{"id":3752,"date":"2025-02-20T13:47:02","date_gmt":"2025-02-20T20:47:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rgnc.org\/?page_id=3752"},"modified":"2026-05-31T15:44:25","modified_gmt":"2026-05-31T21:44:25","slug":"nature-discovery-for-kids-2026","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.rgnc.org\/index.php\/nature-discovery-for-kids-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Nature Explorers"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"3752\" class=\"elementor elementor-3752\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-1e0e9f6 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"1e0e9f6\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-3cf881b1\" data-id=\"3cf881b1\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ced852b elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"ced852b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rgnc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/NDK_0001_Layer-3-1024x427.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-309\" alt=\"Nature Discovery class.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rgnc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/NDK_0001_Layer-3-1024x427.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.rgnc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/NDK_0001_Layer-3-600x250.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.rgnc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/NDK_0001_Layer-3-300x125.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.rgnc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/NDK_0001_Layer-3-768x320.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.rgnc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/NDK_0001_Layer-3-1140x475.jpg 1140w, https:\/\/www.rgnc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/NDK_0001_Layer-3.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-26e2dfd5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"26e2dfd5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4><span style=\"color: #008000;\"><strong>REGISTRATION CLOSED<\/strong><\/span>.<\/h4><p>Join our naturalist teachers for four weeks of nature discovery in the Bosque at Rio Grande Nature Center State Park with support from the Friends of the Rio Grande Nature Center, a non-profit organization established to support the park and its mission.<\/p><p>We will explore the park grounds through hands-on, inquiry-based activities. We will flow through different themes each week surrounding the Bosque ecosystem. Activities will range from outdoor exploration to arts and crafts to science experiments!<\/p><p style=\"font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-width: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal; color: #676767;\">The camp runs the month of June, Monday \u2013 Friday, from 8:30am to 12:00pm and is for children ages 5-10.<\/p><ul><li style=\"margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-width: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal; color: #676767;\"><b>Week 1 (June 1-5) \u2013 Plants and Pollinators!<br \/><\/b>This week, campers will embark on a botanical adventure through the Bosque! Through hands-on activities, they\u2019ll learn to identify native plants using dichotomous keys, exploring different plant parts and their unique functions. They\u2019ll discover how plants are vital to local ecosystems and gain an appreciation for the natural world around them. By the end of the week, campers will have a deeper understanding of plant diversity and the role these green wonders play in our environment!<\/li><\/ul><div><span style=\"color: #676767; font-family: Helvetica Neue;\"><span style=\"caret-color: #676767;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div><ul><li style=\"margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-width: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal; color: #676767;\"><b>Week 2 (June 8-12) \u2013 Birds!<br \/><\/b>Get ready to soar like a bird! Campers will become expert birders, learning to identify local bird species and understanding their anatomy and behaviors. They\u2019ll explore how birds contribute to the Bosque ecosystem and the important roles they play in nature.<\/li><\/ul><div>\u00a0<\/div><ul><li style=\"margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-width: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal; color: #676767;\"><b>Week 3(June 15-19) \u2013 The Life Aquatic!<\/b><br \/>Dive into the watery world of the Rio Grande and local ponds! This week, campers will explore the history of our desert river ecosystem, tracing its role in shaping the landscape and the life it supports. They\u2019ll study the water cycle in the desert, uncovering the delicate\u00a0 balance of life in this arid environment. Through hands-on activities, campers will learn about the fascinating microorganisms that live in the water, along with larger creatures such as reptiles. It\u2019s an immersive experience that brings the beauty of aquatic life into focus!<\/li><\/ul><div><span style=\"color: #676767; font-family: Helvetica Neue;\"><span style=\"caret-color: #676767;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div><ul><li style=\"margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-width: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal; color: #676767;\"><b>Week 4 (June 22-26) \u2013 Mammals!<\/b><br \/>Track like a mammal in this week of discovery! Campers will uncover the secrets of the Park\u2019s mammal residents, learning how to spot tracks, scat, and signs of various mammals.\u00a0 By the end of the week, they\u2019ll be able to identify and appreciate the diverse wildlife that calls the Bosque home!