best nature programs in Oak Bluffs, 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 Woods Hole Day Care Cooperative was established in 1980 to provide the local area with a safe and stimulating environment for toddlers and preschoolers. Its founders, a group of working parents, wanted to create an atmosphere that would foster growth and development through play activities, while also providing a peaceful transition from home to school. The school strives to achieve its original mission through collaboration between administrators, teachers, guardians, and the wider community. The staff create a balanced mix of activities, both structured and unstructured, to help enhance the child's self-image and encourage curiosity. They also ensure a gentle transition from home to school for children and their families. The Woods Hole Day Care Cooperative is a unique preschool that continues to provide a warm, safe, and organized atmosphere for children aged 21 months to 5 years. Its original mission, set out by the founders in 1980, was to provide a setting where opportunities for growth and development may occur. This goal remains the driving force of the school today.

Excellence is a must-have as we strive for continuous improvement and recognize successes. Accountability is a two-way street — we take responsibility for our actions and decisions and ensure that we are living up to our commitments. We treat each other with respect and demonstrate a commitment to the team and the greater good. Teamwork is essential for our success and we foster an atmosphere of collaboration and support. At Bright Horizons, we strive to create an environment of honesty and trust, where open and authentic communication is encouraged and everyone’s opinion is respected. We are committed to providing our families with the highest level of service and acknowledge successes along the way. We believe in taking responsibility for our actions and decisions, and hold each other accountable to our commitments. Respect for each other is paramount and we demonstrate a commitment to the team and the greater good. Teamwork is essential to our success, and we foster an atmosphere of collaboration and support through our HEART Principles — Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork. At Bright Horizons, we are dedicated to our HEART Principles and use them as the foundation of our culture. We strive to communicate honestly and openly, and to listen to the needs and concerns of those we serve with a sense of urgency. We aim for excellence in all that we do and hold ourselves accountable to our commitments. Respect for each other is paramount, and we foster an atmosphere of collaboration and support. We understand the importance of teamwork and recognize that it is essential for our success. Our HEART Principles guide us in the work we do each day and ensure that we are at our best.

Nativity Preparatory School of New Bedford opened its doors in the fall of 2000, responding to a request from a foundation to create a tuition-free school for boys from families who could not otherwise afford private school. Executive Director Barry Hynes, a former teacher at Nativity Mission School in New York, and founder of Nativity Preparatory School of Boston, recruited a principal with teaching experience and three mission-driven teachers. These teachers committed to six days (and many evenings) of hard work as classroom teachers, coaches, janitors, advisors, and office staff, in order to adapt the Nativity model to New Bedford. To this day, the school continues to thrive thanks to the hard work and dedication of these teachers. Their enthusiasm and commitment to the Nativity model remain a pillar of the school’s success. Nativity Preparatory School of New Bedford has been able to provide an incredible opportunity to 12 fifth and sixth grade boys since its opening.

Fifty-five years ago, President Kennedy's vision of a Great Society was brought to life with the signing of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson. This was the first step in creating a Community Action Network that would strive to defeat poverty for every American citizen. The Community Action Agencies, or CAAs, are uniquely set up to address the needs of their diverse communities with flexible funding and programs. From health and education to job opportunities and other support programs, these agencies are creating socioeconomic opportunity and change in over 1,000 communities across the nation. The legacy of President Kennedy and President Johnson's commitment to create a Great Society is alive and well today. Through the Community Action Network, they have been able to bring prosperity to countless individuals and have made the dream of a better life a reality.

In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson and the Office of Economic Opportunity established the Lawrence Community Action Council to help fight poverty in the Greater Lawrence area. This council was renamed the Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, Inc. in 1966 and became a platform for initiatives to improve the quality of life in the local community. The mission of the GLCAC is to provide education, social services, child care, health care, housing, youth employment, and other related services to those in need. With the help of government and private organizations, the GLCAC has been successful in creating opportunities for those living in poverty.

Bright Horizons at Tufts Medical Center is the perfect place for children to learn, grow and thrive. Our center provides a stimulating environment for learning, with age-appropriate classrooms from infants through Preschool. Our highly-skilled faculty take into account how each child is unique and adapt the World at Their Fingertips program to meet their individual needs. We are conveniently located just one block from the New England Medical Center stop on the Orange Line outside of Chinatown and The Theater District, and within walking distance from Boston Common and Downtown Crossing. At Bright Horizons, we recognize that the safety of children, families, and staff is paramount. We have implemented industry leading protocols based on expert guidance, that are designed to support your child's health while creating a positive environment where kids can be kids. We invite you to explore Bright Horizons at Tufts Medical Center and discover how your child can learn, grow, and thrive.

