Little Explorers

Looking for an extra adventure day for your nature-loving kiddo? We have just a few spots left for our Friday Fall Explorers camp for 3-6-year-olds! Classes start September 11.

Register ⬆️ via the link in our bio!

Do you have a 3- or 4-year-old who loves outdoor adventures? We have just a few spots left for our Tuesday/Thursday Fall Explorers camp! Classes start September 8.

Register ⬆️ via the link in our bio!

Nature Play Inspiration for Early Childhood Educators and Caregivers
Join us for a transformative, three-part seasonal professional development journey specifically designed for early childhood educators in center-based and family child care settings with children from birth-8.
Discover how to seamlessly weave nature into your daily practice by inviting the outdoors into your indoor environment and transition your play experiences and curriculum out into the natural world.
Attend the full journey to build deep connections, or join individual sessions to refresh your practice:
Autumn Session: Saturday, October 3
Winter Session: Saturday, January 23
Spring Session: Saturday, April 17
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM
What Each Session Provides:
Research & Theory: The foundational benefits of outdoor play and sensory engagement.
Seasonal Play Invitations: Hands-on, practical ideas for natural loose parts and materials tailored to infants, toddlers, and young children.
Resources: Tangible tools, gear, books, materials and resource lists to implement immediately.
Reflection & Community: Dedicated space to share challenges, celebrate successes, and grow alongside a supportive community.
Session Certificates: Each individual session includes a certificate of participation.
OI-IO Course Completion Certificate: Earn the full course certificate by attending all three sessions, participating in the Community of Practice (CoP), and submitting a tangible reflection after each session.

The Full Three-Season Course (Best Value!): $85 per session ($255 total) when you register for all 3 dates.
A La Carte Registration: $100 per session if purchasing individual dates.
Full Course Discount: $75 per person, per session for programs purchasing registration for 4 or more staff members for all 3 sessions.

Secure Your Spot: www.littleexplorers.fun
Location: Camp Greene Wood, Naperville, Il
Registration Deadline for fall session: August 21st

#EarlyChildhoodEducation #NaturePlay #OutdoorClassroom #ProfessionalDevelopment #PlayBasedLearning #ChildcareProviders

☀️ Summer Nature Challenge: patterns are everywhere! 🔍✨
Did you know nature has its own favorite design rules? This summer, turn your backyard adventures or park strolls into a giant scavenger hunt. Challenge your little explorers to spot these 5 recurring patterns in the wild:
🌀 1. The Spiral
Nature loves to twist! Keep an eye out for tight, swirling shapes that grow outward.
Where to look: Snail shells, pinecones, seashells, or the center of a sunflower.
🌿 2. Branching
Watch how lines split and spread out to deliver nutrients, energy, or water.
Where to look: The veins on an oak leaf, tree branches, bird feathers, or even looking at waterways on a local map!
🐢 3. Packing
This is nature’s way of fitting as much as possible into a tight space, creating amazing textures and grids.
Where to look: A piece of honeycomb, the seeds on a strawberry, turtle shells, pine bark, or snakeskin.
💥 4. Explosion
Look for a single center point where everything bursts outward in all directions.
Where to look: Fuzzy dandelions, sweet gum balls, or the inside of an orange slice.
🦋 5. Symmetry
Nature loves balance! See if you can find things that look exactly the same on both sides.
Where to look: A monarch butterfly's wings, fern leaves, a lightning bug, or a sunfish.

💡Don't worry about memorizing the names right away! Just ask your child: "What does this shape remind you of?" or "How do you think this grew?" Let their curiosity lead the way.

📸 Show us what you find! Snap a photo of your child's favorite pattern and tag us or drop it in the comments below. Happy hunting! 🌲👇

Looking for a mindful break this summer? Go outside and try this exercise by yourself or with your child(ren) while you engage all five senses to pause and connect to the natural world. Do you feel more grounded, more present, or more refreshed?

The magic started with simple invitations: flats of flowers, trowels, a cash box, stumps filled with soil, and clay pots scattered throughout the mud kitchen.

Without prompts or directions, the children transformed the space into a bustling nursery shop. They negotiated prices, potted flowers, organized displays, took customer orders, and created imaginative roles entirely on their own.

