Nature-Based Programs for Kids in The Chicago Area

Green Explorers Club has been the leading environmental education provider in Chicago for almost a decade. In 2024, we transitioned to a nonprofit status to expand our reach and accessibility, ensuring that more children can benefit from our programs.

Our offerings now include kids’ camps, family book clubs, after-school programs, school gardens and a variety of nature-based educational programs tailored for children ages 4 to 10.

Through hands-on activities, outdoor exploration, and a touch of imagination, our dynamic programs empower kids to discover the wonders of their local ecosystem.

We focus on life sciences and sustainable living practices, helping young explorers cultivate habits that will benefit both them and our planet for years to come.

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Illinois
Programs

child touching basil plants in a school garden

School Programming in the Chicago Area

At Green Explorers Club, we offer engaging, hands-on after-school programs, and also partner with local schools and organizations to provide curriculum creation, and school garden programs.

little girl standing next to garden planter with a printed poster that says school garden plan with crayon colorings and notes

School Garden Programs

The Green Explorers Club's School Garden Program helps teachers and staff establish and maintain school gardens while offering students a hands-on, garden-themed science curriculum. Over 6-8 weeks, students participate in weekly one-hour sessions featuring outdoor activities and in-class projects that they take home to observe or discuss with their families, allowing students to extend their learning beyond the classroom. Pricing is customized based on each school's unique needs. Teachers and administrators collaborate with Green Explorers Club staff to conduct on-site visits and create tailored garden plans and budget estimates. Contact us for details.

two young boys at the green explorers club after school program in chicago playing with water and sponges in a container

After-School Programs
(ages 4-10)

Our after-school programs in the Chicago area are tailored to inspire a love for nature and sustainability. Our dedicated instructors ensure a rich and immersive experience for every child.

Locations: There are no after-school programs at this time. Please check back later or join our Interest List.

classroom of elementary age kids sitting on the floor surrouding a 3D art map they created of Madagascar

Custom Curricula For Schools & Organizations

We also partner with local organizations in the Chicago Metropolitan Area to create custom schedules and unique curricula, empowering them to implement their own nature-based programs at their facilities. Each educational session runs for 45-60 minutes and features 1-2 interactive projects, allowing kids ages 4-10 to explore, discover, and connect with the environment in a fun and meaningful way.

children and parents sitting on the floor at a family book club being read a picture book

Family Book Clubs in the Chicago Area

Our Family Book Clubs are designed for kids ages 4-7 and their parents or a guardian. Groups meet in our studio locations, local libraries, and various neighborhood venues throughout the Chicago metropolitan area for a fun-filled hour of hands-on projects inspired by award-winning picture books.

How Family Book Club Works

During Book Club, our instructors begin by reading the book of the day to the group, setting the stage for the project. Families then move to their workstations where the instructor distributes materials and highlights the connections between the book's themes and the activity.

Then the magic happens—children and their guardians team up to bring their creative project to life! This lively format not only immerses kids in fun and meaningful environmental education but also strengthens family bonds and builds a vibrant community spirit. Join us for an adventure of storytelling and creativity!

Book Club Themes include concepts like:

  • Environmental Leaders Series

  • Changes in the Seasons (Winter, Spring, Summer, & Fall)

  • Identification of Local Plants & Animals

  • Gardening 101

  • Sustainability at Home

Kids’ Camps in the Chicago Area

Since 2017, children in the Chicago metropolitan area have been discovering the joy of our summer camps— with many returning year after year!  When school's out, we're in session!

Green Explorers Club’s camps are full of hands-on projects and games, themed-activities, and whole lot of guided outdoor exploration (weather permitting)!

Kids embark on journeys to distant ecosystems, cultivate their own gardens, dive into the wonders of the ocean, learn about renowned environmentalists, and discover how to protect our planet.

There are no upcoming camps scheduled at this time. Please join our Interest List for updates:

group of elementary age kids outside holding pencils and Green Explorers Club project sheets while pointing up into a tree at something they see off camera

Pop-up Camps
(ages 5-10)

Dates: No upcoming camps at this time.

Time: 9am – 3pm

Location: Chicago Metropolitan Area

group of young children playing with a container of water and toys at green explorers club Sprouts Camp in San Diego

Sprouts Camp
(ages 4-7)

Dates: No upcoming camps at this time.

Time: 9am – 12pm

Location: Chicago Metropolitan Area

Lesson Plans for teachers from green explorers club opened to pages about ladybuys and gardening

Buy Our Camps (Lesson Plan + Project Downloads)

Download some of our favorite lesson plans to create your own camp built upon our sustainability and climate change curriculum. Our projects are Montessori-inspired and bring topics to life using nature, science, art, and everyone's favorite - snacks. 

adolescent girl playfully putting a butterfly net on her head

from our Chicago community

  • "Green Explorers is the perfect choice for any school seeking an engaging, hands-on curriculum that fosters a curiosity and love of the natural world. Our parents, students and teachers alike loved each of the Summer Camps we ran and were so impressed by the incredible projects and experiences each day. I cannot say enough good things about working with this organization!"

    – Sally Ness, Director of Education, Intercultural Montessori Language School

  • "Our kids have enjoyed this club, where they have explored and learned all about nature in and around the city. Highly recommend."

    – Brooke E.

  • "The project boxes are a huge hit in our house! We have nearly all of them at this point, and my kiddos and their cousins are so excited when they get to do them. Each box is thoughtfully put together and unwrapping them is like opening a Christmas gift each time!"

    – Brooke L.

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young boy smelling potted basil plants at a green explorers club camp

Support our Mission

Through our camps, programs, and educational resources, we empower kids with the knowledge, curiosity, and basic skills they’ll need to one day change the world.

Discover how you can support Green Explorers Club! Whether through donations, volunteering, sponsoring a child, or shopping from our Amazon Wishlist, there are countless ways for you to make a meaningful impact!