Imagine a school where curiosity blooms under the open sky and learning feels like an adventure every day—backed by solid research that proves its value. An outdoor nature school program offers a unique and dynamic educational experience, immersing students in the wonders of the natural world while fostering hands-on learning, creativity, and critical thinking.

Studies reveal that these programs significantly boost academic performance, particularly in STEM subjects, by making learning tangible and engaging. They also improve concentration, lessen symptoms of ADHD, and support cognitive development. Beyond academics, outdoor learning cultivates resilience, teamwork, and self-confidence as children face nature's challenges head-on. It nurtures physical health, emotional well-being, and environmental stewardship—building a generation of independent, curious, and thoughtful individuals.

Research from institutions like the Harvard Graduate School of Education underscores additional benefits: enhanced air quality, increased school capacity, and reduced systemic inequities. Outdoor nature schools embody education at its best—empowering children to discover, explore, and thrive in the world's greatest classroom. It's an inspiring, proven approach to learning that captivates young minds while connecting them deeply to the beauty of our planet.

Here is an example of our Explorer Summer Camp Schedule (4 Hours)

1. Welcome Time (15 minutes)

   • Greet explorers with a brief introduction to the camp’s activities and safety guidelines.

   • Icebreaker activity: “Nature Scavenger Hunt” – explorers find items like leaves, rocks, or pinecones nearby and share their findings.

2. Outdoor Hike/Adventure (1 hour 30 minutes)

   • Embark on a scenic hike with stops at notable points, like a stream, lookout area, or an interesting patch of flora.

   • Include adventure challenges, like “Map Reading” or “Trail Trivia,” encouraging participants to engage with the environment.

3. Nature-Led Experiment (45 minutes)

   • Guided experiment: “Exploring Water Filtration in Nature.” Use rocks, sand, and grass to recreate natural filtration systems for water.

   • Discuss sustainability and the importance of clean water in ecosystems.

4. Team Collaboration (1 hour 15 minutes)

   • Activity: “Build a Mini Shelter.” Explorers work in teams to construct small shelters using natural materials from the environment (e.g., branches, leaves).

   • Reflection and sharing: Teams explain their methods and outcomes, fostering creativity and teamwork.

5. Closing & Feedback (15 minutes)

   • Group gathering to share experiences and lessons learned during the camp.

   • Encourage explorers to express what they enjoyed the most or what inspired them during the day.

Explorer School Schedule (2 Hours)

1. Welcome & Icebreaker (10 minutes)
   
   

   • Warm greetings and a quick overview of the activities.

   • Icebreaker activity: Example: “Leaf Match-up” – explorers pair up leaves they find with pictures of the plants they belong to.

   • Introduction to semester-long projects: Each explorer chooses a theme (e.g., observing bird behavior, tracking seasonal changes, or creating a local flora guide) that they'll explore throughout the semester.

2. Nature Walk & Observation (40 minutes)
   
   

   • Take a guided walk through the area, focusing on observing wildlife, plants, or unique features like moss patterns or tree shapes.

   • Mini-activity: Example: “Sketch and Discover” – explorers sketch what they see and note observations related to their chosen project themes.

3. Hands-On Experiment (40 minutes)
   
   

   • Activity: Example: “Soil Layers Exploration.” Explorers dig small soil samples and identify layers, textures, and organic materials.

   • Connect this activity to the semester-long projects by discussing how soil quality impacts ecosystems, and guide the explorers in integrating these findings into their ongoing research.

4. Group Challenge & Reflection (30 minutes)
   
   

   • Activity: Example: “Group Nature Puzzle.” Teams collaborate to assemble a puzzle or diagram about an ecosystem using natural materials (e.g., twigs for rivers, stones for mountains).

   • Reflection: Explorers share progress on their semester-long projects, highlight new discoveries, and discuss plans for further exploration.

Including semester-long projects allows the explorers to develop a deeper connection with the natural world while fostering curiosity and scientific inquiry over time.

• well fitted CLOSE TOED shoes that can get wet. Crocks are NOT ALLOWED. If your camper comes without the proper foot wear they will not be able to participate that day for their safety.

• comfortable clothes (pants are required) that are weather appropriate AND ABLE TO GET DIRTY

• sun hat

• light sweater with long sleeves

• well fitted backpack

• packed lunch for Explorer Summer Campers and for our Explorer School kiddos, pack a snack.

• small reusable water bottle (with your explorers name)

• please apply sunscreen and include sunscreen in backpack

Our camps and schools are designed for ages k-8th grade. We do our best to tailor our programs to be age appropriate and if we need to group our explorers (especially during explorer school) by similar ages, we will do so.

Regardless of age, all the activities will be the same. We will still explore, engage with nature, do projects/crafts ect…

For our Explorer Summer Camps the time is M-TH from 11-3 for the designated week.

We ask you to be ON TIME for drop off and pick up. If you are late, we cannot guarantee that your explorer will be able to join that day.

Oue Explorer School is designed to build on top of each week’s activities. because of this, we require a semester commitment.

The semesters run from Sept-Dec and Jan-May with a break for the holidays that follow school holiday breaks.

Our Explorer School classes are once a week for 2 hours. We have classes to choose from on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 11-1pm.

It CRUCIAL that all of our explorers arrive to class on time. We cannot guarantee that your explorer will be able to participate in the days activities if they arrive late.

There is no refund for late days.

Any cancellations require a $50 processing fee subtracted from their refund to cover administrative costs.

We do not offer a refund for late explorers or no-show’s.

We understand that life happens and our explorers get sick. Please reach out to Lindi 24 hours prior to the class time if you need to miss. Reschedule will be at a case by case and based on make-up class size.

Please reach out with any further questions.

You have the option to pay through our website, or you can Zelle to (949) 355 - 2722, or pay with cash. We do not take checks.

We are an approved vendor with charter schools. We also can provide any information needed if you are using an FSA account.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out via email to: lindimoore@protonmail.com

Both our Explorer Camps and our Explorer Schools will have 10-12 kids per class.