When children are given open-ended materials and the freedom to explore, they practice problem-solving, collaboration, communication, creativity, and independence in ways no worksheet could ever replicate. The mud kitchen became more than a play space today. It became a garden center, a community hub, and a stage for imagination to flourish.

#ForestSchool #NatureBasedLearning #MudKitchen #FreePlay #ChildLedLearning #OutdoorClassroom #ForestDayCamp #PlayBasedLearning #EarlyChildhoodEducation #LearningThroughPlay

Huge thank you to our partners at GSNI and Mr. Francis for giving our campers the chance to enjoy an amazing Touch-A-Truck experience today at Camp Greene Wood! We had a blast exploring all the different machinery and learning how it helps care for our camp environment. So much fun and hands-on learning!

💦 Ready to make a splash? 💦

Join us for a fun-filled morning of water play at Camp Greene Wood! We’ll pour it, paint with it, fill it, dump it, splash it, and even squirt it!

Bring your little one (ages 15 months–3 years) for a hands-on water exploration experience on May 13th from 10:30 AM–12:00 PM. Come dry… and leave a little wet! 😉

⏳ Spots are limited—be sure to register before May 11th!

Www.littleexplorers.fun

Come join us at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook to celebrate Earth Day!!! #EarthDay #bolingbrookillinois #BolingbrookIL #WillCountyIL #willcountyillinois

Happy Earth Day! 🌎💚

We celebrated our love for the natural world with our annual Spring Art Show, where our campers proudly showcased their sustainable art projects from throughout the year. From creative reuse to nature-inspired designs, their work reflects both inspiration and care for our planet.

Enjoy a glimpse of their incredible creativity!

We are two weeks away from our Family Full Moon Hike! Join us on the adventure: from a guided night hike to gooey toasted marshmallows, it’s going to be a night to remember.

What’s on the Agenda?

🌕 Night Hike: A short, guided trek through the woods under the glow of the full moon.

🔦 Flashlight Scavenger Hunt: Team up with your family to spot our favorite nocturnal friends hidden in the shadows.

🦇 Sensory Discovery: Learn the "superpowers" nocturnal animals use to thrive in the dark.

🔥Campfire & S’mores: We’re wrapping up the night the right way, with classic treats and great conversation around the fire.

Cost: $25 per family.

Advanced registration is required to save your spot. Visit www.littleexplorers.fun to register.

Don't let the fun slip away into the night. Grab your tickets now and bring your favorite flashlight!

#natureplay #smores #nighttimeadventure #familyadventure

Spring brings many new and exciting experiences to the woods, but none more exciting than this new resident!

When our Little Explorers discovered an owlet on a hike, they wanted to get a better view. Together we created a plan to observe the owlet safely and respectfully. An appropriate distance and the proper tools made for a magical experience for the Little Explorers and staff alike! Moments like these nurture long-lasting, meaningful relationships with the natural world. Future stewards of nature are being nurtured here at camp!

Looking for moments like these for your child? Contact us for a tour! Fall registration is now open.

#naturebasededucation #FutureStewards #outdoorlearning #HandsOnLearning #earlychildhoodeducation

Join us for Littlest Explorers: Meet the Woods in Spring at Camp Greene Wood! This session is specially designed for children aged 15 months to 3 years and their grown-up nature play partners.

Together, we’ll dive into the sights, sounds, and textures of the season:

Sensory Play: What does slimy brown mud feel like on tiny fingers?

Creek Exploration: What happens when you toss rocks into a spring creek?

Puddle Jumping: Experience the pure joy of a "splish and splash" in spring puddles!

Guided Hike: Captivate those little eyes with a beautiful trek through the waking woods.

Event Details:
📅 When: April 29th
⏰ Time: 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
📍 Where: Camp Greene Wood
🔗 Register By: April 27th (Registration closes soon!)

