New Pond Farm Education Center in West Redding (101 Marchant Road) is now enrolling for their fall after-school enrichment programs. The education center is set on 102 acres of protected woodlands, wetlands, meadows, and pastures which provides a diverse landscape backdrop for learning. Below is information on just a few of many after-school programs being offered this fall for both elementary and middle school students.
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September Farm to Table Kids (Grades 2-4)
3 Tuesdays: September 8, 15, & 22
Young chefs will discover where their food comes from as they harvest, prepare, and enjoy simple seasonal recipes inspired by New Pond Farm. Along the way, they’ll learn about fresh ingredients, healthy eating, and the connection between the farm and the table. Register Here
Artsynergy Productions: Creating Immersive Theatre at New Pond Farm (Grades 5-8)
8 Tuesdays: Sept 8, 15, 22, 29 & Oct 6, 13, 20, 27
With Bus Service From JRMS (class is open to participants outside Redding)
Take your creativity beyond the traditional stage in this advanced immersive theatre class! Students will create an original site-specific performance inspired by the landscapes, history, and spirit of New Pond Farm. Through character development, improvisation, scene study, movement, voice, and ensemble collaboration, participants will strengthen their acting skills while designing props, costumes, and scenic elements. Students will develop leadership, confidence, creative problem-solving, and storytelling techniques as they learn how professional immersive productions engage audiences. The session culminates in a one-of-a-kind performance where family and friends experience the farm transformed into a living theatrical adventure. Led by the talented Amy MacRae and Robin Reiser of ArtSynergy Productions. Register Here
Artsynergy Productions: Creating Immersive Theatre at New Pond Farm (Grades 3-4)
8 Thursdays: September 10, 17, 24 & Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
With Bus Service From Redding Elementary School
(class is open to participants outside Redding)
Discover how theatre can transform an entire landscape! In this immersive theatre class, students will use New Pond Farm as their stage, creating original characters and stories inspired by the farm’s natural beauty, wildlife, and history. Through improvisation, scene work, movement, voice, and collaborative design, participants will develop acting skills while creating props, costumes, and environmental storytelling elements. Students will build confidence, creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills as they learn the art of immersive performance. The session concludes with an original site-specific production where audiences journey through the farm as part of the story. Led by the talented Amy MacRae of ArtSynergy Productions. Register Here.
After School Improv: Laugh, Create, and Shine! (Grades 5-8)
8 Wednesdays: September 16 – November 18 (no class October 21)
With Bus Service from John Read Middle School
Join friends at New Pond Farm for a fun-filled after-school improv class where creativity, confidence, and laughter take center stage! Through interactive games and spontaneous scenes, students will create silly characters, build confidence, strengthen teamwork, think on their feet, and discover the joy of saying, “Yes, and…to something new!” No experience is necessary—just bring your imagination and a willingness to have fun. Led by the talented Heather Whaley, this class is the perfect after-school adventure for young performers and creative minds alike. Register Here.
About New Pond Farm
Founded in 1985 by actress and philanthropist Carmen Mathews, New Pond Farm is an independent, year-round environmental education center set on 102 acres of protected woodlands, wetlands, meadows, and pastures in Fairfield County, CT. From a summer camp for underserved NYC youth, we have grown into a vibrant community resource serving learners of all ages. Each year, over 5,000 students and 1,000 children and families engage with our farm, property, and programs — forging meaningful, lasting connections with the land. Our diverse landscape is central to how we teach. As a Connecticut Dairy Farm of Distinction, our working farm and surrounding habitats are real world learning labs that bring environmental lessons to life. Our mission is to inspire and educate each generation to become stewards of the land by championing conservation and sustainable farming practices to protect and preserve our natural world. For more information on programs, events and how you can support the farm through membership, please visit https://newpondfarm.org/.
