Outdoor Explorations Program
Outdoor Explorations Program
The Outdoor Explorations Program (OEP) is a partnership between the Nature Centers and historical sites throughout Colorado and Alpine International Preparatory Academy. OEP combines place-based natural science with experimental learning and community building. The staff ensures your child grows in their knowledge of ecology while gaining skills in teamwork and outdoor activities in safe and supportive settings. The program is conducted year-round in the outdoors. Activities, experiments, challenges, service projects, explorations, and fun help your child build nature knowledge, self-awareness, and outdoor skills.
OEP is a tuition-free program supplementing your curriculum with a conceptual understanding of ecology and practical applications of outdoor skills in our unique settings and social development. We have age-appropriate options for children ages 5-18 or K-12th grades.
There is a tuition option.
Program Specifics
Outdoor Skills and Experience
- Fire building and safety
- Basic outdoor first aid
- Leave No Trace practices
- Clothing and shelters
- Hydration/nutrition
- Navigation
- Travel techniques for all seasons
- Shelter building
- The Ten Essentials
- Overnight Trips
Social and Community Development
- Mindfulness practices
- Leadership development
- Team building games
- Service-learning projects
- Group problem-solving
- Self-management
Place-Based Environmental Science
- Flora and fauna
- Colorado's life zones
- Astronomy
- Weather patterns
- Geology
- Water Cycle
- Ecological concepts
- Other environmentally aware activities
Cultural Activities
- Blacksmithing
- Gardening
- Canning
- Indigenous population
- Pioneers of the area
- Visit other sites
Instructors
Each instructor has passed a background check and submit fingerprints in accordance with Colorado Department of Education regulations. AIPA and our partner instructors are industry experts.