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.
- [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.
Fall 2024 Programs
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:
Tuesday Mornings: 8/27, 9/3, 9/10, 9/17, 9/24, 10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 12/3, 12/10
Thursday Mornings: 8/29, 9/5, 9/12, 9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24, 10/31, 11/7, 11/14, 11/21, 12/5, 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: Monarch River and Yosemite Valley Students: The Young Explorers Enrichment Program is a covered option for your student! Register online using the link(s) above, pay the deposit, choose the "remaining balance plan" option at checkout, and submit the receipt to your school to request a voucher for the remaining balance. Once we receive the voucher from your school, a credit will be applied to your account for the remaining balance. Please note: the non-refundable deposit of $100 is not covered by Monarch River Academy, Yosemite Balley Charter, or the River Parkway Trust. Please ensure your credit voucher request is for the remaining balance only.
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.
Sample Daily Schedule:
