr 22rd Saturday, May 6th Saturday, May 20th Saturday, June 3th Time Slot: 11:30am to 12:30pm Cost: $60 per person (for all 5 classes) Location: The sessions will be in the athletic fields at Bowdoin Park, located at 85 Sheafe Road, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590.
Location: BOWDOIN PARK	Dates: 4/8/2023 - 6/3/2023
Price: 60.00	Time: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Seats Remaining: FULL (Contact the Bowdoin Office for possible openings)
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2023 Weekend Archery : Spring Session 2pm
This program is designed for children and adults with any level of experience in archery. The first class will be a review of basic archery safety and skills for those who may not have attended in the past. The majority of the time will be spent practicing with the bows, learning through experience. The program consists of 5 classes, held on Saturdays, with several time slots to choose from. Each class lasts an hour. All equipment is provided. Children must be 8 years of age or older to participate. Sign-up is required. For more info please call (845) 298-4602. Session Dates : Saturday, Apr 8th Saturday, Apr 22rd Saturday, May 6th Saturday, May 20th Saturday, June 3th Time Slot: 2:00pm to 3:00pm Cost: $60 per person (for all 5 classes) Location: The sessions will be in the athletic fields at Bowdoin Park, located at 85 Sheafe Road, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590.
Location: BOWDOIN PARK	Dates: 4/8/2023 - 6/3/2023
Price: 60.00	Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Seats Remaining: FULL (Contact the Bowdoin Office for possible openings)
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2023 Weekend Archery : Spring Session 3:30pm
This program is designed for children and adults with any level of experience in archery. The first class will be a review of basic archery safety and skills for those who may not have attended in the past. The majority of the time will be spent practicing with the bows, learning through experience. The program consists of 5 classes, held on Saturdays, with several time slots to choose from. Each class lasts an hour. All equipment is provided. Children must be 8 years of age or older to participate. Sign-up is required. For more info please call (845) 298-4602. Session Dates : Saturday, Apr 8th Saturday, Apr 22rd Saturday, May 6th Saturday, May 20th Saturday, June 3th Time Slot: 3:30pm to 4:30pm Cost: $60 per person (for all 5 classes) Location: The sessions will be in the athletic fields at Bowdoin Park, located at 85 Sheafe Road, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590.
Location: BOWDOIN PARK	Dates: 4/8/2023 - 6/3/2023
Price: 60.00	Time: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Seats Remaining: FULL (Contact the Bowdoin Office for possible openings)
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2023 Weekend Archery : Spring Session 8:30am
This program is designed for children and adults with any level of experience in archery. The first class will be a review of basic archery safety and skills for those who may not have attended in the past. The majority of the time will be spent practicing with the bows, learning through experience. The program consists of 5 classes, held on Saturdays, with several time slots to choose from. Each class lasts an hour. All equipment is provided. Children must be 8 years of age or older to participate. Sign-up is required. For more info please call (845) 298-4602. Session Dates : Saturday, Apr 8th Saturday, Apr 22rd Saturday, May 6th Saturday, May 20th Saturday, June 3th Time Slot: 8:30am to 9:30am Cost: $60 per person (for all 5 classes) Location: The sessions will be in the athletic fields at Bowdoin Park, located at 85 Sheafe Road, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590.
Location: BOWDOIN PARK	Dates: 4/8/2023 - 6/3/2023
Price: 60.00	Time: 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Seats Remaining: FULL (Contact the Bowdoin Office for possible openings)
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2023 Spring Park Palette 1 Mountains
Calling all students ages 10-18! Have you always wanted to explore nature painting but didn't know where to start? Now is your opportunity to learn. Park Naturalist -Jess Steinbach, will lead a three-week series on how to paint native animals and season scenes. Classes will be an open workshop format and will take place at Bowdoin Park -Pavilion 5 from 5pm- 6:15pm. All supplies will be provided, and students will be able to take their artwork home. Choose one workshop or take all three! Fee is $12 per class. The subject of our painting will be a colorful mountain landscape.
Location: BOWDOIN PARK	Dates: 4/26/2023 - 4/26/2023
Price: 12.00	Time: 5:00 PM - 6:15 PM
Seats Remaining: 1	Seats Remaining: 1
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2023 Spring Eaglet 1 Mammals
The Dutchess County Parks Nature Eaglet Program at Bowdoin offers an outdoor learning experience for youth ages five to seven along with their parents or caregivers. Through interactive exploration and play, children will take a closer look at our unique natural habitat at the park, with each week focusing on a different topic. Week 1 will learn about some mammals in the Hudson Valley take a look at some real animals furrs and skulls. Ages 5-7 only.