At Bright Horizons we take safety seriously. Our team of experts have developed industry leading protocols to ensure a safe and positive environment for your child. We care deeply about the health and wellbeing of your family and strive to create an atmosphere where your little one can simply be a kid. With our Discovery Driven Learning™ approach, we foster your child’s natural curiosity and give them the opportunity to learn through play. We are here to help them prepare for kindergarten and set them up for success.

At Ashfield Community Preschool, we provide a nurturing, supportive environment that promotes the growth of each child at his or her individual pace. We understand the importance of early social and emotional development as well as creative self-expression, physical health, and school readiness. We strive to involve families in their children’s learning to support children and build community. Our teachers take the time to get to know each individual child and support their development. At Ashfield Community Preschool, we believe that children learn best through play. Our teachers create a warm and welcoming environment where children feel safe to explore, express themselves, and gain confidence in their abilities. With our emphasis on social and emotional development, creative self-expression, physical health, and school readiness, we can provide a successful preschool experience for children and families.

At Sea Kids, we understand the importance of promoting the whole child's development. Our approach to learning and care is unique in that it combines hands-on experiences, learning through play, and teacher-directed activities with creative classrooms. These methods help to foster healthy habits such as physical activities and gross motor skills, as well as positive self-esteem through creative arts such as music, theatre, and dance. Yoga and mindful meditation are also part of our daily routine, giving children the opportunity to relax and explore their inner selves. We strive to provide a positive, nurturing environment rich in learning opportunities that excite and encourage children. It is our goal to foster an environment that promotes the growth and development of the whole child: mind, body, and spirit.

At our school, we are passionate about helping each child reach their full potential. We understand that every child is unique and will develop at their own pace. Our goal is to nurture their emotional, physical, and educational growth, and instill a lifelong love of learning. We strive to empower children to take responsibility for their actions, develop self-respect, and show respect for others and the environment. We believe that each child can benefit from a variety of experiences and educational opportunities. We create a rich, supportive environment that encourages children to explore, question, and grow. We strive to provide the tools and guidance children need to become independent, open-minded, and self-confident. At our school, we are dedicated to helping each child reach their full potential. Our goal is to foster a love of learning and a respect for self, others, and the environment. We provide a range of experiences and resources to help children develop emotionally, physically, and intellectually. We are passionate about helping each child reach their highest potential and grow into confident, independent, and responsible citizens of the world.

At our program, we strive to create an atmosphere of respect and acceptance for all children. We nurture their growth through instruction and activities that foster a sense of self-reliance, independence, and emotional awareness. Our experienced teachers are passionate about helping children reach their potential, and provide a safe and supportive environment. Our goal is to support children in developing their social, physical, emotional, and cognitive skills. We believe that children learn best when they are having fun, and our curriculum is designed to stimulate children's curiosity and encourage their creative and critical thinking skills. We recognize the importance of playtime and provide opportunities for children to practice problem-solving and explore their interests.

Our classrooms are places of exploration, discovery, and growth. Our expertly designed spaces provide the tools children need to thrive, and our passionate staff is dedicated to encouraging social play and confidence-building activities. Our family of teachers and caregivers will give your child the love and attention they need to excel in school and beyond. We understand that your child’s early years are a time of immense growth and learning, and we’re honored to be part of their journey. We invite you to join our circle of families and meet new friends while your child continues to discover and explore the world around them.

Our program provides a safe and nurturing environment where children have the opportunity to explore and discover through play. At Green Meadows Preschool, we understand that each child is unique and important. We strive to create an atmosphere where children can develop to their fullest potential. Our teachers are caring and dedicated professionals who create meaningful and enjoyable learning experiences. Our staff is committed to providing a quality educational experience for each and every student. At Green Meadows Preschool, we are dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment for your children. We believe that each child is special and deserves the opportunity to explore and discover through play. Our teachers are committed to providing individual, quality programming that encourages physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. We strive to create an atmosphere where children can develop to their fullest potential, and our staff is passionate about helping each and every student grow and learn.

Yvonne Dahlberg founded Mill Brook Kindergarten and Preschool in 1986, and Janine King took the reins as owner soon afterwards. Together with her daughters, Justine Sutton and Emily Vieira, and the rest of the staff, Janine has been providing a nurturing educational environment for children from infancy to preschool since 1996. Emily Vieira is now taking on the role of director, and is eager to return to the place she calls “home.” Emily has been an experienced Kindergarten teacher in the Wilmington public school system for the past 12 years, and is excited to bring her expertise to Mill Brook. With her passion for educating young children, Emily is sure to be an asset to the Mill Brook community.

At LGA, we provide an excellent education with a focus on social justice and repairing the world. Our comprehensive curriculum includes rigorous academics as well as classes involving art, music, theater, STEAM, and organic farming. Our teachers are some of the best in the Valley, and our culture is one of joy and curiosity. This culture is also used to inspire our students to care about the world around them, as we work together to combat injustice and inequity. We also involve our students in resettlement and climate rallies, to ensure that they understand the importance of taking tangible steps towards making a difference.

At Appleseed Academy of Child Development, we’re excited to have you and your family join us in our warm and inviting environment. Our talented teachers are dedicated to helping your child develop in all aspects of life – physical, social, emotional and academic. We are proud to provide an early childhood education program to children from Westminster and surrounding towns of central Massachusetts. Our convenient location in Westminster gives your family the opportunity to explore the nearby attractions such as Forbush Library, Meetinghouse, Westminster Elementary School ball fields, Police and Fire Station, Town Hall and historic Academy Hill. We look forward to having you and your family be part of our Appleseed Academy of Child Development family.

At Child Care of the Berkshires, Inc., we understand the important role that parents play in their child’s development. That’s why we value parents as the child’s first teacher and emphasize active and respectful parent engagement in all of our programming. We focus on parents’ strengths rather than deficits. At CCB, we strive to provide high-quality childcare, education, support services, and advocacy. Our childcare centers have been relocated to new sites, expanded their capacity, and some have closed. We have achieved NAEYC accreditation, which is a measure of high-quality programming that includes a literacy-based curriculum, hands-on activities, and a focus on STEM – science, technology, engineering, and math. We also ensure high-quality environments that enhance a child’s comfort and safety, and promote independence, learning, and social-emotional skills. At Child Care of the Berkshires, Inc., we believe in the power of parents and their importance in their child’s development. We’re committed to providing high-quality childcare, education, support services, and advocacy that help strengthen families and enhance a child’s quality of life.

At SteppingStone, we understand that your child’s well-being is of the utmost importance. That’s why we offer top-notch care year-round in a spacious, welcoming environment. We believe that every child should have access to quality care, which is why we strive to keep our rates affordable. Founded in 1996 by Diane McGonnell, SteppingStone provides exceptional care for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and pre-K children. Our experienced staff is dedicated to creating a safe, clean and stimulating learning environment for all the children in our care. We invite you to book a tour to experience our bright, cheerful facility first-hand. Come meet our team and see how we can help your child reach their full potential. Call today to learn more!

Kids Country Child Care & Learning Center is committed to providing a value-guided and specialized child care experience to children six weeks to 11 years old. Our staff cater to each individual child's needs by offering separate classrooms, playgrounds, and tailored curriculums for each age group. We recognize that every child is unique and has special learning needs. At Kids Country, we strive to create a safe and nurturing atmosphere that will foster intellectual and social development. Our experienced staff provide your child with individual attention and interaction to ensure their learning needs are properly met. Kids Country Child Care & Learning Center is dedicated to providing a personalized child care experience for children of all ages. Our age-specific classrooms, playgrounds, and tailored curriculums are designed to provide your little one with the individual attention they need to learn and grow. Our staff are committed to creating an atmosphere of safety and nurturing that will support your child's intellectual and social development.

At Sandy's School, we recognize that each child is unique and deserves to have a personalized approach. We strive to provide a warm, nurturing environment that allows children to explore their own interests without feeling pressured. Our small class sizes enable us to provide each child with individualized attention and a tailored learning experience. Our program is designed to be fun and engaging, encouraging children to learn at their own pace and develop at their own level. We take pride in creating a home away from home atmosphere that emphasizes personal interaction with families and children.

