Curious about our Eco Explorers Family Metroparks Series? Learn more about it straight from the source!
OCER: What brought you to join Eco Explorers?
Sarah and Laila: I was looking for a way to get my family outside while also spending some quality unplugged time together. We have expanded our options within Eco Explorers due to the wonderful organization and amazing staff members!
Morgan, Wilder, and Micah: We were very excited when the classes were first offered because they were outdoors and provided open-ended opportunities to learn through discovery. Our family enjoys being outdoors, and we were excited to find other kids and families that do, too, through the Family Metropark Explorers!
OCER: Since joining Eco Explorers, can you share a favorite memory?
Sarah and Laila: While on one of the Sunday family hikes, we discovered newts! I had no idea we even had these creatures in our forests!
Morgan, Wilder, and Micah: Wow there are so many! Watching the kids splash around in creeks, discovering cool rocks, exclaiming when they find unusual mushrooms or salamanders has been such a joy and a bonding experience for our family.
OCER: What is your favorite part about Eco Explorers?
Sarah and Laila: Exploring nature and stumbling across all the weird and cool animals and plant life!
Morgan, Wilder, and Micah: As a parent, being able to ENJOY a hike because it’s already been planned, there’s a knowledgeable leader in charge, and there’s a group of adults all keeping an eye out on the kids has been so refreshing! I love that we have a regular way to spend time together - screen free - exploring and making memories here in our area. Altogether, the classes and family nature walks are thoughtfully planned and the staff are so kind, welcoming and fun! I think it gives kids the gift of being kids- and that is priceless.
OCER: What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about joining a nature program for the first time?
Sarah and Laila: You have nothing to lose but fresh air! The participants are so sweet and the teachers are very nice and fun!
Morgan, Wilder, and Micah: Just do it! Don’t worry about who will be there or having the perfect gear. It’s an opportunity that we are lucky to have here in Orange; don’t pass it up!