<\/li><\/ul><div><span style=\"color: #676767; font-family: Helvetica Neue;\"><span style=\"caret-color: #676767;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div><p><strong style=\"font-family: var( --e-global-typography-text-font-family ), Sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;\">Example Daily Flow for Camps:<\/strong><\/p><ul><li style=\"list-style-type: none;\"><ul><li>8:30am-9am \u2013 Indoor intro activity<\/li><li>9am-10:30am \u2013 Outdoor exploration (hikes, walks, play, etc.)<\/li><li>10:30am-10:45am \u2013 Snack time (provided)<\/li><li>10:45am-11:45pm \u2013 Indoor activity (arts\/crafts, microscopes, special presentation, etc.)<\/li><li>11:45am-12:00pm \u2013 Wrap up activity\/clean up<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-786bde00 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"786bde00\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-33fbe36c\" data-id=\"33fbe36c\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-60dec120 elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"60dec120\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rgnc.org\/index.php\/product\/yearly-membership\/%20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Purchase Regular Family Membership<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-4fd66170\" data-id=\"4fd66170\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-362b51f7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"362b51f7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rgnc.org\/index.php\/product\/special-membership-annual\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Purchase Special Family Membership<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-cb95ae7 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"cb95ae7\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-a77851a\" data-id=\"a77851a\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-2aca95ed elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"2aca95ed\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-512ebe45\" data-id=\"512ebe45\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-26e41d3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"26e41d3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Refund Policy:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Refunds must be requested by 4:00 pm on the Wednesday before the class begins on the next Monday. Call RGNC Visitor Center at <i>505-344-7240<\/i>. to make the request.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/li>\n<li>If a last-minute cancellation must be made, a refund will only be issued if there is another student who can be enrolled to fill the space. If there is no one else to take the space, no refund will be made.<\/li>\n<li>Class cancellations may occur if there are fewer that 8 students enrolled by the Wednesday before the class begins. Parents will be notified and have the option of a refund or a transfer to another class, if available.<\/li>\n<li>FRGNC Administration will make the final decisions on refunds. Refunds are only given by check. For questions, contact the Friends office at 505-343-1373.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1a9c4cae elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1a9c4cae\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><b>What to Know Before You Register:<br \/><\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"letter-spacing: 0px;\">Camp will be held regardless of weather.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"letter-spacing: 0px;\">BE ON TIME for class. Meet the teachers at the group shelter in front of the Education Building, south of the parking lot. Pick your child(ren) up ON TIME also at the group shelter. Parents\/guardians must sign children in and out of camp.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"letter-spacing: 0px;\">We will be outside, so children need to apply sunscreen and insect repellent before class and wear close-toed shoes (no flip-flops). Children should wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty and protect from scratchy bushes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"letter-spacing: 0px;\">Cell phones can only be used with permission of the teacher for taking pictures.\u00a0 No pictures of other children can be taken and NO other uses of cell phones is permitted.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div>\n<div><b>What to Bring Daily:<br \/><br \/><\/b><\/div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"letter-spacing: 0px;\">Sunscreen &amp; bug spray (applied before arrival, with extra in their bag)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"letter-spacing: 0px;\">A hat for sun protection<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"letter-spacing: 0px;\">A full water bottle<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Close-toed shoes for walking<\/li>\n<li>Water shoes (for river exploring!)<\/li>\n<li>An extra change of clothes (including shirt, pants, undies, and socks)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-a9ce307 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"a9ce307\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-40a41efe\" data-id=\"40a41efe\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9b63605 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9b63605\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Rules for Students:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Children must stay with the group at all times.<\/li>\n<li>Do not bring electronic games, toys or other distractions.<\/li>\n<li>Check with the teacher for permission before bringing specimens to show.