Don’t miss this chance to explore the natural world right beneath your feet alongside your little explorer.
https://www.littleexplorers.fun/service-page/littlest-explorers-1?referral=service_list_widget

Last Call! Green with Envy: A Littlest Explorers Adventure
Ready to find the first pops of spring? Join us at Camp Greene Wood for an all-green exploration! Lime green, olive green, forest green: let’s go looking for the shades of spring at Camp Greene Wood. We'll hunt for tiny tree buds, spot new sprouts peeking through the soil, and discover exactly how soft brilliant green moss feels!
Who: Tiny explorers (15 months – 3 years) & their nature play partners.
When: April 15th | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
What: Sensory play, forest hiking, and sprout-spotting!
⚠️ Register by April 13th! ⚠️
Don’t miss out! Secure your spot for a morning of brilliant green discoveries.
https://www.littleexplorers.fun/service-page/littlest-explorers-1?referral=service_list_widget
#LittlestExplorers #NaturePlay #CampGreeneWood #SpringAdventure

Swapping hiking sticks for drafting pencils, the Creative Coyotes recently stepped into their roles as environmental engineers!

This project was a deep dive into the STEAM cycle, as the children transformed abstract ideas into functional, 3D cardboard structures specifically engineered to protect and nurture our natural world. From initial concepts to finished builds, these young innovators proved that with enough imagination and cardboard, you can design a greener future.

Swipe through to see the journey of our Eco-Engineers! 📸

🛠️ The Creative Process
Our engineers followed a professional multi-stage design process:

Drafting & Blueprints: Before the cardboard came out, the children acted as architects: sketching designs, labeling parts, and planning for scale and shapes.

Construction: Turning 2D drawings into 3D robots required immense problem-solving. From mastering cardboard screws to testing structural integrity, there was plenty of trial, error, and triumph!

🌿 Purposeful Design (Eco-Skills)
Every robot has a mission! Examples of some of our fleet:

The Grindy Ninety: Grinds trash into fertilizer.

The Sucky Up: Pulls invasive species with sturdy mechanical arms.

The Garbage Picker Upper: Features a specialized claw that turns litter into native seeds for the forest and prairie.

🎤 The Robot Museum
To celebrate, the Coyotes curated a Robot Museum for their families. This "capstone" experience turned our engineers into educators. Each child stood before the audience to present their design, practicing public speaking and communicating complex ideas in full, descriptive sentences.

Each robot is a testament to the Creative Coyotes' imagination and their growing understanding that they have the power to engineer and speak up for a better, greener future.

#EcoEngineers #STEAM #NatureBasedLearning #FutureStewards #CardboardEngineering #EarlyChildhoodEducation

The transition to spring brings a fresh palette to our outdoor classroom. This week, our young artists spent the morning immersed in the vibrant colors and delicate textures of fresh daffodils.
Using watercolors, the children explored these seasonal blooms through open-ended still life exploration. Rather than following a set of instructions, they were invited to observe the bright yellows, the sturdy green stems, and the unique shapes of the trumpets, translating their own unique perspectives onto paper.
Watching their focus as they blended hues and experimented with brushstrokes was a beautiful reminder of the magic that happens when we give children the time and space to create. These masterpieces are more than just art, they are a reflection of deep observation and a budding connection to the natural world.

🌿 Green with Envy: A Littlest Explorers Adventure 🌿
Ready to find the first pops of spring? Join us at Camp Greene Wood for an all-green exploration! Lime green, olive green, forest green: let’s go looking for the shades of spring at Camp Greene Wood. We'll hunt for tiny tree buds, spot new sprouts peeking through the soil, and discover exactly how soft brilliant green moss feels!
Who: Tiny explorers (15 months – 3 years) & their nature play partners.
When: April 15th | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
What: Sensory play, forest hiking, and sprout-spotting!
⚠️ Register by April 13th! ⚠️
Don’t miss out—secure your spot for a morning of brilliant green discoveries.

https://www.littleexplorers.fun/service-page/littlest-explorers-1?referral=service_list_widget

#LittlestExplorers #NaturePlay #CampGreeneWood #SpringAdventure

From the deep woods to the edge of the map! Today at Little Explorers, we followed our camp creek on a grand mission. We trekked through the heart of the forest, splashing all the way until we reached the "secret tunnel" (the culvert) that leads under the road to a forest preserve.
We learned about flow, we practiced our balance on slippery stones, and we definitely made a few big splashes along the way.
If you think Little Explorers might be a good fit for your preschool-aged child, schedule a tour today!

