Welcome to the Outdoor Explorations Program (OEP) at the Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center! This dynamic homeschool nature-based enrichment program caters to students from kindergarten through 8th grade, and is run in partnership with Alpine International Preparatory Academy.
Nestled within the serene landscapes of Pueblo and Beulah, Colorado, we offer two distinctive campuses (the Mountain Campus and the River Campus) that facilitate immersive explorations of diverse ecosystems including riverbanks, prairies, and mountain trails. At our River Campus, students have the unique opportunity to interact with and learn from our ambassador birds of prey housed at the Raptor Center. These majestic creatures not only inspire curiosity, but also serve as living lessons in environmental stewardship.
The Outdoor Explorations Program emphasizes fostering values such as preparedness, mindfulness, and environmental responsibility through respectful expedition behavior. Students learn Leave No Trace principles and actively engage in stewardship projects benefiting local wildlife, including collaborative efforts with the Raptor Center and contributions to the Pueblo Zoo. These initiatives empower students to make meaningful local impacts while gaining a deeper understanding of conservation principles.
Throughout the year, our curriculum extends beyond the classroom walls to encompass practical outdoor skills essential for life-long learning. From mastering fishing techniques and archery skills to honing animal tracking abilities and cultivating gardens, students actively participate in hands-on activities that enrich their understanding of nature. Furthermore, our annual science fair showcases student-led experiments rooted in natural sciences, encouraging creativity and critical thinking in a supportive outdoor environment.
Join us at NWDC where curiosity meets discovery, and every adventure nurtures a profound appreciation for the wonders of the great outdoors!
Our chartering partner is Education reEnvisioned Board of Cooperative Education Services (ERBOCES). While you’re filling out the application (via the registration button above), please select “AIPA (Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center, Pueblo)”. Then, you will be contacted to specify your selection for the Outdoor Explorations Program.
Please contact Elise Lokey (elise@hikeandlearn.org), or Jay Zarr (jzarr@aiprepacademy.org) for more information.
OEP students engage with the following topics as they learn about themselves,
the world around them, and the relationships in between.
Outdoor Skills and
Experience
Fire building and safety
Basic outdoor first aid
Leave No Trace principles
Clothing and shelters
Hydration/nutrition
Navigation
Expedition etiquette
Archery & fishing
Social and
Community Development
Mindfulness practices
Leadership/followership
Low-element challenge course
Team building
Service-learning projects
Group problem-solving
Self-management
Place-Based
Environmental Science
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Flora and fauna
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Colorado’s life zones
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Astronomy
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Weather patterns
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Geology
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Water cycle
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Ecological concepts
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Scientific method