Youth Programs

Youth Group Programs

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation in collaboration with Friends of Reinstein Woods offers exciting environmental education programs including guided tours and outreach presentations for scouts, summer day camps, after-school programs, and other youth organizations.

Guided Tours

Reinstein Woods staff and trained volunteers will lead your youth group on an outdoor exploration of nature. These programs are conducted outdoors, last about 1 ½ hours, and are offered year-round for all ages (unless otherwise noted).

Please contact us a minimum of three weeks before your desired date. February, May, June, and October are our busiest months; fil out the online request form early to reserve your preferred dates.
Please be sure that the date is acceptable to your group before making the reservation, as we are often unable to reschedule groups.
A minimum of 10 participants (children and adults) is required to schedule a guided tour.
The maximum size allowed is 20 people (kids and adults) for each Reinstein Woods nature guide. Larger groups can be divided into smaller groups with multiple guides, depending on volunteer and staff availability.
Guided tour fee = $5/person; Winter Challenges (includes snowshoe rental) = $10/person.

Exploring the Outdoors

Grades preK – 1
A close-up look at nature, emphasizing the development of exploration skills and wonder at the mysteries in the outdoors. Children are encouraged to discover and share the excitement of finding a caterpillar or a chipmunk hole. Hands-on activities help children feel comfortable in the outdoors and appreciate the beauty of our environment.

Animal Signs

Grades 2 and older
An introduction to some New York State wildlife and their habitats. Children will search for “clues”-footprints, gnawed trees, and holes-that animals have left and will use these clues to learn about animals’ needs, life processes and interrelationships.

Evening Adventure

All ages
Participants will use their senses while experiencing a walk in the woods in the evening. Learn about animals that are active at night, and the adaptations they use to survive. Hands-on activities help children to explore and feel comfortable in the outdoors as the sun goes down.

Winter Challenges

All ages
Participants will discover how wildlife survive the cold challenges of the winter season by taking a guided walk on snowshoes to search for animal homes, tracks, and other signs. Minimum of 6″ of snow is required to use snowshoes; if there is not enough snow we will walk instead. Offered December-March only, weather permitting.

Guided Tours FAQs

What should we do before we arrive?

Please reply to the confirmation email to let us know you have received and read all the materials. Forward the email to all the staff/adults who will be participating in the tour, so they are also prepared.
Read the pre-visit information and use it to prepare the kids and chaperones. You have signed up for an educational tour, not just a recreational outing. Make sure everyone is prepared to listen and observe!
Provide each child with a name tag to be worn on their shirt or the outside of their coat, if possible.
Adult chaperones must be prepared to take an active role in assisting with the group.

What if our children have special needs and/or disabilities?
Let us know ahead of time if any children have disabilities or special needs, so that we may provide the best possible experience! We can accommodate a wide range of special needs if we know what to expect in advance. If anyone in the group is mobility impaired or uses a wheelchair, we must be notified before you arrive so we can plan trail routes accordingly.

How many adult chaperones can we bring?
There must be a minimum of one adult chaperone for each group of children (two is preferred). Chaperones must be prepared to participate fully in all activities, may be asked to assist the nature guide with some tasks and are also responsible for the discipline of the group.

What if the weather is bad?
We will lead tours rain or shine; however, we will cancel in case of thunderstorms, snowstorms, high wind warnings and extreme heat advisories. Participants must be dressed for the weather–whatever it may be! If you decide to cancel due to poor weather conditions, you must call us at least one hour before the start time (716-683-5959 or the volunteer # listed on the confirmation letter, for tours scheduled outside business hours).

How long will the tour last?
Guided tours last about 90 minutes. We suggest planning on about a two-hour time frame, to allow some extra time for using the restrooms after the tour, in case you are running late, etc.

Where do we go when we arrive at Reinstein Woods?
Drive to designated entrance (see map).

If arriving by bus, have the kids remain on the bus until directed to disembark by Reinstein Woods staff or volunteers.
If arriving by car, meet the guide at the pavilion down the trail from the parking lot.

What if we arrive late?
Please arrive promptly at the scheduled tour time. If you will arrive 15 or more minutes late, call 716-683-5959 or the volunteer # listed on the confirmation letter (for tours scheduled outside business hours). If you arrive late, your tour may be shortened to fit within the scheduled time frame.

Can we eat lunch at Reinstein Woods before or after the tour?
There are two picnic tables and additional benches under the pavilion at Reinstein Woods (for small groups of less than 25 people). These are available to visitors first come, first served. There are additional benches nearby and some groups bring blankets to sit on the grass to eat.

