Nature Explorers is an outdoor program for children ages 6-12 years old that invites kids to explore and discover nature at the beautiful 26-acre Palouse Nature Center.
Our three Nature Explorer program options for families invites all kids to learn, move, and explore being outside with us afterschool, on MSD days off school, and/or during our homeschool group.
Since September 2020, Nature Explorers have been exploring the outdoors, studying the changing seasons, building shelters, running through obstacle courses, learning about team work, practicing survival skills and fire building, and much more!
Each day children explore four stations: the Nature Station, the Movement Station, the Maker Station, and the Free-play Station. Students are also invited to record what they learn in their nature journals.
Each month, professional guest speakers are invited to share their knowledge about nature. Students also get opportunities to participate in hands-on service projects and learn emotional intelligence and leadership skills.
Our Mission: Nature Explorers are a great group of kids who love exploring, observing, moving in, learning about, and caring for nature. Through exploration, learning, and movement in all seasons, we learn to understand and care for nature as we learn to be future leaders in the world.
Enrollment Now Open!
We’re offering three different options for Nature Explorers this year:
- After School Camp
Now offering Nature Explorers on Tuesday – Friday afternoons after school! New this year, students can ride the school bus from their school to the Nature Center. Tuesday-Thursday 3:00-5:00pm & Fridays 2:15-5:00pm)
2. Moscow School District Professional Development Days (“Pro-days”)
Join us for a fun and interactive way to spend the afternoons of the 7 days when schools are closed for teacher professional training this year. Days of the week vary, usually Thursday and Fridays or Mondays: 12:30-4:30pm. These days fill up fast so pre-registration is encouraged.
3. Homeschool Sessions
If you’re looking for a unique and educational addition to your homeschool environment, register your child at any point in the session to have them join this great group of kids on Wednesdays 10:00am-2:00pm.
Cost: The standard fee for PCEI programs is $10/hour/child. Nature Explorers does have tuition assistance available to families who request it. Because our aim is a high-quality program AND we want as many kids as possible to join the fun, we will work with your family to make it possible for your child to attend. Please ask if tuition assistance will make this program feasible for your child. Sibling discounts are also available. Tuition assistance forms can be found in enrollment packets.
Safety: We are COVID-compliant with required masks worn always except for times when children are stationary and at least 6 feet apart. PCEI staff are 100% vaccinated. Hand sanitizing is scheduled between activities. All adults working with children–as per PCEI protocol–will have background checks completed and have a ratio of 2 adults per 10-14 children (depending on age).
What to bring: Since this program is conducted entirely outdoors, participating students are required to come each day with clothing appropriate for the weather of the day. For example, on a rainy day, gloves, rain gear, a warm hat, extra socks, a hearty snack, and a water bottle will be required.
To register: Email Brooke (explorenature@pcei.org) to request the Enrollment forms, then return the completed forms to her. You can pay in person at the Nature Center or online using the PayPal button below (you do not need to have a PayPal account).
For more information: Email our Nature Explorers Director, Brooke Lowry explorenature@pcei.org.
We’re Hiring!
As our program continues to grow, we continue to hire more Nature Explorers Assistants! If you love kids, environmental education, and working part-time in a beautiful outdoor setting, we have just the job for you! Find out more at https://pcei.org/jobs/. We’d love to have you join our team.