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Nature Club After-School Program

For 2nd through 5th-grade students at the Lafayette Nature Center

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Dive into hands-on, project-based learning that builds environmental stewardship and deepens nature connection at Thorne’s after-school program for 2nd through 5th-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

2nd through 5th-grade

  • Students from any school are welcome!


Dates & Times

Programs run from 3 to 5 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays.

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

    • Optional transportation is available from Ryan Elementary to the Lafayette Nature Center

  • Wednesdays: February 4- May 6 (no club Feb. 18, Mar. 18)

    • Optional transportation is available from Sanchez Elementary to the Lafayette Nature Center

  • Thursdays: February 5- May 7 (no club Feb. 19, Mar. 19)

    • Optional transportation is available from Pioneer Elementary to the Lafayette Nature Center


Location

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

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

  • Students from other schools are welcome to attend, but families must provide transportation to the Lafayette Nature Center


Price

$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 smartwatches are stored away from child access for the duration of the program.

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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.

  • The program is open to 2nd through 5th grade students from any school. Optional transportation is provided from Ryan (Tues), Sanchez (Wed), and Pioneer (Thurs) Elementary Schools.

    If your child attends another school 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 transport students at Ryan, Sanchez, and Lafayette Elementary Schools to the Lafayette Nature Center via our mini bus.

    End of program 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.