<\/li>\n<li>Children must be able to follow instructions and be respectful of fellow students, teachers, volunteers, and the park. Potential safety hazards will be discussed. Those who create safety issues will be asked to leave and their registration fee will not be refunded.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-4c4f2af5 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"4c4f2af5\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-6a31c797\" data-id=\"6a31c797\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3d0102a3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3d0102a3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4756\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rgnc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Scholarship.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1545\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rgnc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Scholarship.jpg 1999w, https:\/\/www.rgnc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Scholarship-768x594.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.rgnc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Scholarship-1536x1187.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.rgnc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Scholarship-1140x881.jpg 1140w, https:\/\/www.rgnc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Scholarship-600x464.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" \/>Note<\/strong>:\u00a0 Registration for each class ends at noon on the Sunday before the class begins on Monday.<\/p><p>If you are enrolling more than one child, please close this window and go back to the website when you have completed the registration and payment.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-264e7795 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"264e7795\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-480ce3bf\" data-id=\"480ce3bf\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-712c6b4a elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"712c6b4a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>REGISTRATION CLOSED. Join our naturalist teachers for four weeks of nature discovery in the Bosque at Rio Grande Nature Center State Park with support from the Friends of the Rio Grande Nature Center, a non-profit organization established to support the park and its mission. We will explore the park grounds through hands-on, inquiry-based activities. We will flow through different themes each week surrounding the Bosque ecosystem. Activities will range from outdoor exploration to arts and crafts to science experiments! The camp runs the month of June, Monday \u2013 Friday, from 8:30am to 12:00pm and is for children ages 5-10. Week 1 (June 1-5) \u2013 Plants and Pollinators!This week, campers will embark on a botanical adventure through the Bosque! Through hands-on activities, they\u2019ll learn to identify native plants using dichotomous keys, exploring different plant parts and their unique functions. They\u2019ll discover how plants are vital to local ecosystems and gain an appreciation for the natural world around them. By the end of the week, campers will have a deeper understanding of plant diversity and the role these green wonders play in our environment! \u00a0 Week 2 (June 8-12) \u2013 Birds!Get ready to soar like a bird! Campers will become expert birders, learning to identify local bird species and understanding their anatomy and behaviors. They\u2019ll explore how birds contribute to the Bosque ecosystem and the important roles they play in nature. \u00a0 Week 3(June 15-19) \u2013 The Life Aquatic!Dive into the watery world of the Rio Grande and local ponds! This week, campers will explore the history of our desert river ecosystem, tracing its role in shaping the landscape and the life it supports. They\u2019ll study the water cycle in the desert, uncovering the delicate\u00a0 balance of life in this arid environment. Through hands-on activities, campers will learn about the fascinating microorganisms that live in the water, along with larger creatures such as reptiles. It\u2019s an immersive experience that brings the beauty of aquatic life into focus! \u00a0 Week 4 (June 22-26) \u2013 Mammals!Track like a mammal in this week of discovery! Campers will uncover the secrets of the Park\u2019s mammal residents, learning how to spot tracks, scat, and signs of various mammals.\u00a0 By the end of the week, they\u2019ll be able to identify and appreciate the diverse wildlife that calls the Bosque home! \u00a0 Example Daily Flow for Camps: 8:30am-9am \u2013 Indoor intro activity 9am-10:30am \u2013 Outdoor exploration (hikes, walks, play, etc.) 10:30am-10:45am \u2013 Snack time (provided) 10:45am-11:45pm \u2013 Indoor activity (arts\/crafts, microscopes, special presentation, etc.) 11:45am-12:00pm \u2013 Wrap up activity\/clean up Purchase Regular Family Membership Purchase Special Family Membership Refund Policy: Refunds must be requested by 4:00 pm on the Wednesday before the class begins on the next Monday. Call RGNC Visitor Center at 505-344-7240. to make the request.