The Young Explorers Enrichment Program is an extension of our pre-K and K summer camp program, designed to supplement your child’s regular pre-school or classroom 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.
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.
Most program dates will take place at the River Center (11605 Old Friant Rd, Fresno). The River Center features a restored ranch house with educational exhibits, a ¾ mile habitat-themed nature trail, an event barn, a small vineyard and orchard, and plenty of open/green space to explore and play in. 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.
Parents/guardians or a family representative are asked to volunteer at/attend two of the session dates with their child and are welcome (but not required) to stay with their Young Explorer during all other program dates.
Ages: 3.5 through currently enrolled in Kindergarten as of the session start date (must be toilet trained)
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays for 15 weeks Cost: $1,425/15-week session ($150 non-refundable deposit, $1,275 session fees); partial scholarships are available and scholarship applications can be accessed through the online registration system during the normal registration process. Payment plan options are available. To register, click on the session link below. If the session is full, you will be given the option to join the waitlist.
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays for 15 weeks Cost: $1,425/15-week session ($150 non-refundable deposit, $1,275 session fees); partial scholarships are available and scholarship applications can be accessed through the online registration system during the normal registration process. Payment plan options are available. To register, click on the session link below. If the session is full, you will be given the option to join the waitlist.
Fall 2022 Session Dates:
8/30, 9/1, 9/6, 9/8, 9/13, 9/15, 9/20, 9/22, 9/27, 9/29, 10/4, 10/6, 10/11, 10/13, 10/18, 10/20, 10/25, 10/27, 11/1, 11/3, 11/8, 11/10, 11/15, 11/17, 11/29, 12/1, 12/6, 12/8, 12/13, 12/15.
Program Highlights
- Children are outdoors for the duration of each session (unless there is severe or dangerous inclement weather); once enrolled, we will provide a list of recommended clothing items to best prepare your child for all seasons and conditions; we will provide a waterproof rain trail suit for each participant to wear on rainy days, but participants are required to provide their own rain boots
- Small group size (3 co-instructors and 18 children, 1:6 ratio)
- Curriculum and activities are STEM, emergent play, and inquiry based to promote inner-directed learning and foster a healthy sense of self
- Young Explorers staff collects a portfolio of each participant’s project-based exploration work (writings, drawings, photographs), etc. to document each child’s journey and provide parents/guardians information on progress and achievements
Sample Daily Schedule:
12:45 – 1:00 pm | Check in |
1:00 – 1:30 pm | Free play with thematic stations related to the week’s theme (e.g. bugs, birds, sounds, colors, etc.) |
1:30 – 1:50 pm | Circle time & story time |
1:50 – 2:10 pm | Bathroom break & snack time |
2:10 – 2:50 pm | Guided activities (such as nature walks, item collection, sorting skills, etc.) |
2:50 – 3:05 pm | Bathroom break & snack time |
3:05 – 3:50 pm | Project-based exploration* |
3:50 – 4:00 pm | Closing circle & song |
4:00 – 4:15 pm | Pick up |
*Projects will be a collection of information and creations done by small groups and individuals focused on a specific subject. Participant interests guide project topics and staff help participants record questions, determine what they are most curious about, and engage in research, explorations, and crafts based on these interests. Examples of work included in a project-based exploration portfolio focused on burrowing animals might include a collage of pictures of animals who build homes underground, a science experiment testing how sound moves through various objects, a map of holes found on site, a clay model of a tunnel system by a specific animal, etc.
Program Staff
Lauren Black
Young Explorers Director, Lead Instructor
Shirley Ly
Co-Instructor
Carina Damian
Co-Instructor