Little Explorers Nature Program
Adventure, Every Day
At our Little Explorers Nature Program at YMCA Camp Duncan in Ingleside, every day is an adventure, and every child is a natural learner! Year-round morning sessions of 2, 3, or 5 days per week offer the ultimate flexibility for your schedule.
An Immersive Nature Experience
By learning, playing, and spending hands-on time in nature, our Little Explorers will cultivate their curiosity and creativity, strengthen their social and emotional skills, and enhance their physical and mental wellbeing. Program highlights include:
- Outdoor Learning: Children will spend their days exploring forests, meadows, and streams, engaging in hands-on activities that stimulate curiosity and creativity.
- Nature-based Curriculum: Our curriculum integrates environmental education with early childhood development principles, focusing on sensory exploration, motor skills, and social-emotional growth.
- Seasonal Activities: Each season brings new adventures, from planting gardens in the spring to observing wildlife in the fall. Children will learn about the natural world through seasonal changes and cycles.
- Creative Play: Imaginative play is encouraged through nature-inspired art projects, storytelling, and building with natural materials.
- Mindfulness and Wellbeing: Activities such as yoga, meditation, and quiet reflection in nature help children develop mindfulness and emotional resilience.
- Community and Social Skills: Group activities and cooperative games foster teamwork, communication, and a sense of community among the children.
Welcome to the Nature House!
The Nature House is the heart of Little Explorers Nature Program, where curiosity blooms, tiny hands discover, and every corner invites wonder through play and connection with the natural world. Ready to learn more? Attend one of our upcoming open houses! Use the button below to view our upcoming events.
Outdoor Exploration
At our Little Explorers Nature Program, play is more than fun — it’s how children grow. Children are free to create, imagine, and connect with the world around them. Every moment in and outside of the Nature House nurtures individuality and sets each child on a path of discovery and growth.
Exploring the Outdoors, Rain or Shine
Pack your sunscreen. Or mittens. Or rainboots. Whatever the weather, we’re outside exploring! Our Little Explorers Nature Program is an all-seasons program.
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Registration is available 24/7 at community.ymcachicago.org! You can also click “Register for a Program” at the top of any page of our website.
Once you’re on the registration page, search “nature preschool” or use the filters to navigate to your program of choice.
If you’d like assistance from our Customer Care team, please call us Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 773-905-5115. -
Yes! Dress your Little Explorer for the weather, because they will spend time in nature each day!
As you know, especially in the Midwest, plans can change! The health, safety, and wellbeing of our participants and team members is our highest priority, so we will move indoors during any extreme or especially inclement conditions. -
While every day is a new adventure, most days will include the following:
- Opening Circle: A daily gathering to welcome the day, share stories, and set intentions.
- Exploration Time: Guided nature walks, scavenger hunts, and free play in various outdoor settings.
- Snack and Story Time: Healthy snacks and nature-themed stories to nourish both body and mind.
- Creative Projects: Art, music, and building activities using natural materials.
- Adventures: Continued exploration and learning through hands-on activities and group games.
- Closing Circle: Reflecting on the day’s experiences and sharing highlights with friends.
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We’re exploring (hehe) opportunities across the Association and hope to share more information soon!
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We’re glad you asked! For more information about our Little Explorers Nature Program, please contact YMCA Vice President of Early Learning Stephanie Kuzelis at [email protected].