CONNECT WITH NATURE & EXPLORE
The Urban Outdoor Explorers program aims to provide elementary and middle school students with unique opportunities to engage in place-based outdoor programming that is both educational and beneficial to their local environment. This program provides students with experiential learning opportunities in a classroom setting, school gardens, and local parks.
We believe that outdoor exploration, environmental education, and community service learning are powerful tools to inspire students to become socially responsible change makers. Students in the Urban Outdoor Explorers program engage in outdoor exploration through biking and hiking activities in local parks and overnight camping trips in state parks. These activities promote physical health and wellness while inspiring a connection to nature within and beyond New York City.
CLIMATE CHANGE
HANDS-ON GARDENING
PARK CLEANUP & RESTORATION
The environmental education component of the Urban Outdoor Explorers program provides students with the opportunity to learn about environmental issues, participate in a climate change creativity project, and engage in discussions about environmental sustainability.
Our school gardens provide students with hands-on gardening experiences, where they learn about the process of growing fruits and vegetables and develop practical skills related to planting, growing, and harvesting. Students also have the opportunity to understand the value of healthy eating habits.
The Urban Outdoor Explorers program emphasizes the importance of community service learning activities such as park cleanup and beautification projects. These stewardship activities provide students with the opportunity to improve their local environment. Through community service projects, students gain valuable skills and develop along their journey of becoming socially responsible change makers.