Tiny Trekkers

A Weekly Nature Program for Preschoolers

Tiny Trekkers is a weekly nature-based drop off program for ages 3 – 5. Preschoolers will explore our nearly 500 acres of preserve through hands-on experiences out in nature. We stomp through creeks, use nets to catch and observe insects, taste edible plants, and learn about the natural world!

Tiny Trekkers is a great complement to part time preschool programs, as preparation for entering preschool or kindergarten, or even as an addition to a PreK/K homeschool program. Children must be able to use the restrooms independently.

For the 25/26 school year, sessions will run on Tuesday mornings from 9 – 11:30 am.

Not ready for a drop off program? Join us for our parent/child nature class, Knee-High Naturalists!

Register Today!

2025 – 2026 School Year:

  • Animal Architects: September 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th
  • Wild Math: October 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th
  • Astronomical Adventures: November 4th, 18th, 25th (no session November 11th)
  • Dirt Detectives: December 2nd and 9th
  • Snowflake Science: January 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th
  • Curiosity Woods: February 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th
  • Great Artdoors: March 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st
  • Leaf Zoo: April 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th
  • Aquatic Odyssey: May 5th, 12th, 19th (no session on the 26th)

Starting in September 2025, Tiny Trekkers takes place weekly on Tuesdays mornings from 9 – 11:30 am. Many of our families stay with us for the entire school year, but registration is on a rolling basis from month to month. Spots are limited to maintain a safe ratio and a quality experience for our participants.

Tuition: $25 per class, billed by the month (example: 4 classes = $100/month)

  • Tuition is not adjusted/pro-rated/refunded for missed classes. The billing months are already adjusted for holidays. 
  • Installment payments are available for sessions. 
  • Pricing per month is based on the number of sessions in the month.
  • Members receive 15% off all program fees.

Daily Rhythm

In warmer weather months, the entire session is spent outdoors. In cold weather, a minimum of 50% of the time is spent outdoors as weather allows and the other portion is spent in our indoor classroom. We go out rain, snow, or shine, and ask that all kids come prepared for the elements!

9 – 9:20: Classroom/Playground Invitations

9:20 – 9:30: Morning Circle

9:30 – 10:30: Hiking & Outdoor Explorations

10:30 – 10:45: Snack & Story

10:45 – 11:05: Art Exploration or Science Experiments

11:05 – 11:30: Free Play at Nature Explore Classroom

While each month does have a theme, we utilize Emergent curriculum to add in the children’s interests. We also add Reggio-inspired play for open-ended exploration.

Program Staff

Our primary Tiny Trekkers staff include our Director of Education, Lauren Scull, and our Environmental Educator, Dave Schiber. Both hold years of experience in education and operate our education department throughout the year. Lauren and Dave opened our Tiny Trekkers program in 2022 and have watched the program flourish since then! All staff and volunteers are background checked.

Lauren holds a degree in Ecotourism & Adventure Travel and has numerous years of experience in education. Lauren started her environmental education career as an Interpretive Tour Guide at The Wilds in Cumberland, OH. She then served as an Educator and Assistant Camp Director at the Leslie Science and Nature Center in Ann Arbor, MI. Since then, she has served as an educator at several zoos, as well as a Junior Volunteer Coordinator and Educator at the Endangered Wolf Center. In addition to her experience in environmental and conservation education, she has previous experience with children as a substitute teacher, nanny, residential camp counselor, and preschool art & science teacher. Lauren also currently serves as a West Central regional director for the Environmental Education Association of Illinois.

Just a few of Lauren’s certifications include:
  • Wilderness First Responder with the Wilderness Medical Associates
  • Nature-Based Teacher: Level 1 with the Association for Nature-Based Education
  • Master Herpetologist with the Amphibian Foundation
  • Certified Interpretive Guide with the National Association for Interpretation
  • Day Camp Director Certification with the American Camp Association
  • Program Facilitator for the Population Education curriculum
  • 95 Hour Children’s Yoga Instructor with ChildLight Education Company

Dave received a degree in Elementary Education from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and has more than 25 years of experience in education.

From 1996-2004, he worked at the St. Louis Science Center in various roles, but mostly in gallery interpretation and management. He wrote and performed many of the live science demonstrations that are still being performed to this day. From 2004-2021, he was the middle school science teacher for Evangelical School in Godfrey, Illinois where he taught more than 400 students over his career. Some areas in which Dave has some expertise are curriculum development, program development, physics, chemistry, astronomy and earth science.

Dave loves working as an environmental educator and believes that the best way to take care of our planet is to help people to experience nature’s beauty and diversity firsthand. Hands-on interaction is always better!

A Peek at Our Program: