School Programs

Mission

The mission of our K – 12 educational programs is to provide transformational experiences outside of the classroom. Each program is aligned with NYS Next Generation Learning Standards, and is designed to enhance STEAM learning through hands-on activities and outdoor exploration.

Book now for 2025 Spring programs!

Registration

School programs are available throughout the year, and can be virtual or on site.

To book a program, please use the registration form here. An Environmental Educator will email you to schedule your program.

We use Zoom as our platform for virtual field trips. If you have any questions or technological inquires please contact our education team at jbenc@parks.ny.gov.

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Information

  • Our programs are available to book between 9:00am-4:00pm.

    Mondays & Fridays: Max 1 class

    Tuesdays through Thursdays: Max 3 classes

    On-site programs are about two hours long. This does not include time for disembarking buses and eating snacks/lunch. Please arrange to be at our Center for at least 2.5 hours.

    Virtual programs are about 45 minutes long with an additional 15 minutes Q&A, via Zoom.

  • We charge based on the total amount of participants visiting per day.

    10-20 participants: $75

    21-30 participants: $125

    31-40 participants: $175

    41-50 participants: $225

    51-60 participants: $275

    Program cost is payable by check to “NY State Parks.” Mail your check and signed permit to:

    Jones Beach State Park

    Attn: Jessica Holohan, Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center

    3300 Park Avenue Unit #1000

    Wantagh, New York 11793

  • Bus Permit: $35 per bus

    In order to get a bus permit, at least 2 weeks prior to program date, you must mail your:


    -Signed program permit

    -Payment/ PO/ plan for payment (can pay in person day of)

    -and a self-addressed envelope with stamp to

    3300 Park Avenue, Unit #1000,

    Wantagh NY 11793

    You may pay via check, credit card, or cash in advance or the day of the program. We will also accept proof of a purchase order being submitted in lieu of prior payment. Payment must reflect the price listed on the program permit. A plan for payment must be communicated to us prior to us issuing a bus permit. Once we receive your information in the mail, we will issue you and mail you the bus permit that must be shown to the toll booth to enter the park.

    If we do not receive your program permit and plan for payment, you will need to pay $35 per bus fee at the toll booth to enter the park.

  • Program costs can be reimbursed in full through a grant program called Connect Kids. This program reimburses school districts, charter schools, municipalities, and select not-for-profits in New York State for travel and programming costs associated with student field trips to eligible parks and historic sites. Due to COVID, this program has expanded to include virtual field trips.

The Connect Kids Field Trip Grant Application is simple to complete and submit online, and should take about 5 minutes. Just make sure to have your 10-digit NYS Vendor ID Number prior to starting the application. If you do not know this number, the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center can provide it.

Tips for completing the Application:

· Under the section Field Trip Information, select “Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center”

· Under the section Destination Information, enter:

· Contact Full Name: Mia Ramirez

· Contact Email: mia.ramirez@parks.ny.gov

If you need any help completing the form, our Education Team is ready to assist! Email jbenc@parks.ny.gov

About Connect Kids

The Connect Kids Field Trip Grant is a reimbursement grant program. This means that each grant recipient (whether a school, municipal youth bureau, after-school program, or not-for-profit) must cover all initial field trip costs. Grant funds will not be released until after a field trip has occurred, all incurred expenses have been paid, and proof of payment has been provided to the Community Programs Unit. If you or your organization is eligible for a Connect Kids Field Trip Grant, but is nonetheless unable to afford the trip, contact the Community Programs Unit at parksbusgrant@parks.ny.gov.