Outdoor Exploration Program
Homeschool Enrichment
Grades K - 12 | Ages 5 - 17
Program Starts September 1, 2026
- Monday: Pygmy Owls | K-1st grade, ages 5-7
- Tuesday: Kestrels | 2nd-3rd grade, ages 7-10
- Wednesday: Ospreys | 4th-5th grade, ages 9-12
- Thursday: Hawks | 6th-8th grade, ages 11-14
- Friday: Eagles | 9th-12th grade ages 14-17
A Nature-Based Learning Experience
The Outdoor Explorations Program is an extended enrichment program designed for homeschoolers ages 5 – 17 who love nature. We emphasize preparedness, mindfulness, and environmental responsibility through respectful expedition behavior. Students practice Leave No Trace principles, participate in stewardship projects benefiting local wildlife, and collaborate with organizations like the Raptor Center and Pueblo Zoo to make meaningful local conservation impacts.
Where We Explore
We are primarily based at our River Campus in Pueblo, with opportunities to explore the Mountain Campus in Beulah, immersing students in riverbanks, prairies, and mountain trails. At the Raptor Center, students experience up-close learning with ambassador birds of prey, gaining a deeper connection to conservation and ecology.
Hands-On Learning & Outdoor Skills
Throughout the year, OEP students engage in practical outdoor skills, including:
- Fishing techniques and archery
- Animal tracking and wildlife identification
- Gardening and ecological restoration
- Annual science fair featuring student-led natural science experiments
These hands-on activities provide real-world experience, fostering critical thinking, teamwork, and creativity in a supportive outdoor setting.
