Little Trailblazers: Big Learning Through Nature & Play
Cub Explorers Nature Program (Ages 3-5)
Warwick, New York
Our Cub Explorers is an outdoor enrichment program. This offers young explorers ages 3-5 a unique, hands-on experience with nature. The curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity, build foundational skills, and foster a love for the environment through interactive activities in a natural setting. Children will engage in age-appropriate investigations, sensory play, and guided nature walks, discovering the wonders of the outdoors while developing critical thinking and social, emotional, and physical skills.
Through activities like wildlife observation, plant exploration, and mindfulness moments, Cub Explorers encourages young learners to connect with the world around them. Our goal is to nurture each child’s sense of wonder, creativity, and independence, providing a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Application
Our Pre-K nature program is by application to ensure it’s the perfect fit for your child. With limited space, we design each experience to be highly personalized, allowing for meaningful exploration and growth tailored to each participant.
The Circle of Growth & Belonging Model
Purpose
To foster whole-child growth: emotional, social, cognitive, and spiritual, through experiential, arts-based, and nature-centered learning rooted in Indigenous and holistic principles.
This model addresses nature-deficit disorder (Louv, 2005) and the growing need for self-regulation, empathy, and critical thinking in today’s youth.
Growing Through Belonging
At Hilltop Communities, learning begins with connection.
Our Early Childhood Program is inspired by The Circle of Growth & Belonging Framework (Esposito, 2025), a holistic approach that nurtures the mind, body, and heart through art, movement, mindfulness, and outdoor exploration.
Children learn best when they feel safe, valued, and part of something larger than themselves. Our programs cultivate that sense of belonging: rooted in nature, strengthened through creativity, and guided by authentic relationships.
Our Framework in Action
Each part of our tree represents a stage of growth and development:
Roots – Grounding and Belonging
Where it all begins. Children build trust and confidence through predictable rhythms, storytelling, and play. They learn that they are seen, heard, and part of a caring community.
Trunk – Regulation and Strength
Through art, yoga, and mindful movement, children develop emotional balance and body awareness. These practices help them feel centered and ready to learn.
Branches – Expression and Critical Thinking
Curiosity blooms through creativity. Our young learners explore, question, and build expressing themselves through music, art, and imaginative play.
Leaves – Growth and Contribution
From caring for plants to helping friends, children discover the joy of giving back. Acts of kindness and stewardship become part of their everyday learning.