Follow Your Interests!

June 1-7, 2024

Explore Massachusetts' stunning outdoor locations with adventures at Mount Greylock and Mount Holyoke Range State Park. At Mount Greylock in Lanesborough, the state's tallest peak, you can hike, picnic, and tour diverse ecosystems and historical sites. Discover the natural beauty of Mount Holyoke Range State Park in Amherst through scenic trails and learn about its ecological importance. Visit the Hahn-Warner Arboretum in South Hadley to expand your knowledge of botany with its collection of 30 tree species. Additionally, enjoy a Heritage Riverboat Cruise in Northfield along the Connecticut River, where you can observe the area's river ecology, geological features, and learn about wildlife conservation efforts.

• Asparagus Unveiled: Connecting Culinary Arts, Agriculture, and Science Through a Spring Favorite
• Unveiling the Hidden Life of Dead Trees: Crucial Ecosystem Engineers
• Kitchen Chemistry: How Science Transforms Your Cooking Techniques
• The Wonders of Dandelions: Exploring Their Role in Ecology and Education
• Tracking Insects: Uncovering the Hidden Trails of Tiny Ecosystem Engineers
• Growing Together: The Cultural and Ecological Significance of the Three Sisters Garden
• Lights, Camera, Learn: How Films Can Enhance Multidisciplinary Studies

FEATURED EVENT

Asparagus Festival

Hadley, MA

The NEPM Asparagus Festival is a guaranteed good time for the whole family. Head to the Hadley Town Common on Saturday, June 1, for a day filled with fabulous kids’ activities, music, games, and bunches of asparagus. Meet PBS Kids characters Curious George and Malik from “Work It Out Wombats,” and catch the Tumble Podcast live! Find out how fast you can pick asparagus with the Asparagus Valley Pick game, or join Wild Garden of Childhood Nursery for arts and crafts. For parents, don’t miss local breweries pouring in the Beers & Spears tent, food and snacks from the Valley’s best food trucks and restaurants, and the Farmers & Makers market. Preregister and find more info at nepm.org/asparagus.

FEATURED EVENT

Whole Children and Milestones Offers Free Tours

Northampton, MA

Sign up for a FREE tour of Whole Children and Milestones’ accessible Inclusive Community Center (ICC) and learn more about their social and recreational classes! All ages and abilities are welcome! Meet the teachers, jump in the ball pit, make a craft, and have a snack. While there, check out the latest catalog of in-person and virtual classes such as kung-fu, voice acting, art, cooking, video game and anime clubs, movement and play, D&D, yoga dance, and more. Choose a tour on June 17 or 18 from 3:30-5pm and bring your friends and family! The ICC is about five minutes from Northampton center. It has two floors with an elevator and single-occupancy gender-neutral bathrooms. For questions, email Info@WholeChildren.org or call 413-585-8010.

FEATURED RETREAT

Ayurvedic Postpartum Care Certification & Embodiment Retreat with Center for Sacred Window Studies

Montague, MA

Learn the principles & hands-on skills for supporting a new parent after birth. This retreat & certification emphasize nutrition & cooking for the postpartum period, Ayurvedic bodywork for postpartum & infants, care routines to support healing & rejuvenation, and more. Participants attending the live retreat will experience the nourishing impact of this care firsthand as they learn with their senses & recognize the importance of being cared for at all stages of life. Online certification options are offered. The retreat is July 15-20 at the Montague Retreat Center & is hosted by the founding instructors of the Center for Sacred Window Studies. Aspiring postpartum caregivers at any stage are welcome. More info: sacredwindowstudies.com.

FEATURED EVENT

Open Registration:

14th Annual Will Bike 4 Food

Hatfield, MA

Registration is open for the 14th Annual Will Bike 4 Food on Sun., September 22, in Hatfield. Cyclists will pedal through the scenic Connecticut River Valley to support the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. There’s a route for everyone: The 100 Mile Century Ride, 50 Mile Half Century Ride, 25 Mile Quarter Century Ride, 12 Mile Family Fun Ride, and a new 4 Mile Family Fun Ride. Cyclists can create a team, join a team, or ride solo. Participants can also join virtually any time during Hunger Action Month in Sept. After the ride, cyclists can join the after-party, with food, drinks & games for kids. The Food Bank welcomes Stop & Shop back as the presenting sponsor of Will Bike 4 Food for the 9th consecutive year. More info: willbike4food.org

FEATURED SUMMER CAMPS

The Hartsbrook School

Hadley, MA

Summer programs at The Hartsbrook School in Hadley, MA, are designed to foster children’s curiosity, their connection to nature and to one another. This year, in addition to Farm Camp—beloved by campers for two decades—Hartsbrook is also offering Fiddle Camp, Wilderness Camp, Creativity Camp, a Counselor-in-Training program, and two 1-Week art and songwriting programs for Middle and High Schoolers. All programs provide a sense of grounding while campers explore the natural world—whether it’s tending to the chickens, learning to build fires, playing music, or creating a celebratory art show with a spectrum of materials. There’s a camp for every child at The Hartsbrook School! Contact: 413-586-1908 x135; summerprograms@hartsbrook.org; www.hartsbrook.org/summer-programs.

