A Look into the Outdoor Explorer Enrichment Program for Homeschoolers

This year, students from the Eagle River Valley homeschool community have had an exciting way to connect with nature, learn essential outdoor skills, and foster a love for environmental stewardship. Thanks to the partnership between Walking Mountains and the Alpine International Preparatory Academy, the Outdoor Explorers Enrichment Program is an opportunity for homeschool students in grades 2-5 to engage in hands-on, nature-based learning for 34 sessions throughout the 2024/2025 Academic Year. Led by Walking Mountains’ graduate fellows, the Outdoor Explorers Enrichment Program offers hands-on, inquiry-based learning, activities, experiments, and challenges that allows students to explore local ecosystems, develop outdoor survival skills, and conduct real scientific investigations—all while having fun and making new friends in a supportive learning environment. Some of the exciting activities in this year’s program so far include:

• Leave No Trace Principles: Students gained a deeper understanding of responsible outdoor exploration and how to minimize their impact on nature.
• Wildlife Tracking & Ecology: Students explored animal tracks and signs, discovering how local wildlife adapts to seasonal changes.
• Sustainable Energy: Students conducted experiments to learn about wind, hydro, and solar energy.
• Shelter Building & Outdoor Survival: Students  learned how to construct survival shelters and build fires using natural materials and wilderness safety techniques.
• Snow Science & Avalanche Awareness: Students investigate the science of snowpack, practiced using snow science tools, and learned about mountain weather patterns.
  
  

One of the highlights of the Outdoor Explorer Enrichment Program is its ability to cater to a wide range of learning styles. Whether a student thrives in hands-on discovery, enjoys structured scientific inquiry, or simply loves being outside, there is something for everyone. Graduate fellow Tayler Branson remarks, “I consistently see students have a ‘light-bulb’ moment each session. Seeing students' needs be reflected in our program as we get to know them better has been extraordinary. Having a place they can return to every week to see familiar faces has encouraged socialization. Some students have come back to Walking Mountains even when there is no program to meet up with other students for a play date.”

Tayler also has remarked on the success of the Outdoor Explorers program at connecting students more to nature. She states, “Not only are students developing relationships with each other, but they are also gaining that with their relationship with nature. I see students gain an increased confidence in the outdoors, develop a more profound curiosity about the natural world, and a greater sense of responsibility for environmental stewardship”.

What’s Next for Homeschool Families at Walking Mountains?

For homeschool families in the Eagle River Valley looking for an enriching and adventurous way to incorporate science and nature into their curriculum, the Outdoor Explorers Enrichment Program has been an incredible opportunity. Through partnership, Walking Mountains and Alpine International Preparatory Academy have created an engaging, hands-on learning experience that fosters curiosity, confidence, and environmental responsibility in young learners. However, this partnership has presented some challenges for local homeschool families as it requires a less flexible schedule with structured participation requirements.

Therefore, for the 2025/2026 academic year, Walking Mountains is thrilled to announce that we are in the process of developing a new Homeschool Program, designed to provide families with flexible, enriching, and engaging educational opportunities! We want to ensure that the program meets the diverse needs and preferences of homeschool families throughout the Eagle River Valley and their insights are invaluable to us as we shape this offering. Homeschool families who are interested in future programs can complete our Homeschool Planning Survey by clicking here.

As Walking Mountains continues to expand its reach to the homeschool community, there’s never been a better time for students to step outside, explore, and become stewards of the natural world.

Dustin Hall is the School Program Manager at Walking Mountains, where he is dedicated to fostering hands-on environmental education. Passionate about outdoor exploration, he enjoys discovering the diverse landscapes of the Eagle River Valley and inspiring students to connect with nature through inquiry and exploration.