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