There’s a spring storm brewing! What’s the perfect recipe?

What better way to celebrate the Spring Equinox than with sunshine, wood shavings, and a whole lot of curiosity?
Our forest day camp families gathered together to usher in the new season with a day of hands-on learning.
From crafting custom name tags to sanding down wooden spinners, the children showed us just how capable they are when given real tools, the right guidance, and trust.
A Huge Thank you!
We were honored to host Sean Shaffers and Dillan Shen from the Chicago Park District. They joined us to share their expertise, showing families and teachers alike how to safely facilitate tool work with young children. Their passion for connecting kids to the craft was truly inspiring!
#SpringEquinox #OutdoorEducation #EarlyChildhood #HandsOnLearning #NaturePlay

Crunch! Our little explorers discovered that nature has its own version of bubble wrap. Walking over the thin layer of ice that covered the grass was pure sensory magic, the ultimate winter "pop!"
The highlight? Finding a mysterious ice disk etched with perfect rings. We turned our discovery into an impromptu math and science lesson as we huddled together to count the concentric circles and wonder how nature "drew" such a pattern.
Our curriculum is built around these spontaneous, child-led moments of curiosity and discovery.
#STEMinNature #EarlyMath #NatureBasedEducation #WinterScience #PreschoolDiscoveries #CuriousKids

Our little explorers turned the forest into an open-air art gallery this week. Who knew that a few paint rollers, fly swatters, and a bucket of mud could lead to such a masterpiece?
At forest day camp, we’re less about the perfect picture and more about the process. Using fly swatters to splatter mud isn't just fun, it’s building those big shoulder muscles and hand-eye coordination!

• Sensory Play: Feeling the different textures of "soupy" vs. "thick" mud.
• Fine & Gross Motor: Pushing heavy rollers and snapping those swatters.
• Creative Freedom: No "right" way to paint with a fly swatter!
#MudArt #ProcessArt #OutdoorLearning #WildAndFreeKids

Order Up! The Mud Kitchen Pizza Parlor is Open for Business!
Our little chefs have been busy transforming the mud kitchen into the forest’s finest pizzeria. This wasn't just play, it was a full-sensory masterclass in math and literacy!
Here’s what was cooking at camp:
• The Menu: Seasonal favorites featuring crunchy pine needle "cheese," vibrant flower head "pepperoni," and sturdy acorn "sausage."
• The Process: Orders came in hot over our (repurposed) telephone, requiring sharp listening skills and language development as the children navigated customer requests.
• The Math: From counting out the exact number of pebbles to calculating the "cost" in ingredients, our campers practiced one-to-one correspondence and early arithmetic.
• The Literacy: Every chef used custom order forms to "write" down requests, practicing fine motor skills and the connection between symbols and meaning.
There is nothing quite like a mud-crust pizza to fuel a morning of learning!

Hello, Tree! It’s time to awaken your senses and get to know our tall, leafy friends at Camp Greene Wood in Naperville. From the crunch of the forest floor to the secrets hidden in the bark, we’re diving deep into a treetastic exploration! This program is specially designed for our youngest explorers (ages 15 months to 3 years) and their favorite grown-up.

What’s on the Agenda?
Touch: Feel the textures of different barks. Is it smooth, bumpy, or scratchy?

Listen: Can you hear the birds chatting high up in the branches?

Sight: Who’s moving in the canopy? Is it furry or feathered?

Smell: Discover the earthy scent of a decomposing tree and learn how it helps the forest grow.

📅 Event Details
When: March 25th

Time: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Where: Camp Greene Wood in Naperville

Who: Children ages 15 months – 3 years + a caregiver

How: Register at www.littleexplorers.fun to secure your spot!

At Little Explorers, we embrace the magic of muddy puddles. We believe in providing ample opportunities for outdoor exploration and messy play, knowing that these experiences are not only fun but also vital for nurturing healthy bodies, curious minds, and happy spirits.
Find out more about our program at www.littleexplorers.fun. Fall registration is open!