At Kiddie Academy, we believe that preparation for life starts early. Our Life Essentials curriculum provides the foundation children need to succeed in school and beyond. Through our unique approach to education and care, we nurture children’s natural curiosity and help them develop essential skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. At Kiddie Academy, we recognize that a child’s education is not limited to the classroom. Our Life Essentials program is designed to ensure children are prepared for the future by focusing on character education, STEM-infused technology, and health and fitness experiences. We strive to provide our students with the tools they need to succeed in school and life.

At our school, we are committed to providing students with spiritual and intellectual formation. We strive to provide a nurturing environment in which students can explore and understand goodness, beauty, and truth. Through their academic studies, students are encouraged to develop a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus, who is the embodiment of Goodness, Beauty, and Truth. We are proud to honor Him and share in His glory. Our school focuses on spiritual and intellectual formation, helping our students to grow in understanding and appreciation of goodness, beauty, and truth. Our academic studies provide an opportunity to encounter the Lord Jesus, who is the perfect example of these virtues. We are filled with reverence as we express our gratitude and give Him glory for all eternity.

At Roudenbush, we offer an array of services for teens and adults, such as classes, workshops, and programs. Whether you are looking to learn a new skill, explore a hobby, or become more involved in the community, Roudenbush has something for you! We also provide services for our active senior citizens, including fitness classes, health seminars, and social activities. Roudenbush is dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals, families, and communities in the Town of Westford and surrounding areas. Our mission is to provide a safe and inviting environment where there is always something new and exciting to explore. Our highly experienced staff, certified by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, strive to provide a variety of programs and services for infants, toddlers, teens, adults, and senior citizens. We invite you to join us in making a positive difference in our community.

At Criterion Child Enrichment, we understand the importance of a strong start for young children and their families. That’s why we specialize in providing developmentally appropriate programs and services that support early development and education. We strongly believe in the power of the family and its ability to foster the health and development of children. We work hard to ensure that our community-based programs, from child care to newborn home visiting, are of the highest quality. We also focus on the professional development of our staff and other early childhood providers, offering the Great Beginnings Conference each year. Criterion Child Enrichment is committed to providing the best resources and programs for young children and their families. We strive to make sure that all families have the tools they need to create a strong foundation for their child’s future.

At Knowledge Tree Preschool, our mission is to provide the highest quality of affordable early childhood education in the Randolph and surrounding communities. Our curriculum is designed to support children’s individual learning needs and help them develop socially and emotionally, while preparing them for kindergarten readiness. We are licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care, and all of our teachers are qualified and experienced in early childhood education. We believe in providing a supportive and nurturing environment for children and families, and are committed to helping children reach their potential.

At First Circle Learning Center, we are committed to providing an environment where families and staff are always feeling welcome, included, respected, and safe. Our founders are experienced working mothers, so we understand the pressures of balancing work and family life. We are here to offer flexible options, responsive communication, and a strong partnership that will help support your family while your children are in our care. We are also proud to offer our innovative MyCharacter program to teach children traits that nurture a strong sense of self, positive relationships, a commitment to citizenship, and 21st century leadership skills. We believe these traits will help your children succeed in whatever they choose to pursue. At First Circle Learning Center, our goal is to create a warm and friendly community where everyone can feel included and respected. We strive to provide a nurturing environment that will help your family and children to thrive.

In 1986, the NBCCC became the Child Care of the Berkshires (CCB). For the next 30 years, CCB worked diligently to provide quality child care and early education programs, support for family child care providers, and referrals to families in need. In 2017, CCB moved to its current location, located in a beautiful, renovated building in downtown North Adams. This move allowed CCB to expand the services it provides to families, providers, and the community. For over 50 years, the Northern Berkshire Child Care Committee and Child Care of the Berkshires have been serving the families of Northern Berkshire County. Founded in 1969 by a group of committed women, NBCCC was born out of the need for daycare in the area. They temporarily took up residence in a church on Monument Square before eventually relocating to the Haskins Elementary School. During these early years, they managed to build a network of family child care providers, funded through donations, the Northern Berkshire United Way, and a contract with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In 1986, the NBCCC rebranded as the Child Care of the Berkshires (CCB). For the last three decades, CCB has worked tirelessly to provide quality child care and early education programs, in addition to support for family child care providers and referrals for those in need. In 2017, CCB moved to its current location in North Adams. This move enabled CCB to increase their services to families, providers, and the surrounding community. For the last 50 years, the Northern Berkshire Child Care Committee and Child Care of the Berkshires have been an integral part of the Northern Berkshire County community. Through their dedication and commitment to providing quality child care and early education programs, they have been able to make a positive impact on countless families in the area.

