Day Programs

Day programs allow students to explore ecology, natural history, and Ohio history in Cuyahoga Valley National Park or in their own classrooms. Programs are provided for a wide age range of students from public school districts, independent and private schools, daycare centers, and preschools.

All programs meet Ohio academic content standards for the recommended grades listed.  For field trip inquiries, please contact Administrative Coordinator Molly Postlethwait at mpostlethwait@forcvnp.org.

• Current Offerings

Every Kid Outdoors

If you are a 4th grade teacher, your students may qualify for a free program and transportation! Currently scheduling for spring sessions through the registration links below. 

Overnight Trips

The curriculum incorporates the arts, technology, science, math, social studies, language arts, and social-emotional learning into a discovery-based program that complements classroom instruction. For extended day programs and overnight trips at the CVEEC, please contact programs@forcvnp.org.

Virtual Programs (Available during for winter)

During the winter, free virtual Every Kid Outdoors (EKO) programs are offered to a variety of grades. All 4th grade students who attend receive a national park voucher! All EKO programs include three program pieces: an asynchronous video to welcome and introduce students to the concept of national parks, a live presentation with a CVNP ranger or educational staff member, and a follow up activity that can be done at your own pace.  Program offerings and grade levels include:

– Wild About Animals: Pre-K – 2nd grade 

– Prehistoric Peoples: 3rd – 5th grade 

– Ohio and Erie Canal: 3rd – 5th grade 

– Northeast Ohio Geology: 3rd – 5th grade 

– Wetland Ecosystems: 3rd – 5th grade 
 

Summer Camps

Registration is now open for all three summer camps for children ages 6 – 12 years old. Please note this is a new registration system. You’ll need to set up an account before you can register your child for camp. If you are in need of financial assistance for summer camps, please fill out the financial aid request form before registering. You will receive a discount code to use to register! Any questions, please contact Molly Postlethwait at mpostlethwait@forcvnp.org.

• Register for camps
• Financial aid request form

Crooked River Exploration Camp

Session 1: June 12 –14
Session 2: July 17-19
Session 3: August 7 – 9

Adventure Peaks: Reach New Heights in the Great Outdoors at Crooked River Exploration Camp 2024! Crooked River Exploration Camp runs for three sessions—one session per month all summer. Each session will have an exciting theme and feature not only local parks, but regional and National Park sites as well.

Through hands-on activities and immersive field trips, your child will make new friends, explore the outdoors and have the adventure of a lifetime. This camp is based in the Old Brooklyn Neighborhood in Cleveland, the focus community for this program. All sessions are 9am-3pm. Lunch and snacks are included.

Pricing: Early Bird – $120 per session

Little Cuyahoga Exploration Camp

June 24 – June 28

This five-day camp explores the natural area around the Cascade Valley Neighborhood in Akron. There are opportunities for hiking, scavenger hunts, games, and exploring the area around the Little Cuyahoga River and Cuyahoga River as well as field trips to Cuyahoga Valley National Park! Camp is 9am-3pm every day, lunch provided.

Pricing: $165

Junior Ranger Day Camp

Week 1: July 22 – July 26
Week 2: July 29 – August 2

Junior Rangers spend a week alongside park rangers exploring the plants and animals of Cuyahoga Valley National Park with hikes, games, hands on science and nature art. This year features 2 weeks with 2 different themes: Survivor and Explore! There are opportunities to learn wilderness skills, new nature observation abilities, and explore new ways to interact with nature. Both weeks are 9am-3pm daily, campers will need a packed lunch.

Pricing: Early Bird -$270 per week

Resources

Curriculum Materials

The National Park Service offers curriculum materials on their website.  They include:

• Lesson Plans
• Teacher Resources
• Educational Videos

Cuyahoga Connections 

A variety of book recommendations, journals, activities and challenges to guide you and your family through various topics, including water quality, trees, geology and more.

• View all Cuyahoga Connections 

Animal Posters

Available photos and facts of various birds and other animals you may see in the park.

• Book of Animal Posters