Afterschool Programs

LAB GIRLS+

The LAB GIRLS talk trees with UNH Extension Forester Karen Bennett. (photo © Ben Conant)

LAB GIRLS+ is a Harris Center afterschool club designed to help middle school girls stay engaged with science, and to provide leadership opportunities for high school girls.

Each week, middle schoolers explore the wild side of science through hands-on experiments, wildlife surveys, and outdoor observations — alongside high school mentors and guided by skilled Harris Center naturalists. LAB GIRLS+ also introduces students to natural science professionals who share their stories and career experiences, while providing hands-on opportunities to use scientific equipment, technology, and materials.

Whether they’re participating in a woodland bird survey with bird biologist Julie Brown, creating animal paintings with wildlife artist Rosemary Conroy, or measuring the diameter of pine trees with forester Karen Bennett, LAB GIRLS+ grow their ecological knowledge, cultivate their curiosity, gain confidence in the outdoors, and perhaps even envision a future for themselves.

If you’d like to be added to our LAB GIRLS+ email list, please contact Susie Spikol by email.

Students in the Harris Center’s afterschool “Yeti Club” practice fire building with naturalist John Benjamin. (photo © Ben Conant)

Other Afterschool Programs

We also partner with schools, parent-teacher organizations (PTOs), recreation departments, housing authorities, and public libraries on nature-focused afterschool programs for preschool, elementary, and middle school students.

Past topics have included winter birding, snowshoeing, map and compass skills, nature play, wilderness survival skills, storytelling, fairy and gnome homes, and even a performance of Dr. Seuss’s celebrated environmental fable, The Lorax.