At KinderCare, we know that your child is capable of so much from the very beginning. That’s why we created Early Foundations®, an exclusive curriculum designed to give your little one a head start. Our Education Team has pulled together the very best parts of leading educational philosophies to create an approach that is tailored to meet the needs of each and every one of our youngest learners. From the very beginning, your child’s learning is at the heart of KinderCare. We recognize that even the tiniest of babies are capable of learning, and every coo, crawl, and creation is proof of that. That’s why our child care programs put education first, and we don’t rely on an existing curriculum. Instead, our Education Team has crafted Early Foundations®—a unique approach that you won’t find anywhere else. Our dedicated team has combined the best elements of the world’s leading educational philosophies, allowing us to give your little one the best start possible.

At The Centre School, we believe in giving our students the best possible start to their education. Our team of teachers provide an environment that encourages creativity and helps each child learn, grow, and thrive. Our virtual music program and movement program are designed to inspire children to explore musical rhythms and physical activities. We also offer outdoor learning areas and spacious playgrounds for unstructured play and socialization. We are committed to giving our students the best possible start to their education and to helping them reach their full potential.

For more than a century, the YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts has been providing vital services to women and their families in the Merrimack Valley, Essex County, and Southern NH. Founded in 1892, the YWCA was originally created to provide safe housing, job training and support to women who had moved from rural communities and overseas to work in area mills and shops. Today, the YWCA is a thriving social change agency that serves over 15,000 women, children and families every year, offering a range of services from housing, education, and employment support to health and wellness programs. The YWCA is an affiliate of YWCA USA, the nation’s oldest and largest multicultural women’s organization working for social and economic change. The YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts is committed to promoting equity and eliminating racism, empowering women and girls, and advocating for social justice. Through their commitment to providing quality services and advocating for social change, the YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts is ensuring that the Merrimack Valley, Essex County, and Southern NH community is a place of safety and opportunity for everyone.

At Community Action, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. We are proud to be a leader in addressing the most pressing social needs of our time, including poverty, homelessness, and hunger. We strive to ensure that all people can access the tools and resources they need to achieve their goals and lead a self-sufficient life. We are committed to supporting our community members in achieving a safe, just, and prosperous future.

At Seven Hills, the mission is to ensure that all people, regardless of their abilities, have access to the support and resources they need to live full, meaningful lives. The foundation understands that every individual has the right to dignity and respect, and works to create a culture of respect and inclusion for everyone. Seven Hills Foundation is committed to promoting and protecting the rights of people to experience all that life has to offer.

Loving Hearts Learning Center, LLC is a large group and school age child care center located in Paxton, Massachusetts. This facility is licensed to care for up to 46 children at a time, ranging from infants to school-aged children, and is open year-round. Parents in Paxton, MA can rest assured that their children will be in good hands at Loving Hearts Learning Center. With its large group and school age child care options, the center can accommodate up to 46 children of all ages—from infants to school-aged. The center is open all year round, providing parents with the peace of mind that their child will be cared for with the utmost love and attention. At Loving Hearts Learning Center, parents can be confident that their children will receive the highest quality of care available. The center is licensed for large group childcare, and is open year-round to serve children of all ages—from infants to school-aged. With its maximum capacity of 46 children, parents can trust that their children will be in a safe, secure, and nurturing environment.

At Discover Preschool, we recognize the importance of a safe and nurturing environment. We strive to provide a space where children can feel comfortable and secure so they can reach their full potential. Our teachers understand the importance of applying knowledge of child development to program practices and respect the uniqueness of each child. We ensure that all programs follow the Massachusetts Department of Education guidelines for developmentally appropriate practice. Our teachers also provide individual and group experiences tailored to suit the needs of each child and family. At Discover Preschool, we believe in the power of play. We foster the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of young children while encouraging them to explore, question, discover and construct knowledge. Our flexible daily curriculum provides a supportive framework of routine while also allowing for individual, small, and large group experiences. We are committed to creating a learning environment that is safe, nurturing, and stimulating, where children can develop and grow to their fullest potential.