Español

Nature Club After-School Program

For 3rd and 4th-grade students at the Lafayette Nature Center

Register Now

Dive into hands-on, project-based learning that builds environmental stewardship and deepens nature connection at Thorne’s after-school program for 3rd and 4th-grade students.

Through meaningful projects and playful exploration, students:

  • Discover their power to care for the planet and build confidence as changemakers

  • Make friends with common interests

  • Unplug and learn wilderness skills, while growing in their connection to the outdoors

Program Details

Grades

3rd and 4th-grade students from Ryan, Sanchez, and Pioneer Elementary Schools.

  • Students from other schools may participate, but families must provide transportation to the Lafayette Nature Center. The program starts when the transported students from Ryan, Sanchez, and Pioneer arrive.

Dates & Times

  • Ryan Elementary: Tuesdays 3 pm to 5 pm, February 3- May 5 (no club Feb. 17, Mar. 17)

  • Sanchez Elementary: Wednesdays 3 pm to 5 pm, February 4- May 6 (no club Feb. 18, Mar. 18)

  • Pioneer Elementary: Thursdays 3 pm to 5 pm, February 5- May 7 (no club Feb. 19, Mar. 19)

Location

Lafayette Nature Center- 300 Old Laramie Trail E, Lafayette, CO 80026

  • Thorne will transport students from Ryan, Sanchez, or Pioneer to the Lafayette Nature Center via a mini bus, and families will pick up at the Lafayette Nature Center

Cost

$120 per 12-week session (must enroll for all 12 sessions)

Important Notes

  • All programs will be outdoors except in the event of extreme weather

  • Thorne is an unplugged environment. Phones and smart watches are stored away from child access for the duration of the program.

Register Now

FAQ

  • Program projects and activities are inspired by the group’s interests and could include some of the following topics and projects:

    • Citizen science

    • Nature Journaling

    • Nature projects

    • Earth stewardship

    • Wilderness skills like shelter building, carving, and survival

    Our after-school curriculum pulls from the framework outlined in The Wild Path Home: A Guide to Raising the Earth Stewards of Tomorrow by Jacob Rodenburg and Cathy Dueck.

  • 3rd and 4th grade students from Ryan, Sanchez, and Pioneer Elementary Schools.

    If your child attends another school and would like to participate, we may be able to include them in the program, but your family will be responsible for transportation from their school to the Lafayette Nature Center. The program starts when the transported students from Ryan, Sanchez, and Pioneer arrive.

  • Yes, Thorne will pick up students at Ryan, Sanchez, and Lafayette Elementary Schools and transport them to the Lafayette Nature Center via our mini bus.

    Pickup is at the Lafayette Nature Center: 300 Old Laramie Trail E, Lafayette, CO 80026

    Thorne does not provide transportation for students from other schools.

  • We recommend weather-appropriate clothing, sturdy shoes, a reusable water bottle, and an after-school snack. We’ll provide a detailed packing list upon enrollment.

    If your family needs support with gear, please contact us at naturecenterprograms@thornenature.org or 303.499.3647 ext. 103

  • Yes, however we follow BVSD weather cancellations. We embrace the seasons and help children learn to enjoy nature year-round. In cases of severe weather, we move indoors or modify activities.