There is something magical happening in the woods at Camp Greene Wood this week. As the ice melts and those irresistible mud puddles appear, our explorers haven’t just been getting muddy, they’ve been getting curious.
What started as a splash has turned into an emergent interest in the water cycle!
We’ve been watching the children "play act" the journey of a water droplet. They are:
• Evaporating: Reaching high to the sky like warm vapor.
• Condensing: Huddling together to form fluffy human "clouds."
• Precipitating: Twirling and dancing back down to the earth as rain and snow.
If you hear a chorus of voices coming from the treeline, they’re likely singing our new favorite song! It’s been the perfect soundtrack to our muddy adventures and helps those big scientific concepts stick. Seeing our explorers connect the melting ice under their boots to the clouds above is what nature-based learning is all about.

Why we say "Yes" to Risky Play:
At Little Explorers, you’ll see our children rolling heavy logs down a hill, navigating slippery ice, and balancing on homemade teeter totters.
"Risky play" isn’t about being unsafe; it’s about play that involve a calculated risk by understanding our bodies, capabilities, and spatial awareness. When children engage in these activities, they are:
✅ Building Confidence: Learning to trust their own bodies and intuition.
✅ Developing Resilience: Figuring out how to get back up after a slip.
✅ Mastering Risk Assessment: Evaluating their environment and making smart decisions.
✅ Improving Motor Skills: Gaining incredible balance, core strength, and coordination.
By providing a supportive environment where children can push their limits, we’re encouraging them to navigate the world with courage and capability.

Get ready to see the forest in a whole new light! 🌕🔦

Join us for a Full Moon Flashlight Adventure: an evening designed for curious kids and adventurous adults alike. From guided night hikes to gooey toasted marshmallows, it’s going to be a night to remember.

🦉 What’s on the Agenda?
Night Hike: A short, guided trek through the woods under the glow of the full moon.

Flashlight Scavenger Hunt: Team up with your family to spot our favorite nocturnal friends hidden in the shadows.

Sensory Discovery: Learn the "superpowers" nocturnal animals use to thrive in the dark.

Campfire & S’mores: We’re wrapping up the night the right way, with classic treats and great conversation around the fire.

🗓️ Event Details
Where: Camp Greene Wood (Naperville/Woodridge border)

Attire: Dress for adventure!

Cost: $25 per family.

Requirement: Advanced registration is required to save your spot.

Don't let the fun slip away into the night—grab your tickets now and bring your favorite flashlight!

Registration link in comments and bio.

#FullMoonHike #FamilyAdventure #NocturnalNature #FlashlightScavengerHunt #SmoresNight #ExploreTheDark

🦉Look Up, Look Down!
Put on those big owl eyes and get ready for an eye-opening exploration!
From the tallest trees to the smallest pebbles, there is so much to see when we take the time to look. Join us for a morning of wonder designed specifically for our youngest nature lovers and their favorite grown-ups.

🍃 What to Expect:
Sensory Exploration: Start the morning with hands-on discovery.

Guided Mini-Hike: Wander the woods together, pausing to marvel at everything from the treetops to the trail-side treasures.

Nature Play: Bonding time for you and your "nature play partner" in the beautiful woods.

📍 The Details:
When: March 4th | 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Where: Camp Greene Wood, Naperville
Who: Explorers aged 15 months – 36 months (and their caregivers!)
Cost: $25

Look up at the bright blue sky! Look down at the green, green grass! What will your little one discover today?

Link in comments and bio.

Did you jump in a mud puddle today? If not, you really missed out! It’s not too late to come join in the fun at Little Explorers in Woodridge. Check out all of our offerings!

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Past Testimonies

"We’ve seen her confidence build, her empathy for nature and others blossom, and her light grow brighter and brighter every week. Her love for adventure and connecting with those around her is more apparent daily. It’s truly all thanks to the amazing educators and their kindness, support, and guidance."

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About Our Forest Day Camp

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Little Explorers is an early education outreach of PlanIt Landscape Perspectives, LLC at zero profit to continue and cultivate a child’s love for nature throughout the seasons through timely nature based play and instruction while developing a love for learning through a half day program.

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