Wild Explorers

Come explore nature at her best with wild card topics from nutrition, cooking, food of the forest to camping skills, yoga and forest bathing, and more. It’s the great unknown and you never know what adventure lies ahead so come join our expert guides and find out!

Ages: 4 thru 8 year olds

8 attendees min./ 12 attendees max

Wild Explorers: Thursdays - Times Vary by Topic 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23 and 10/30

Guides: Vary by Topic

Topic: Wild Explorers In the Fall

Topic Description Coming Soon!

Ages: 4 thru 8 year olds

8 attendees min./ 12 attendees max

Thursday, October 2nd

Time: 12:30-2

Guide: Jean Domyancic

Topic: Mushrooms

Let’s have some fun with fungus! Children will learn about the fascinating lives of mushrooms, including where they grow, how they eat, and why they are important for an ecosystem. They will take a mushroom hunt hike and even create some mushroom art.

Ages: 4 thru 8 year olds

8 attendees min./ 12 attendees max

Thursday, October 9th

Time: 12:30-2

Guide: Jessica Vasquez

Topic: Coming Soon!

Topic Description Coming Soon!

Ages: 4 thru 8 year olds

8 attendees min./ 12 attendees max

Thursday, October 16th

Time: 3:30-5

Guide: TBD

Topic: Coming Soon!

Topic Description Coming Soon!

Ages: 4 thru 8 year olds

8 attendees min./ 12 attendees max

Thursday, October 23rd

Time: 3:30-5

Guide: TBD

Topic: Foods

This hands-on food and nutrition class will feature snacks-to-go that taste good and pack a nutritious punch. Children will learn basic food preparation and cooking skills such as washing hands and surfaces, measuring and assembling ingredients, chopping vegetables and following a recipe. We’ll make a trail mixer, sunbutter energy balls and veggie walking sticks.

Ages: 4 thru 8 year olds

8 attendees min./ 12 attendees max

Thursday, October 30th

Time: 12:30-2

Guide: Lisa Carlson, registered dietitian and culinary nutritionist

Mission:

To nurture whole-child development by providing authentic experiences that cultivate kinship, plant seeds of curiosity, grow a growth mindset, nurture critical thinking skills, and sprout stewards of change all while developing a meaningful and long-lasting relationship with the natural world.

Philosophy:

Little Explorers is dedicated to fostering a deep connection between children and the natural world, recognizing that exploration and discovery are essential pathways to learning and understanding. We believe children are born explorers, and our program provides a safe and nurturing environment where their innate curiosity is ignited through hands-on experiences. Our emergent curriculum, driven by the children's interests and the rhythms of the seasons, allows them to actively construct their own knowledge through play, discovery, and inquiry. We embrace risky play, encouraging children to challenge themselves physically and emotionally, building resilience, confidence, and problem-solving skills. By fostering a sense of wonder and reverence for the earth, we nurture future stewards who appreciate the interconnectedness of all living things.

Location:

Camp Greene Wood

Odakota Lodge

3131 71st St. Naperville, 60540

Entry will be through gate 4 of the camp across from Castaldo Park. Drop off/pick up will be at Odakota Lodge. Easily accessible from 355 or Rt 53 and adequate parking onsite.