Location: BOWDOIN PARK	Dates: 5/9/2023 - 5/9/2023
Price: 5.00	Time: 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM
Seats Remaining: FULL (Contact the Bowdoin Office for possible openings)
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2023 Spring Park Palette 2 Northern Lights
Calling all students ages 10-18! Have you always wanted to explore nature painting but didn't know where to start? Now is your opportunity to learn. Park Naturalist -Jess Steinbach, will lead a three-week series on how to paint native animals and season scenes. Classes will be an open workshop format and will take place at Bowdoin Park -Pavilion 5 from 5pm- 6:15pm. All supplies will be provided, and students will be able to take their artwork home. Choose one workshop or take all three! Fee is $12 per class. The subject of our painting will be a the Northern Lights.
Location: BOWDOIN PARK	Dates: 5/10/2023 - 5/10/2023
Price: 12.00	Time: 5:00 PM - 6:15 PM
Seats Remaining: 5	Seats Remaining: 5
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2023 Spring Eaglet 2 Nature Awareness
The Dutchess County Parks Nature Eaglet Program at Bowdoin offers an outdoor learning experience for youth ages five to seven along with their parents or caregivers. Through interactive exploration and play, children will take a closer look at our unique natural habitat at the park, with each week focusing on a different topic. Week 2 we will explore the beauty if nature while hiking and discuss the importance of being aware of your surroundings. Good shoes and bugspray are suggested. Ages 5-7 only.
Location: BOWDOIN PARK	Dates: 5/23/2023 - 5/23/2023
Price: 5.00	Time: 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM
Seats Remaining: 2	Seats Remaining: 2
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2023 Spring Eaglet 3 Pond Study
The Dutchess County Parks Nature Eaglet Program at Bowdoin offers an outdoor learning experience for youth ages five to seven along with their parents or caregivers. Through interactive exploration and play, children will take a closer look at our unique natural habitat at the park, with each week focusing on a different topic. Week 3 we will be taking a hike down to our Turtle Pond. We will learn about the pond's ecosystem and observe the bustling wildlife waking up from the winter. Inlcuding the parks resident snapping turtles! Good shoes and bugspray are suggested. Ages 5-7 only.
Location: BOWDOIN PARK	Dates: 6/6/2023 - 6/6/2023
Price: 5.00	Time: 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM
Seats Remaining: 3	Seats Remaining: 3
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2023 Spring Park Palette 3 Red Fox
Calling all students ages 10-18! Have you always wanted to explore nature painting but didn't know where to start? Now is your opportunity to learn. Park Naturalist -Jess Steinbach, will lead a three-week series on how to paint native animals and season scenes. Classes will be an open workshop format and will take place at Bowdoin Park -Pavilion 5 from 5pm- 6:15pm. All supplies will be provided, and students will be able to take their artwork home. Choose one workshop or take all three! Fee is $12 per class. The subject of our painting will be a red fox!
Location: BOWDOIN PARK	Dates: 6/14/2023 - 6/14/2023
Price: 12.00	Time: 5:00 PM - 6:15 PM
Seats Remaining: 3	Seats Remaining: 3
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2023 Summer Adventure Program Ages 9-11 Session 1
This program will duplicate the excitement of a movie or videogame in a physical way. Participants will learn to battle with foam weapons, play Nerf tag and learn group problem solving. There will be group challenges each day that can only be solved through creativity and teamwork. The end of the week will be a simulated adventure for participants to use their new skills to overcome obstacles and win the game. Topics will include: Group Strategy and Problem Solving Foam Weapon Use Situational Awareness *No Camp July 4th
Location: BOWDOIN PARK	Dates: 7/3/2023 - 7/7/2023
Price: 174.00	Time: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Seats Remaining: FULL (Contact the Bowdoin Office for possible openings)
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2023 Summer Survival Program Ages 9-11 Session 1
This program is a combination of nature study and survival skills. Participants will explore forest habitats, hike Bowdoin Park’s many trails, and observe native wildlife. Our focus this year is shelter. Topics will include: Basic Survival Techniques Basic Shelter Building Emergency Shelter Construction Navigation Group Survival Awareness *No Camp on July 4th
Location: BOWDOIN PARK	Dates: 7/3/2023 - 7/7/2023
Price: 175.00	Time: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Seats Remaining: 9	Seats Remaining: 9
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2023 Summer Adventure Program Ages 12-15 Session 1
This program will duplicate the excitement of a movie or videogame in a physical way. Participants will learn to battle with foam weapons, play Nerf tag and learn group problem solving. There will be group challenges each day that can only be solved through creativity and teamwork. The end of the week will be a simulated adventure for participants to use their new skills to overcome obstacles and win the game. Topics will include: Group Strategy and Problem Solving Foam Weapon Use Situational Awareness
Location: BOWDOIN PARK	Dates: 7/10/2023 - 7/13/2023
Price: 175.00	Time: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Seats Remaining: 2	Seats Remaining: 2
