The Outdoor Explorations Program meets for regular environmental education sessions by the banks of the Arkansas River at the NWDC River Campus Pueblo, Colorado. We also routinely visit the Raptor Center to meet and care for the beautiful birds of prey who live there, as well as travel to the historic Pueblo Mountain Park to hike among the wildlife and ponderosa pines. While we are walking, learning, and socializing, we incorporate mindfulness, expedition etiquette, and Leave No Trace principles to build a comfortable and positive experience for all.
Any child who likes to play outside with others and learn about river and mountain ecosystems will enjoy this program! Every OEP student gets to learn outdoor and ecological skills, which they can take home to share with their family to further expound upon the fun of their experience. During a regular day at OEP, we go for hikes to explore and learn on the go, grow veggies in our garden, meet birds and other wildlife, practice storytelling, and learn about building fires. We also practice campfire cooking, navigation, archery, team building, and have nature play – like recess! These are just a few opportunities at the NWDC OEP program in partnership with Alpine International Preparatory Academy. Discovery awaits!
Our chartering partner is Education reEnvisioned Board of Cooperative Education Services (ERBOCES). While you’re filling out the application, 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.
2024 Family Orientations
This year, NWDC is providing three unique Family Orientations for both INTERESTED and registered families to introduce you to our team of Environmental Educators. We will also share the education outcomes we will use to guide your child’s outdoor learning experience throughout the entire school year.
Each of the orientations will provide a different kind of experience, with two in-person, and one virtual. Attend all three to get a comprehensive understanding of the Outdoor Explorations Program, or attend just one for a basic overview and still get all your questions answered. We want to get to know your family as we all prepare for an adventurous school year ahead!
April 23: “Under the Stars” In-Person Orientation
- Stargaze with us under the light of the April “Pink” Moon
- Meet our rangers and ambassador owls as we give an overview of the Outdoor Explorations Program
- Connect with our special guest, the Southern Colorado Astronomical Society
- Time: 7 pm – 9 pm
- Meeting location: Riverfront Room, NWDC River Campus, 5200 Nature Center Rd, 81003
May 4: “Raptors & Rangers” In-Person Orientation
- Parent/Ranger Meet & Greet
- Meet our rangers and ambassador raptors as we give an overview of the Outdoor Explorations program
- Time: 1 pm – 3 pm
- Meeting location: Riverfront Room, NWDC River Campus, 5200 Nature Center Rd, 81003
May 10th: Virtual Orientation (Registration required, see below)
- Virtually meet our rangers as we give an overview of the Outdoor Explorations program
- We will cover FAQs, outline a classic daytime schedule at OEP, and share our main teaching objectives
- We will also specifically cover how virtual OEP programs are executed
- Time: 5 pm – 6 pm
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
Flora and fauna
Colorado’s life zones
Astronomy
Weather patterns
Geology
Water cycle
Ecological concepts
Scientific method