\u00a0 \u00a0 If a last-minute cancellation must be made, a refund will only be issued if there is another student who can be enrolled to fill the space. If there is no one else to take the space, no refund will be made. Class cancellations may occur if there are fewer that 8 students enrolled by the Wednesday before the class begins. Parents will be notified and have the option of a refund or a transfer to another class, if available. FRGNC Administration will make the final decisions on refunds. Refunds are only given by check. For questions, contact the Friends office at 505-343-1373. What to Know Before You Register: Camp will be held regardless of weather. BE ON TIME for class. Meet the teachers at the group shelter in front of the Education Building, south of the parking lot. Pick your child(ren) up ON TIME also at the group shelter. Parents\/guardians must sign children in and out of camp. We will be outside, so children need to apply sunscreen and insect repellent before class and wear close-toed shoes (no flip-flops). Children should wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty and protect from scratchy bushes. Cell phones can only be used with permission of the teacher for taking pictures.\u00a0 No pictures of other children can be taken and NO other uses of cell phones is permitted. What to Bring Daily: Sunscreen &amp; bug spray (applied before arrival, with extra in their bag) A hat for sun protection A full water bottle Close-toed shoes for walking Water shoes (for river exploring!) An extra change of clothes (including shirt, pants, undies, and socks) Rules for Students: Children must stay with the group at all times. Do not bring electronic games, toys or other distractions. Check with the teacher for permission before bringing specimens to show. Children must be able to follow instructions and be respectful of fellow students, teachers, volunteers, and the park. Potential safety hazards will be discussed. Those who create safety issues will be asked to leave and their registration fee will not be refunded. Note:\u00a0 Registration for each class ends at noon on the Sunday before the class begins on Monday. If you are enrolling more than one child, please close this window and go back to the website when you have completed the registration and payment. \u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-3752","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Nature Explorers - Friends of the Rio Grande Nature Center<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rgnc.org\/index.php\/nature-discovery-for-kids-2026\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Nature Explorers - Friends of the Rio Grande Nature Center\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"REGISTRATION CLOSED. Join our naturalist teachers for four weeks of nature discovery in the Bosque at Rio Grande Nature Center State Park with support from the Friends of the Rio Grande Nature Center, a non-profit organization established to support the park and its mission. We will explore the park grounds through hands-on, inquiry-based activities. We will flow through different themes each week surrounding the Bosque ecosystem. Activities will range from outdoor exploration to arts and crafts to science experiments! The camp runs the month of June, Monday \u2013 Friday, from 8:30am to 12:00pm and is for children ages 5-10. Week 1 (June 1-5) \u2013 Plants and Pollinators!This week, campers will embark on a botanical adventure through the Bosque! Through hands-on activities, they\u2019ll learn to identify native plants using dichotomous keys, exploring different plant parts and their unique functions. They\u2019ll discover how plants are vital to local ecosystems and gain an appreciation for the natural world around them. By the end of the week, campers will have a deeper understanding of plant diversity and the role these green wonders play in our environment! \u00a0 Week 2 (June 8-12) \u2013 Birds!Get ready to soar like a bird! Campers will become expert birders, learning to identify local bird species and understanding their anatomy and behaviors. They\u2019ll explore how birds contribute to the Bosque ecosystem and the important roles they play in nature. \u00a0 Week 3(June 15-19) \u2013 The Life Aquatic!Dive into the watery world of the Rio Grande and local ponds! This week, campers will explore the history of our desert river ecosystem, tracing its role in shaping the landscape and the life it supports. They\u2019ll study the water cycle in the desert, uncovering the delicate\u00a0 balance of life in this arid environment. Through hands-on activities, campers will learn about the fascinating microorganisms that live in the water, along with larger creatures such as reptiles. It\u2019s an immersive experience that brings the beauty of aquatic life into focus! \u00a0 Week 4 (June 22-26) \u2013 Mammals!Track like a mammal in this week of discovery! Campers will uncover the secrets of the Park\u2019s mammal residents, learning how to spot tracks, scat, and signs of various mammals.\u00a0 By the end of the week, they\u2019ll be able to identify and appreciate the diverse wildlife that calls the Bosque home! \u00a0 Example Daily Flow for Camps: 8:30am-9am \u2013 Indoor intro activity 9am-10:30am \u2013 Outdoor exploration (hikes, walks, play, etc.) 10:30am-10:45am \u2013 Snack time (provided) 10:45am-11:45pm \u2013 Indoor activity (arts\/crafts, microscopes, special presentation, etc.) 11:45am-12:00pm \u2013 Wrap up activity\/clean up Purchase Regular Family Membership Purchase Special Family Membership Refund Policy: Refunds must be requested by 4:00 pm on the Wednesday before the class begins on the next Monday. Call RGNC Visitor Center at 505-344-7240. to make the request.