FEATURED SUMMER PROGRAM

The Institute for the Musical Arts

Goshen, MA

The Institute for the Musical Arts in Goshen, MA. MA’s residential music programs give girls access to top-notch facilities & instruments, veteran professional musicians & teachers, and musical exploration & collaboration. Explore Rock ‘n Roll offers girls 9-12 opportunities to explore instruments, begin writing songs, and participate in a concert. Teen Performance Program offers girls 13-19 an opportunity to speak their truth via rock ‘n roll, gain confidence in performance abilities, improve musicianship, and develop collaborative leadership skills. Studio Recording, Engineering & Production offers a hands-on studio recording seminar for women 16-24 who are ready to record their work and/or interested in engineering and producing. Dates: June-August 2024; Age Range: 9-24yo. Contact: 413-268-3074; info@ima.org; www.ima.org.

FEATURED EVENT

SUPADUPA WORKSHOP

Lenox, MA

The Mount (2 Plunkett Street, Lenox, MA) welcomes back Ty Allan Jackson for a family program highlighting youth empowerment through storytelling on Sunday, June 2, from 10:30am-12pm! SUPADUPA WORKSHOP is inspired by Ty Allan Jackson’s classic chapter book, The Supadupa Kid. The workshop encourages children to create their own superhero saga and is an exciting way to keep kids reading, writing, and learning throughout the summer. The free, 90-minute workshop will be facilitated by the author himself and is guaranteed to be a fun and creative event. For youth grades 3-5 (ages 8-13), accompanied by an adult.

FEATURED EVENT

Tales from The Trail Across Alaska

Florence, MA

“We’re going to Alaska! Pass it down the lane. We’re going to Alaska, from where our grandmother came…” From the eyes & ears of the Hilltown Sleddogs, “Our Serum Run Story by the T’s, U’s, V’s & Me!” A Children’s Storybook Event! Author Marla BB will read the new book while illustrations are projected on a big screen. See photos & video from Alaska with a Q&A session. Meet & pet the Hilltown Sleddogs. Buy signed books, eat pizza & cake! A frigid day in February 2020, this team of 12 Alaskan Huskies and their dog driver set out to mush 750 miles across the frozen Yukon River & Bering Sea, camping out for 3 weeks on their long way home to Nome! Go to Tales from The Trail Across Alaska at BOMBYX in Florence on June 6, 6:30-8pm for Tix $5-20.

FEATURED STUDY

The Somneuro Lab @ UMass Amherst

Amherst, MA

The Somneuro Lab at UMASS Amherst is recruiting infants (<10 months), toddlers (15-21 months), and children (<5 years) for studies exploring the relationship between sleep and memory in early childhood. For all studies, they would see you and your child across multiple visits separated by 3-6 months. Children will play memory games and have their sleep recorded with non-invasive electrodes. Their lab space is equipped with a kitchen, living room, and cozy bedrooms. Compensation ranges from $200-255 per timepoint. Families can also receive compensation for time spent traveling to and from the lab. Some studies also have an in-home option. Want to learn more? Contact the Somneuro Lab today! Email: sleepresearch@umass.edu. Phone: 413-545-4831.

FEATURED SUMMER PROGRAM

Drama Studio

Springfield, MA

Step into the spotlight this summer! Join the Drama Studio in Springfield, MA, for their exciting In-Person Acting Program, where creativity knows no bounds and the stage is your canvas. From budding talents to seasoned performers, there’s something for everyone! Summer Programs for all ages! June 24-August 16, 2024. Ages 6-18. Contact: 413-739-1983; info@dramastudio.org; dramastudio.org.

FEATURED SUMMER PROGRAM

The Prindle School’s Summer Arts Adventure

Easthampton, MA

Come to The Prindle School’s fifth annual Summer Arts Adventure! Jam along in a ukulele ensemble, learning familiar songs that you can play with your new friends. Learn to play bucket drums, shakers, tambourine, and other percussion instruments. Play games, improvise, and laugh a lot in the theater part of the day. Paint, draw, and make your own instruments from found objects, plus so much more! The Summer Arts Adventure will run for three weeks in July of 2024: the week of July 8 (ages 8 & 9), the week of July 15 (ages 10 & 11), and the week of July 22 (ages 12 & 13). Age flexibility is available for siblings or friends who wish to enroll in the same week. All programs are Mon-Fri from 9am-4pm in Easthampton, MA. Dates: July 8-26, 2024. Ages 8-13yo. Contact: 413-341-1689; info@theprindleschool.com; www.theprindleschool.com.

