The Young Explorers Enrichment Program (YEEP) is designed to supplement your child’s regular pre-school or early elementary learning through nature-based experiences.
Our focus is on learning through play, exploration, and hands-on experiences using nature as the classroom; children are outside for the duration of each program day, and the environment is our teacher. The journey of each individual is unique, and activities and curriculum are based on the interests and curiosities of participants and aligned with California's NGSS and Common Core Standards. YEEP uses natural phenomena to strengthen foundations of learning including literacy, mathematics, science, socio-emotional learning, self awareness and crtitical thinking skills in participants.
Our focus is on learning through play, exploration, and hands-on experiences using nature as the classroom; children are outside for the duration of each program day, and the environment is our teacher. The journey of each individual is unique, and activities and curriculum are based on the interests and curiosities of participants and aligned with California's NGSS and Common Core Standards. YEEP uses natural phenomena to strengthen foundations of learning including literacy, mathematics, science, socio-emotional learning, self awareness and crtitical thinking skills in participants.
Fall 2024 Programs
[My child] was in Occupational Therapy a year and a half ago, but I saw more improvement in her sensory challenges with this nature immersive program than I did in an OT center. I can't sing it's praises enough.
[Her] grandparents thought [my child] would enjoy it - and boy were they right! I was so glad it gave her balance to her princess obsession!
I expected the kids to learn about and through nature. They definitely learned about the world around them, and they gained traditional school setting skills while doing it.
I noticed a curiosity for topics being discussed even when my student wasn’t in class. She wanted to learn more, she wanted to grow and anticipated coming to class each week.
Most program dates will take place at Sumner Peck Ranch (14439 N. Friant Rd, Friant, CA). Sumner Peck Ranch is a riverfront property featuring 40+ acres of space for Young Explorers to embrace learning through exploration of natural and agricultural ecosystems. Some field trip days to other Parkway properties nearby may be included in the session; participants will receive full information on the session schedule prior to the start date. All YEEP program dates take place entirely outdoors (unless severe inclement weather prevents safe outdoor exploration) and involve exploration of natural landscapes including dirt, mud, grass, hills, and other uneven terrain. If your Young Explorer requires specific accomodations, please contact inclusion@riverparkway.org to discuss details prior to enrollment.
Fall 2024 programs will take place Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. Each session lasts a total of 15 weeks; you may enroll your child in only Tuesday morning dates, only Thursday morning dates, or both Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Program dates: 8/27, 8/29, 9/3, 9/5, 9/10, 9/12, 9/17, 9/19, 9/24, 9/26, 10/1, 10/3, 10/8, 10/10, 10/15, 10/17, 10/22, 10/24, 10/29, 10/31, 11/5, 11/7, 11/12, 11/14, 11/19, 11/21, 12/3, 12/5, 12/10, 12/12
Program Fees and Payment Information
Non-refundable deposit: $100
Session fees: $750 for Tuesday OR Thursday enrollment, $1,500 for Tu/Th enrollment ($50/day)
Charter fund payments: The River Parkway Trust is a Community Vendor with Yosemite Valley and Monarch River Academy Charter Schools; funds can be used to cover the program's fees.
Membership discount: River Parkway Trust Members receive a 10% discount on all program registrations (discount code must be entered at time of registration, membership discounts will not be given retroactively).
Multi-sibling discount: Families registering more than one YEEP participant receive a $25 discount per child.
Scholarships: A limited number of partial scholarships are available for YEEP participants. Scholarships typicaly range from 10%-40% of fees. The option to apply for a scholarship is part of the regular online registration process.
Sample Daily Schedule:
