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Nature Preschool

Little Explorers Nature Preschool

Little Explorers is a preschool program designed to provide learners ages 3 to 5 with a fully immersive outdoor experience, fostering a deep connection with nature while promoting holistic development.  

Adventure, Every Day

At Nature Preschool, every day is an adventure, and every child is a natural learner! Four-week sessions, morning or afternoon, of 2, 3, or 5 days per week offer the ultimate flexibility for your schedule. Little Explorers Nature Preschool kicks off June 2025 at our Indian Boundary YMCA in Downers Grove and YMCA Camp Duncan in Ingleside.

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An Immersive Nature Experience 

By learning, playing, and spending hands-on time in nature, our Little Explorers will cultivate their curiosity and creativity, strengthen their social and emotional skills, and enhance their physical and mental wellbeing. Program highlights include: 

  • Outdoor Learning: Children will spend their days exploring forests, meadows, and streams, engaging in hands-on activities that stimulate curiosity and creativity.  
  • Nature-based Curriculum: Our curriculum integrates environmental education with early childhood development principles, focusing on sensory exploration, motor skills, and social-emotional growth.  
  • Seasonal Activities: Each season brings new adventures, from planting gardens in the spring to observing wildlife in the fall. Children will learn about the natural world through seasonal changes and cycles.  
  • Creative Play: Imaginative play is encouraged through nature-inspired art projects, storytelling, and building with natural materials.  
  • Mindfulness and Wellbeing: Activities such as yoga, meditation, and quiet reflection in nature help children develop mindfulness and emotional resilience.  
  • Community and Social Skills: Group activities and cooperative games foster teamwork, communication, and a sense of community among the children.

Exploring the Outdoors, Rain or Shine

Pack your sunscreen. Or mittens. Or rainboots. Whatever the weather, we’re outside exploring! Little Explorers Nature Preschool is an all-seasons program.  

  • Registration is available 24/7 at community.ymcachicago.org! You can also click “Register for a Program” at the top of any page of our website. 

    Once you’re on the registration page, search “nature preschool” or use the filters to navigate to your program of choice.  

    If you’d like assistance from our Customer Care team, please call us Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 773-905-5115. 

  • Yes! Dress your preschooler for the weather, because the plan is for our Little Explorers to spend time in nature each day.  

    But as you know, especially in the Midwest, plans can change! The health, safety, and wellbeing of our participants and team members is our highest priority, so we will move indoors during any extreme or especially inclement conditions.   

  • While every day is a new adventure, most days will include the following: 

    • Opening Circle: A daily gathering to welcome the day, share stories, and set intentions.  
    • Exploration Time: Guided nature walks, scavenger hunts, and free play in various outdoor settings.  
    • Snack and Story Time: Healthy snacks and nature-themed stories to nourish both body and mind. 
    • Creative Projects: Art, music, and building activities using natural materials.  
    • Adventures: Continued exploration and learning through hands-on activities and group games.  
    • Closing Circle: Reflecting on the day’s experiences and sharing highlights with friends. 

  • We’re exploring (hehe) opportunities across the Association and hope to share more information soon! 

  • We’re glad you asked! For more information about Little Explorers Nature Preschool, please contact YMCA Vice President of Early Learning Stephanie Kuzelis at [email protected].