Through rotating study in Improv, Shakespeare and Modern Acting in age-appropriate groups (5th and 6th grade, 7th and 8th grade, high school), students tap into their own creativity to assemble a showcase performance on the final date drawing upon the instincts, teamwork and timing built in Improv, the technique and discipline developed in Modern Acting and the power tapped through Shakespeare’s language. The session culminates in a showcase performance on the final date at 7:00pm.

The SM&NC JEE program is an opportunity for students ages 15-17 who have an interest in education and the environment. Positions are available during our five weeks of summer camp: July 8-12, July 15-20, July 23-27, July 29-Aug 2, Aug 5-9. JEE staff will assist educators in many aspects on the camp program, including preparation, group management, morning welcome/check-in, afternoon pick-up, and activity coordination. JEE staff will receive hands-on training in developing age-appropriate, innovative environmental education curriculum, in Connecticut natural history and in managing a multi-age, co-ed group. Volunteers are required to attend an orientation session for an overview of responsibilities and camp curriculum.

Junior WILD! Keepers was established in 2015, with the opening of our Heckscher WILD! exotic animal exhibit. Similar to the Junior Curator program, WILD! Keepers gives participants ages 10-13 hands-on experience in the care, feeding, and enrichment of our exotic teaching animals, from chinchillas to lizards. Upon completion of this class, participants are eligible to volunteer with the animals in the Heckscher WILD! exhibit.