Picnic pavilions and restrooms are also available at neighboring Stiglmeier Park on Losson Road for larger groups (five-minute drive from Reinstein Woods). Contact the Cheektowaga Parks Department at 716-656-2280 for more information and reservations.

If your tour is scheduled during the kids’ normal lunch time, please have them eat a snack beforehand.

Outreach Presentations

Reinstein Woods staff will bring nature to your group in these exciting educational programs, which last about 45 minutes.

We request a maximum of 25 children per outreach presentation.
Programs may be modified for age groups other than those listed; please call for more information.
There is a requested donation of $50.00 per outreach presentation. Groups with financial limitations may request a fee waiver; contact Reinstein Woods for more details

Amazing Owls

Owls are amazing creatures of the night. Participants will learn about the adaptations that make them so well suited to their nocturnal lifestyle through hands-on activities.

Animal Tracks

Participants learn about tracks and traces of local wildlife through interactive activities.

CSI: Critter Sign Investigation

Examine evidence left by insects, birds and mammals and interpret these “clues” to learn about local wildlife.

Fantastic Frogs

Through hands-on and whole-body activities, participants take an in-depth look at the adaptations of New York’s frogs.

Nature's Recyclers

Learn how red wiggler worms take food scraps and make compost to use in gardens. This presentation will include other creatures living in compost bins, how to make a compost bin and what foods you can feed your worms.

Skull Science

Using skulls from New York State wildlife, participants will explore how the physical features of different species help them to survive in their environment.

Trash Talk

Participants will learn about the three “R’s” (reduce, reuse, recycle), explore the impact of garbage on the environment, and find out ways to reduce, reuse and recycle at home.

Watershed Works

Participants will learn what a watershed is, how water can become polluted and ways to help protect our water resources, using a 3-D watershed model and hands-on activities.

Outreach Presentations FAQs

What should we do before the presenter arrives?

Please reply to the confirmation email to let us know you have received the information and share it with all the staff who will be participating in the program.
Make sure the children (and adults) are prepared to listen and participate! The more prepared everyone in the group is, the more everyone will enjoy the experience.
Please provide each child with a name tag.

What if the children have special needs and/or disabilities?
Let us know ahead of time if any children in your group have disabilities or special needs, so that we may provide the best possible experience! We can accommodate a wide range of special needs if we know what to expect in advance.

How many children can attend a presentation?
There is a maximum of 25 children per presentation. Our programs are interactive and hands-on and are not designed for larger audiences.

How long will the presentation last?
Presentations are designed to last 45 minutes but may be adjusted to fit your organization schedule. Minimum program length is 30 minutes.

Can we schedule more than one presentation for our organization in a day?

There is a maximum of six presentations per day.
For multiple presentations in one day, it is preferred to have the presenter stay in one room and have the groups come to them. If the presenter must switch rooms, they will need a minimum 15-minute break between presentations to pack and unpack the program materials.
If there are multiple presentations scheduled, please provide the time schedule ahead of time so the presenter can plan accordingly.
Please include a minimum 30-minute lunch break if there are morning and afternoon sessions.

What will adults do during the presentation?

An adult group leader/staffperson must be present in the room during the entire program and address any discipline issues that may arise during the program.
We reserve the right to refuse to present a program if there are too many children or the group leader/staffperson does not address discipline issues.

What if we need to cancel our outreach presentation?
For last-minute cancellations, you must call us (716-683-5959) at least one hour before your presentation is scheduled to start.

Thank you for your cooperation! Please call 716-683-5959 if you have any questions. We would be more than happy to discuss the outreach presentations with you. We look forward to seeing you!

Additional Youth Group FAQs

Can my youth group volunteer at Reinstein Woods?
We can usually accommodate groups looking to complete service hours with trail maintenance work and other small projects; fill out the Group Stewardship Request Form to arrange a workday at Reinstein Woods. Groups can also participate in I Love My Park Day held on the first Saturday in May; see https://reinsteinwoods.org/events/ for more information starting in March.

Can my scout group complete a badge during a guided tour?
We are usually able to accommodate groups of scouts who are looking to work on a specific badge requirement, for example: tree identification, wildflower identification, birdwatching, etc. If you want work on a badge, please note on the youth group program request form. You will need to provide a copy of the requirements prior to the guided tour.

Can I complete my Eagle Scout/Girl Scout Gold Award project at Reinstein Woods?
We have limited Scout project opportunities available. Past Scout projects have included coordinating stream cleanup, constructing deer exclosures, building a composting bin, and rehabilitating trails. Call 716-683-5959 to see what opportunities are available.

More Info