In the farthest Northeast corner of the United States, where the skyscrapers of Boston scrape the sky and the lighthouses of Cape Cod wink at the ships on the sea, you'll find a rather splendid place known as Massachusetts. Our story introduces a cast of cute, funny, and remarkably adventurous kiddos, who are fondly referred to as the ‘Nature Navigators’. Now, the Nature Navigators are not your average children. They swap video game controllers for magnifying glasses and favorite TV shows for real-life bird watching. You'll find them trudging through the ancient Appalachian trails, their sneakers splattered with mud, and laughter echoing through the trees. They dive into the waters of the Atlantic, swimming alongside the seahorses and occasionally engaging in a friendly race with a speedy blue crab. Our leader is a character as distinctive as Massachusetts itself; a rambunctious raccoon named Rocky. Rocky wears a bright red bandana, a sturdy backpack, and a pair of round spectacles that always seem to slide down his nose. He may seem a bit clumsy, but he's as smart as a whip, and always ready with a joke to cheer up his team. Together, the Nature Navigators and Rocky explore the corners of Massachusetts, from the Berkshire Mountains to the beaches of the Cape, and all the hidden secrets in-between. They always have a giggle as they learn about the environment and the creatures who call this place home. It's wacky, it's wild, it's a hoot-and-a-half, and every day brings a new adventure for these intrepid Massachusetts explorers.
Read morebest nature programs in Needham, MA
For over 50 years, Frontier Camp has been dedicated to making disciples of Jesus by sharing God’s Word amidst the beauty of His creation. Since our founding in 1969, we’ve been licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services and are proudly accredited by the American Camping Association. We’re also a member of the Christian Camping and Conference Association. Our mission is to use Christian camping and outdoor recreation as a means to support local churches in fulfilling the Great Commission—evangelizing people of all ages and discipling believers toward deeper maturity in Christ. Frontier Camp offers a dual ministry: during the summer, we host a 10-week youth camp, and throughout the rest of the year, we serve as a retreat facility for churches and like-minded religious organizations. Whether through summer camps or retreats, our goal remains the same: to expose people to Christ and encourage their spiritual growth through His Word and by reflecting His character in everything we do. While we provide top-notch recreation and exciting programming, the heart of our camp is the spiritual impact, rooted in the truth of God’s inerrant Word.
The goal is to nurture the joy of learning in each child. Needham Montessori School is proud to continue the rich tradition of providing an unparalleled early childhood education experience. As a full member school of the American Montessori Society, we are dedicated to upholding the educational philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori and the guidelines of The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). Our curriculum covers Everyday Living, Sensorial, Language, Math, Geography, Science and Art. We recognize that parents and caregivers play an essential role in the development of the whole child, and we strive to partner with them to foster a joy of learning in each student. We believe that our approach to early childhood education sets a higher standard and provides children from 15 months to 6 years with a unique learning opportunity.
Needham Extended Day Program (NEDP) is the perfect solution for parents who need a safe and enriching environment for their children before and after school. NEDP provides before and after school enrichment, remote learning support every Wednesday, and additional full day programming during vacations for Kindergarten through fifth grade Needham students. Our program is designed to provide an inviting and nurturing environment for children to explore, learn, and develop friendships. At NEDP, we are dedicated to fostering an atmosphere of respect, kindness, and compassion. Our program is overseen by an Executive Director, Assistant Directors, and a Board of Directors comprised of parents with current NEDP students. Each board member volunteers their time and expertise to help inform financial decisions and review policies to further develop programming. We are committed to the success of each and every NEDP student and are proud to offer them a supportive and enriching community that will help them grow and thrive.
At Temple Beth Shalom, we are proud of our warm and vibrant community. We are inspired by the richness of Jewish tradition, and strive to foster friendship, grow through our encounters with Jewish wisdom, culture, and spirituality, foster a culture of responsibility, and experience the joy and strength that come from sharing our lives with others. We are an open and inclusive community, welcoming people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and abilities. Together, we share our stories, learn from one another, and celebrate the strength of our community.
Carter Center for Children is a nonprofit full-day preschool and childcare program serving children 2.3 - 6 years old and their families. Our professional staff provides children with a nurturing and creative environment where they can play, learn and grow. Each day is special to a child and Carter Center for Children is sensitive to the individual needs of children. Children are active learners and need to explore their environment at their own pace and have control over their independent play. Carter strongly supports a child’s right to play in the preschool years and believes learning evolves from this play. As children grow, Carter provides more structured, teacher-directed opportunities to promote pre-math and pre-literacy skills. Carter follows the curriculum frameworks established by the Massachusetts Department of Education. Carter has also collaborated with the Needham Public Schools to implement the Responsive Classroom approach in the preschool environment. This promotes social, emotional, and pre-academic learning. We strive to support parents through all the developmental stages of the preschool years, working together to form a strong home/school partnership.
The Needham Community Farm is dedicated to providing our neighbors with the resources they need to grow and learn. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization comprised of local volunteers who strive to create a deeper connection between our community, nature, and our food system. We offer a variety of educational opportunities, including classes on sustainable growing and nutrition. We also provide access to our farm for those who experience food insecurity. We are committed to giving our neighbors the opportunity to learn and grow. The Needham Community Farm is a community-focused organization. We are proud to provide our neighbors with the resources they need to lead healthy, productive lives. We believe that by investing in our community, we are investing in a brighter future.
Volante Farms is still owned and operated by the fourth generation of the Volante family. This family farm has been providing fresh fruits and vegetables to the Greater Boston area for over a century. It all started when Peter and Caterina Volante, immigrants from Atina, Italy, began the farm on land along Dedham Street in Newton in 1917. Peter, affectionately known as “The Celery King” was famous for his own brand of Pascal Celery, which he marketed throughout the east coast into the early 50s. By the end of the 1950s, the family farmstand, originally a tent structure which soon evolved into a small aluminum roofed building, became the primary source of income for the farm. Today, Volante Farms is still providing fresh fruits and vegetables to the Greater Boston area, and is proud to be a part of the community for over 100 years.
At our child and teen therapy practice in the Greater Boston area, we are dedicated to helping children and teenagers live their best and happiest lives. Our Needham office boasts a dynamic range of services, from social skills group therapy to individual counseling, that are designed to engage kids in creative and fun ways. Our expert team of passionate therapists understands the need for children to find a safe space to be their whole selves. We prioritize individualizing our services based on the child’s needs, so that every child can get the care they deserve. Our goal is to help kids feel connected and fulfilled.