FEATURED SUMMER PROGRAM

Art in Motion Summer Programs

Easthampton, MA

Art in Motion in Easthampton, MA, offers a variety of summer programs for children ages 5-18 to explore their creativity and passion for dance. The programs include dance classes, outdoor activities, and craft projects, all led by experienced instructors. The instructors guide the children through a range of dance styles and creative projects in a fun and supportive environment, allowing them to learn and grow while forging lasting memories. Parents are encouraged to sign up their children and give them the chance to let their imaginations run wild! July 8-August 9, 2024. Ages 5-18. Contact: 413-355-0196; hello@artinmotion413.com; artinmotion413.com.

FEATURED SUMMER PROGRAM

Spanish Intensive Classes at International Language Institute of Massachusetts

Northampton, MA

Teens aged 12-16 can immerse themselves in Spanish learning while having fun! One-week Spanish intensive classes offer 3.5 hours of daily immersive lessons Monday-Friday. Through interactive games, songs, and authentic materials, students experience a dynamic and engaging learning environment. The Intro to Spanish class (July 15-29) will kickstart their language journey. Next Level Spanish class (July 22-26) expands teens’ language skills with cultural exploration, films, conversations, and engaging activities, pushing their abilities to new levels. This immersive approach ensures an enriching experience for teens. Cost $479. Register by June 3, 2024, and save $50! Classes for adults also available. Visit: www.ili.edu or email: info@ili.edu

FEATURED EARLY CHILDHOOD

EDU PROGRAM

Community Action Pioneer Valley’s

Head Start & Early Learning Program

Multiple Towns

Head Start & Early Learning Programs (HS&ELP) partners with families in all that they do and believe that parents are the experts on their children. Together, they build a solid foundation for resilient and resourceful caregivers; caring, confident, and curious children; and responsive, invested communities. HS&ELP creates engaging early learning experiences for young children in a mix of part-day and full-day classrooms across the region. All program options include “comprehensive services,” and families have access to health, mental health, nutrition, and other support to help meet their family’s and child’s development goals.Centers are in Agawam, Amherst, Northampton, Orange, Turners Falls, Ware & Westfield. Ages 2.9-5yrs

. For more information:413-387-1250;

hselpenrollment@communityaction.us; www.communityaction.us.

FEATURED SCHOOL

Amherst Montessori School’s

Children’s House

Amherst, MA

Amherst Montessori School’s Children’s House, for ages 3-6, enhances focus, independence, and community responsibility. Its three-year cycle includes preschool and kindergarten, emphasizing hands-on activities aligned with children’s interests. Teachers maintain consistent relationships for continuous learning. Applications are now being accepted for five-day sessions, available as morning or full days, with optional extended care. For more information, call 413-253-3101, kedreich@amherstmontessori.org, or amherstmontessori.org.

FEATURED KINDERGARTEN

The Common School

Amherst, MA

Are you curious about a school that highly values inclusivity, social justice, and environmental education and puts these principles into practice? The Common School in Amherst, MA, is a progressive independent school serving children ages 3-12 and has two unexpected openings in their kindergarten for next fall. Check out the uncommon Common School at www.commonschool.org.

FEATURED SCHOOL

Lander-Grinspoon Academy

Northampton, MA

Lander-Grinspoon Academy (LGA) in Northampton, MA, is open for enrollment for Grades K-6. The school provides its students with a comprehensive education, encompassing rigorous academics, world-class arts, meaningful exploration of Jewish spirituality, history, and culture, and positive social-emotional learning. The school also boasts specialized facilities, including a maker-space, art studio, music, and farm programs. Their small class size, low student-to-teacher ratio, individualized learning, and warm, caring, and diverse community make LGA a place for all children to learn & grow and for families to connect & make life-long friends—generous financial assistance is offered. Contact them at admissions@landergrinspoon.org today.

FEATURED BIRTHDAY VENUE

Connecticut Trolley Museum

East Windsor, CT

It’s Electric! Visit the Connecticut Trolley Museum and journey back in time to experience the transportation of yesterday. The museum features a variety of streetcars from the 1890s-1950s, many of which are available for rides. A birthday celebration at the museum will provide the thrill of a lifetime for your child and be remembered for years to come. Before the food is enjoyed, the trolley awaits your crew for a ride into the past. Parties include the exclusive use of the dining car for a two-hour period for 25 guests. Each event has a party coordinator who will assist in the party room, escort everyone to the trolley ride, and help clean up after the party. Conveniently located off of Interstate 91, exit 45. Contact: 860-627-6540; office@ct-trolley.org; www.ct-trolley.org.

Hilltown Families

See your message here!

Partner with Hilltown Families in your online advertising! Serving the region since 2005, Hilltown Families is an award-winning online communication network recognized as a leading family-strengthening initiative in the region, promoting “positive parenting through the social norm of community social connectedness.” A trusted partner in your online marketing! To find out how we can partner in your online marketing and outreach, contact us for info on our affordable options and packages: hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.