Through child-led nature play and exploration and developmentally-appropriate activities such as storytelling and sharing time, Junior Expedition Programs offer young children the freedom to learn in an environment filled with wonder and new discoveries.
Activities are tailored to engage children’s curiosity and interests to encourage their social and emotional development, awaken curiosity, and develop a sense of responsibility and caring for the world around them.
Junior Expedition Programs
Nature P.A.L.S. (Playing and Learning Socially)
Learning comes naturally as children play outdoors. Over the course of this three-week drop-off program, children will learn about themselves and others as they play and explore nature together. Activities will focus on building key social emotional skills, including identifying emotions and feelings, cooperation and communication, and friendship and empathy.
STEM Roots
Search for signs of animals and learn how life adapts in this three-week drop-off program at The Morton Arboretum. Participants will engage with nature through play and discovery, and they will deepen their observation and inquiry skills over the course of the program.
Instructors: Samantha Benjamin, early childhood accessibility coordinator, The Morton Arboretum; Julie Kim, early childhood programs assistant, The Morton Arboretum; Julie Vandervort-Peterson, early childhood instructor, The Morton Arboretum
Age: Children ages 3 to 5 years
Course number: Y082
Instructors
Samantha Benjamin, early childhood programs accessibility coordinator, The Morton Arboretum
Samantha Benjamin has a background in special education and early childhood. She helps to make the Children’s Garden more accessible and enjoys creating opportunities for all children to explore and experience nature.
Julie Kim, early childhood programs assistant, The Morton Arboretum
Julie Kim assists in early childhood programs at the Arboretum and enjoys discovering the wonders of nature with young program participants. She loves sharing her passion for the outdoors and sustainability while supporting children in their interest in nature.
Julie Vandervort-Peterson, early childhood programs instructor, The Morton Arboretum
Julie Vandervort-Peterson is a longtime nature educator with a passion for helping young children discover the wonders of the outdoors. She encourages children’s natural curiosity and learning through stories, games, and nature play.
What to Know
This is a drop-off program held completely outdoors, weather permitting. Dress your young explorer for the weather. Read the Junior Expedition Program Handbook for information on suggested clothing, program supplies, drop-off and pick-up procedures, and more.
Please note that in accordance with State of Illinois requirements, students may not enroll in consecutive sessions of the Curiosity Woods program (for example, enrollment in October and November sessions is not permitted). There must be a one-session break between enrollments to meet these requirements (for example, enrollment in October and December sessions is permitted).
Program Schedule
January: Nature P.A.L.S.
This program includes the following three meeting times.
Wednesday, January 8, 2025, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, January 15, 2025, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Children’s Garden (Parking Lot 1), East Side
March: STEM Roots
This program includes the following three meeting times.
Wednesday, March 5, 20256, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, March 12, 2025, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Children’s Garden (Parking Lot 1), East Side
