Gateway National Recreation Area - For Teachers (U.S. National Park Service)

Teachers and students can explore most park sites with their students by participating in a variety of ranger-guided programs and self-guided field trips. For some programs, advance participation in a teacher workshop is required prior to the class visit. Please see Jamaica Bay Education Programs. Professional development opportunities are available at the National Parks of New York Harbor Education Center. Here teachers can earn new teacher and g and p credits by participating in courses focusing on place-based learning in New York City's National Park sites.

Sandy Hook has many educational opportunities in both natural and cultural history. They are online, classroom based and in park.

Other programs for children and families, such as the Junior Ranger Program and Web Rangers, are described on our For Kids page.

Learn more about Jamaica Bay and Estuaries! Watch students, teachers, Gateway park staff and others as they explore the ecology of Jamaica Bay during . Learn about the bay's aquatic life, salt marsh restoration efforts, water chemistry, bay sediments and more atr this event coordinated by the .

Ecology Village Summer Camping Program

Ecology Village is a two-day tent camping program at Gateway’s Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn, New York. Campers become aware of the natural environment, learn about composting and recycling, while exploring the natural and cultural resources of Floyd Bennett Field.

The program is an outdoor experience stressing the importance of environmental awareness and group cooperation. Through ranger-led activities, and exploration of upland and marine environments, children will discover the joys of camping and the great outdoors. Gateway NRA will provide tents, cooking equipment and resource specialists to support the program.

The program is open to non-profit organizations, and open to youngsters between the ages of eight and fourteen. There is a $50.00 processing fee for the camping permit. Camping begins Monday, July 07, 2008, through Thursday, August 28, 2008.

Organizations new to the camping program must send the groups leader to a 30hour leadership training on June 27-29, 2008. The class is given on Friday, June 27 10am-4pm; the second day begins at 12pm Saturday, through 12pm Sunday, June 29, 2008. This will be the only opportunity for new leaders to receive training. Returning leaders must attend one of the camping refreshers on June 24-26 from 4:00pm-6:00pm, located at Ecology Village, Building. 70.

Interested organizations should contact Ecology Village staff at 718-338-4306 for applications.