\u00a0 \u00a0 If a last-minute cancellation must be made, a refund will only be issued if there is another student who can be enrolled to fill the space. If there is no one else to take the space, no refund will be made. Class cancellations may occur if there are fewer that 8 students enrolled by the Wednesday before the class begins. Parents will be notified and have the option of a refund or a transfer to another class, if available. FRGNC Administration will make the final decisions on refunds. Refunds are only given by check. For questions, contact the Friends office at 505-343-1373. What to Know Before You Register: Camp will be held regardless of weather. BE ON TIME for class. Meet the teachers at the group shelter in front of the Education Building, south of the parking lot. Pick your child(ren) up ON TIME also at the group shelter. Parents\/guardians must sign children in and out of camp. We will be outside, so children need to apply sunscreen and insect repellent before class and wear close-toed shoes (no flip-flops). Children should wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty and protect from scratchy bushes. Cell phones can only be used with permission of the teacher for taking pictures.\u00a0 No pictures of other children can be taken and NO other uses of cell phones is permitted. What to Bring Daily: Sunscreen &amp; bug spray (applied before arrival, with extra in their bag) A hat for sun protection A full water bottle Close-toed shoes for walking Water shoes (for river exploring!) An extra change of clothes (including shirt, pants, undies, and socks) Rules for Students: Children must stay with the group at all times. Do not bring electronic games, toys or other distractions. Check with the teacher for permission before bringing specimens to show. Children must be able to follow instructions and be respectful of fellow students, teachers, volunteers, and the park. Potential safety hazards will be discussed. Those who create safety issues will be asked to leave and their registration fee will not be refunded. Note:\u00a0 Registration for each class ends at noon on the Sunday before the class begins on Monday. If you are enrolling more than one child, please close this window and go back to the website when you have completed the registration and payment. \u00a0 \u00a0\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.rgnc.org\/index.php\/nature-discovery-for-kids-2026\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Friends of the Rio Grande Nature Center\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-05-31T21:44:25+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.rgnc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/NDK_0001_Layer-3.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1920\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rgnc.org\\\/index.php\\\/nature-discovery-for-kids-2026\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rgnc.org\\\/index.php\\\/nature-discovery-for-kids-2026\\\/\",\"name\":\"Nature Explorers - Friends of the Rio Grande Nature Center\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rgnc.org\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rgnc.org\\\/index.php\\\/nature-discovery-for-kids-2026\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rgnc.org\\\/index.php\\\/nature-discovery-for-kids-2026\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rgnc.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2019\\\/11\\\/NDK_0001_Layer-3-1024x427.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-02-20T20:47:02+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-05-31T21:44:25+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rgnc.org\\\/index.php\\\/nature-discovery-for-kids-2026\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rgnc.org\\\/index.php\\\/nature-discovery-for-kids-2026\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rgnc.org\\\/index.php\\\/nature-discovery-for-kids-2026\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rgnc.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2019\\\/11\\\/NDK_0001_Layer-3.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rgnc.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2019\\\/11\\\/NDK_0001_Layer-3.jpg\",\"width\":1920,\"height\":800,\"caption\":\"Nature Discovery class.\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rgnc.org\\\/index.php\\\/nature-discovery-for-kids-2026\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rgnc.org\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Nature Explorers\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rgnc.org\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rgnc.org\\\/\",\"name\":\"Friends of the Rio Grande Nature Center\",\"description\":\"Preserve, protect, and educate.\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rgnc.org\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Nature Explorers - Friends of the Rio Grande Nature Center","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.rgnc.org\/index.php\/nature-discovery-for-kids-2026\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Nature Explorers - Friends of the Rio Grande Nature Center","og_description":"REGISTRATION CLOSED. Join our naturalist teachers for four weeks of nature discovery in the Bosque at Rio Grande Nature Center State Park with support from the Friends of the Rio Grande Nature Center, a non-profit organization established to support the park and its mission. We will explore the park grounds through hands-on, inquiry-based activities. We will flow through different themes each week surrounding the Bosque ecosystem. Activities will range from outdoor exploration to arts and crafts to science experiments! The camp runs the month of June, Monday \u2013 Friday, from 8:30am to 12:00pm and is for children ages 5-10. Week 1 (June 1-5) \u2013 Plants and Pollinators!This week, campers will embark on a botanical adventure through the Bosque! Through hands-on activities, they\u2019ll learn to identify native plants using dichotomous keys, exploring different plant parts and their unique functions. 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