Bring your troop for a hands-on, nature-filled experience that’s fun, educational, and memorable. Use this page to learn how to register, understand program policies, and prepare for a successful visit with your scouts.
Steps to Schedule
Complete the Interest Form below (allow 24–48 hours for processing).
Review our Field Trip & TNC to Go Policies to learn what’s provided and expected.
Sign and return the confirmation & invoice form with your non-refundable deposit*.
Submit remaining balance* by the due date listed on your confirmation.
*Payment Options: Cash, check, purchase order, or credit card. Please make checks payable to Tenafly Nature Center. Credit card payments can be arranged in advance by notifying the Education Team.
Program & Payment Policies
A 25% non-refundable deposit is due at booking and applies toward your total fee.
Teachers and aides attend free of charge.
Children group programs require one supervising adult/teacher per class and one adult chaperone per five students who may attend for free.
In order to obtain adequate staff, advance notice of additional participants required. We reserve the right to limit the number of non-registered participants on the trail to the number originally registered on the confirmation form.
The group representative is responsible for collecting and submitting all payments (individual payments not accepted).
If your funds are limited, please consider applying for a TNC scholarship (we strive to make nature accessible to everyone).
Reschedule, Cancellation & Refund Information
- If rescheduling, deposits will transfer to the new date.
Payments accepted via check, cash, P.O., or money order.
Credit cards may be accepted by prior arrangement; a 2.3% processing fee applies.
- Cancellations are subject to a $50 processing fee.
Refunds are issued based on cancellation notice:
30+ days’ notice: 100% refund
11–30 days’ notice: 50% refund
Less than 11 days’ notice: No refund
TNC may cancel programs due to weather or animal needs; rescheduling will be offered when possible, or a credit issued.
A $50 minimum charge may apply for damages or garbage left behind during field trips.
TNC reserves the right to terminate or deny programs for non-compliance, safety concerns, or animal welfare reasons.
Refund and cancellation policies also apply if group size or age levels differ significantly from the original registration without prior notice.
Accessibility at TNC
Many of the programs Tenafly Nature Center offers can be altered to meet the needs of participants with disabilities or those who require accommodations. We ask that you provide pertinent information about any disabilities and/or required accommodations within a minimum of two weeks’ prior to the program. This helps us provide a quality program experience for all participants.
Preparation for Your Visit
Notify TNC at least 48 hours in advance of any disabilities or required accommodations.
Divide groups before arrival:
Pre-K & Kindergarten: up to 25 students (or one class)
Grades 1–12: up to 30 students (or one class)
Each group must have one group leader and one adult chaperone per five students.
Additional adults may attend only with prior written permission from TNC.
Notify TNC of any changes in student or adult numbers before your visit.
Cancellations by TNC due to inclement weather or animal needs will be rescheduled when possible; otherwise, a credit or refund will be issued.
What to Wear
Programs are mostly outdoors and vary seasonally, dress for the weather.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes or boots and bring rain gear (no umbrellas).
TNC’s forested, elevated setting can be cooler, layer accordingly.
Apply insect repellent before arrival, and do not spray repellent on-site.
Arrival & Departure
Review our Contact & Directions page before traveling.
Upon arrival, a TNC Environmental Educator will greet your group in the parking lot.
Unload only under staff direction. Parking in the cul-de-sac is prohibited unless directed by TNC staff.
If you arrive early, you may explore the trails until your program begins.
Programs start and end at the times listed on your confirmation; late arrivals will not extend program time.
Allow time for traffic, restroom breaks, loading, and unloading when scheduling transportation.
During Your Program
One Environmental Educator leads each group (max 25–30 students, depending on age).
Please keep cell phones on silent or vibrate during programs.
Teachers and chaperones must stay with the group and assist as needed.
Behavior management is the responsibility of attending adults.
Animal encounters are not guaranteed and may be substituted for animal welfare reasons.
Animal handling and activities vary based on animal health and behavior.
Picnic Areas
Picnic areas are available by advance request at no additional cost.
TNC does not provide food or refrigeration.
Follow Leave No Trace principles and bring a bag for trash and take it with you.
Recycle glass, metals, and plastics (#1, #2 and #5) in designated bins.
Do not place food waste or supplies in outdoor trash cans.
In case of inclement weather, picnic times may be moved indoors.
Group Expectations
Notify TNC in advance of any special needs or changes to your reservation.
Arrive on time and contact TNC if delayed.
Attend with only the registered number of participants.
Group leaders are responsible for behavior and discipline.
Treat staff, animals, and equipment respectfully.
Cancel at least 48 hours in advance, if necessary.
Preparation for TNC to Go Programs
Notify TNC at least 48 hours in advance of any disabilities or accommodations.
Provide one parking space near the entrance for our educator’s vehicle (garage fees apply if parking is unavailable).
Provide one table for the educator’s use.
Each class must have one group leader present throughout the program.
Notify TNC of additional participants ahead of time—numbers are limited to the original registration.
During Your Program
Programs begin and end as scheduled; please be ready at the confirmed time.
One Environmental Educator is assigned per group or assembly.
Consecutive programs (for multiple classes) must be scheduled with no more than 30 minutes between sessions.
Keep cell phones on silent during presentations.
Group leaders and chaperones are expected to remain with the group and assist as needed.
Attending adults are responsible for student discipline.
Animal encounters are not guaranteed and may vary for animal health reasons.
Group Expectations
Notify TNC in advance of any special needs or schedule changes.
Provide parking and table space for the educator.
Attend with only the registered number of participants.
Treat staff and materials respectfully.
Cancel at least 48 hours in advance, if necessary.