Terra Explorers

Program Details

Location: UCF Arboretum Natural Lands, Orlando, FL

Day/Time: Thursday 9:00am-12:00pm

Our Terra Explorers Program

Our Terra Explorers program is based on a forest school model with 100% nature immersion for children 5-10 years old in grades K-5. We meet at the UCF Arboretum Natural Lands on the University of Central Florida’s main campus. Featuring 14 miles of peaceful Florida habitat and more than 600 species of plants, these trails explore 20 unique different habitat types, including basin swamps and marshes, scrubby flatwoods, xeric hammock, and wet prairie. Covering 80 acres, it also features a wildflower field, greenhouse, gardening area, creek, shaded oak hammocks, and lots more.

We offer a unique educational experience. During morning meeting, children are introduced to a nature education topic. Children will then have multiple learning options that vary from day-to-day. Some examples of learning options include free play in basecamp area, group games, hike along trails, pond dipping, nature journaling, nature art and crafts, STEM activities, and bushcraft (survival) skills.

Students are provided with necessary materials to facilitate their learning including microscopes and related supplies such as blank slides, binoculars, magnifying glasses, nature journals and art supplies, nets and buckets for pond dipping, field guides, and more.

We take field trips to different locations in Central Florida in order to experience different ecosystems and to observe and interact with animals we may not see at our regular meeting location. All field trip entrance fees are included in monthly fees. Parents and/or caregivers will be responsible for dropping off and picking up their child at the field trip location.

What is Forest School?

Forest schools are educational spaces in which learning takes place while the children are exploring and playing in a wooded or natural environment. Programs are facilitated by qualified and trained professionals who cultivate a holistic development that promotes resilience, confidence, independence, and creativity, all while supporting a relationship between the child and the natural world.

Key Features of Forest School

  • Unstructured for long periods of time

  • Place-based emphasis

  • Reflective opportunities to inspire wonder and awe

  • All weather nature immersion

  • Encourages appropriate risk-taking

  • Sensorial, exploratory learning

  • Child-directed, play-based environment

Benefits of Forest School

  • Improved Health

  • Cognitive Development

  • Problem Solving

  • Physical Development

  • Creativity

  • Emotional Development

  • Nature Stewardship

Rhythm of the Day

9:00 Children arrive, walk to basecamp

9:00-9:30 Circle gathering, storytime, introduce nature education topic

9:30am-11:30pm Nature experiences including nature games, free play, nature journaling, lunch/snack

11:30-12 Return to basecamp, closing circle

12pm Children walk to pick-up area