Investigating the Outdoors
Investigating the Outdoors provides homeschooled youth with the opportunity to engage, reflect and connect with the outdoors in meaningful and inspiring ways.
What is Investigating the Outdoors?
ITO (Investigating the Outdoors) is an immersive outdoor program designed for youth ages 9-16, offering a unique opportunity to explore the natural world while gaining a deeper understanding of environmental education. This 100% outdoor class fosters curiosity, promotes personal growth, and encourages hands-on learning. Each week centers around a different theme, including:
- Plant and wildlife identification
- Fishing and archery experiences
- Ecological changes and the natural world
- Animals, flowers, and insects
- Time to explore and play with peers
- An end-of-semester "Surthrive Project," where participants apply what they've learned in a creative, hands-on way
Our program is designed to support social-emotional development by incorporating reflective nature journaling, while also allowing for individual exploration and discovery. The class is balanced with group activities, interactive games, and ample opportunities for laughter and fun, fostering a sense of community and connection.
Participants will engage in a variety of hands-on experiences, guided by Nature Niños staff or community partners with expertise in environmental education. These activities include creating art projects, investigating scientific materials, exploring natural spaces, and practicing skills such as archery or fishing. Through these activities, we empower youth to connect with nature and develop the knowledge and confidence to thrive.
About the Class
SPRING 2025 UPDATE:
We're excited to announce that our spring 2025 classes will kick off the week of January 27th and wrap up by the week of May 16th, with a well-deserved spring break during the week of March 17th. This 16-week semester includes 15 awesome classes (thanks to the break!). Be on the lookout for class schedules and locations, which will be available by January 15th. We can't wait to see you out there!
Class Days & Times:
Tuesday AM Session (9:00AM - 12:00PM)
Tuesday PM Session (1:00PM - 4:00PM)
Please Note:
Each class has a maximum limit of 25 students.
A class needs a minimum of 16 students registered for the class to occur.
Important Update on Tuition for the Spring Semester
As we begin a new semester, we want to inform you that tuition for each student will be a flat rate of $275 for the spring semester. We understand that affordability is important, and we are excited to offer an opportunity to reduce this cost through our Winter Raffle fundraiser. By participating in the raffle, families can earn discounts on their tuition, helping to make our programs more accessible for everyone.
We are deeply grateful for the support you've shown us over the years as we continue to grow and refine our approach to keeping Nature Niños sustainable in our community. Your continued involvement helps us provide life-changing outdoor experiences to the youth of New Mexico. Thank you for being an essential part of our mission!
If you would like to participate in the raffle you can find more information here: Winter Raffle: Spring 2025 Tuition Assistance Opportunity. For any questions about the raffle please email Sarah Candelaria at sarah@natureninos.org.
A Typical Class Schedule Includes:
- Welcome
- Nature Topic Introduction
- Language Learning (ASL & Spanish)
- Nature Journaling
- Topical Group Activities: Art, Games, Science
- Depart Location
Notes for Parents:
- The first class meeting will include a MANDATORY 30-min introductory session for parents/guardians to meet the instructors and discuss details for the semester.
- This is a drop-off class. Please follow the drive-in drop-off and pick-up instructions to support a smooth process.
- Classes will be held in public, open spaces in Albuquerque or Rio Rancho.
- Family Hike Days invite families to join their student in their class - other siblings may attend as well.
- Consider volunteering in class on instructor-requested dates.
Nature Niños classes are held in various public, open spaces in and around Albuquerque.
- Alameda Open Space
- Los Ranchos Agri-Nature Center
- Rio Grande Nature Center
- Sandia Foothills
- Petroglyph National Monument
- And more!
Parents are responsible for transportation to and from all events.
Restrooms in Outdoor Spaces
Many outdoor spaces include restroom facilities, but when you get off the beaten path, that situation changes a bit.
Most of our places include access to either a building facility or a port-a-potty with hand sanitizer or handwashing stations.
In locations that do not have restroom access, Nature Niños provides a sanitary and private portable toilet with a privacy tent, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer.
Cancellation and Inclement Weather Policy:
Nature Niños is a small, dedicated team. As we work to provide and engage youth in the outdoors, unforeseen circumstances such as illness, emergencies, or other circumstances may affect our team. If our team is unable to coverage in these circumstances to meet our standard teacher-student ratio, a class may need to be cancelled.
Because we are a 100% outdoor program, we plan to have class in all kinds of weather. However, when conditions become hazardous like lightning storms, icy roads, and extremely high winds, this can create undo dangers in our outdoor spaces.
Nature Niños does our best within these factors to host every scheduled class. Refunds will not be distributed for these circumstances affecting class. Should a class need to be cancelled, an instructor will post the notification on the Band app, through email, and our social media pages. Thank you for your understanding.