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2023 Summer Survival Intensive Ages 12-15
Ages 12-15 The survival intensive program blends survival techniques with an understanding of how prehistoric people lived in harmony with the land. This summer, we are focusing on shelter. Topics will include: Basic Survival Review Intermediate Shelter Building Extended Survival Navigation Individual Survival Awareness
Location: BOWDOIN PARK	Dates: 7/10/2023 - 7/13/2023
Price: 175.00	Time: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Seats Remaining: FULL (Contact the Bowdoin Office for possible openings)
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2023 Summer Adventure Program ages 9-11 Session 2
This program will duplicate the excitement of a movie or videogame in a physical way. Participants will learn to battle with foam weapons, play Nerf tag and learn group problem solving. There will be group challenges each day that can only be solved through creativity and teamwork. The end of the week will be a simulated adventure for participants to use their new skills to overcome obstacles and win the game. Topics will include: Group Strategy and Problem Solving Foam Weapon Use Situational Awareness
Location: BOWDOIN PARK	Dates: 7/17/2023 - 7/20/2023
Price: 175.00	Time: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Seats Remaining: FULL (Contact the Bowdoin Office for possible openings)
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2023 Summer Survival Program Ages 9-11 Session 2
This program is a combination of nature study and survival skills. Participants will explore forest habitats, hike Bowdoin Park’s many trails, and observe native wildlife. Our focus this year is shelter. Topics will include: Basic Survival Techniques Basic Shelter Building Emergency Shelter Construction Navigation Group Survival Awareness
Location: BOWDOIN PARK	Dates: 7/17/2023 - 7/20/2023
Price: 175.00	Time: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Seats Remaining: FULL (Contact the Bowdoin Office for possible openings)
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2023 Summer Complete Survival Ages 12-15
Ages 12-15 The complete survival program ties together all the survival techniques we have learned. We combine this with an understanding of how prehistoric people approached survival and resources. We will spend four days in a re-creation of a survival situation. Participants will build shelters, start fires, find food and water, and observe the wildlife around them. They will work together to accomplish tasks and challenges. The week ends with an optional overnight on Thursday. Students must have previously attended the Survival Intensive program to be eligible. This program is located at Wilcox Park in the Town of Milan.
Location: BOWDOIN PARK	Dates: 7/24/2023 - 7/28/2023
Price: 175.00	Time: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Seats Remaining: FULL (Contact the Bowdoin Office for possible openings)
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2023 Summer Adventure Program Ages 12-15 Session 2
This program will duplicate the excitement of a movie or videogame in a physical way. Participants will learn to battle with foam weapons, play Nerf tag and learn group problem solving. There will be group challenges each day that can only be solved through creativity and teamwork. The end of the week will be a simulated adventure for participants to use their new skills to overcome obstacles and win the game. Topics will include: Group Strategy and Problem Solving Foam Weapon Use Situational Awareness
Location: BOWDOIN PARK	Dates: 7/31/2023 - 8/3/2023
Price: 175.00	Time: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Seats Remaining: FULL (Contact the Bowdoin Office for possible openings)
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2023 Summer Eaglets Program Ages 6-8
Our new eaglet program will give children a chance to become explorers and scientists! Participants will search for the tracks of passing animals, discover the hidden life below the surface of the pond at Bowdoin Park and begin to see the interconnection that keeps the natural world in balance. There will be games, hands-on learning, crafts and plenty of adventure! Topics will Include: Endangered Species Nocturnal Animals Pond Life Food Chains Hiking Safety Tracking
Location: BOWDOIN PARK	Dates: 7/31/2023 - 8/3/2023
Price: 125.00	Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Seats Remaining: FULL (Contact the Bowdoin Office for possible openings)
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2023 Summer Living Survival Ages 16-18
Ages 16-18 Living survival combines survival and adventuring skills into a scenario presented in the context of a story. Participants will have to use all of their skills and knowledge to complete challenges such as making fires, purifying water, tracking, using camouflage, battling bandits, and solving ancient mysteries. Our focus throughout the week is to teach self-reliance and teamwork. Unexpected events force an adaptive attitude vital in real survival situations. Success is not guaranteed. There is always the possibility the group will fail at its mission, which gives gravity to the situation. The actions of the group will influence the storyline as it progresses.
Location: BOWDOIN PARK	Dates: 8/7/2023 - 8/10/2023
Price: 175.00	Time: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Seats Remaining: 12	Seats Remaining: 12
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