The Sienna Ranch Explorers classes aim to to create a naturalist community where we learn from and rely on one another. The learning in Explorers classes is not just about nature, but also an opportunity for students to learn important life skills such as safety and hazard awareness, communication, co-operation, and decision-making. In this context, nature serves as a mirror for students, reflecting their abilities to meet the challenges of the outdoors. In the Explorers program, instructors and teachers are not creating artificial scenarios for learning, but are facilitating experiential learning in real-life situations. In this way, students learn how to work with and alongside the forces of nature, fostering a relationship of mutual benefit. The foundation for the content of the Sienna Ranch Explorers: Nature and Adventure program is wilderness skills. Wilderness skills can best be explained by breaking them into the categories of survival, nature awareness, knowledge of local ecology, animal tracking, primitive skills and crafts, communication and leadership
The challenges faced in Explorers classes teach self-reliance, boost self-esteem, and give children a comfort which will encourage them to seek out new experiences with nature. Likewise, learning the art of primitive crafts and skills will nurture an appreciation for the earth and her gifts. In Sienna Ranch Explorers classes, we are planting seeds- not only in the garden, but in the inspirations of the students. Sienna Ranch, a privately owned 21 acre ranch with animals, hiking trails, an archery range, majestic oaks, and scenic views is the ideal location to safely immerse students into the challenges of the outdoors, allowing them to achieve an appreciation of the outside world. In order to broaden students’ exposure to local plants, trees, and wildlife, each session Explorers take field trips to the Lafayette Reservoir. 
Note: For all Sienna Ranch Explorers programs, classes are held rain or shine. Experiencing the elements is an integral part of nature education, and we believe that it is healthy for children to sometimes feel wet or cold. There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing! Please send your child prepared!
GRADES K-2 Quails- As energetic quails, we are always on the go- finding the perfect hiding places, running across the land, and singing out our excitement for the day! Immersed in the wonders of Sienna Ranch, let's build our connections to nature as we explore the wilderness and discover the plants and animals within it. Our voices will join together as we sing our gratitude to the earth, and our creativity will be piqued as we build shelters and make crafts with and within our natural surroundings. We will hear the stories of those who lived on the land before us and practice our scout skills as we play games in the wild.
GRADES 3-5 Raccoons-
Just like curious little raccoons, we will get a taste of everything from knives and whittling to fire by friction to making shelters and crafts with native materials. We will develop our scout skills through basic bird language, animal tracking, and sensory awareness games. Local ecology and native plants are easily learned as we set paths through unexplored territories. Raccoons will discover areas, new and exciting, both within themselves and the world around them. Crafty and resourceful, Raccoons will gain competency, proficiency, and confidence in natural settings- learning how to adapt and respond.
GRADES 6-8 Coyotes-
As coyotes, we are a close knit team, moving across the land with stealth, strength, and intention. We will embark on an intensive naturalist journey covering bird language, primitive skills, and the fundamentals of survival: 
shelter, water, fire, and food. With collaborative efforts, we will create usable structures on and around the land. Our Coyote knowledge of local ecology will be tested during obstacles and adventure challenges. As Coyotes, we will learn the importance of applying what we know and build upon our past experiences.
GRADES 6-8 Coyotes- shelter, water, fire, and food. With collaborative efforts, we will create usable structures on and around the land. Our Coyote knowledge of local ecology will be tested during obstacles and adventure challenges. As Coyotes, we will learn the importance of applying what we know and build upon our past experiences. 
Junior Explorers Preschool class is designed to give children ages 3.5-5 an immersion in the natural wonders of ranch life. Regular activities for Junior Explorers preschoolers will include chicken holding, egg collecting, bunny holding, goat milking, and other ranch chores. In addition to our domestic animals, children will discover the vast wildlife which visits us on a daily basis. Every activity is a learning experience as our trained outdoor naturalists teach sustainability and respect for the earth. Junior Explorers preschoolers will tend and harvest our organic vegetable and native plant gardens, and will learn about our seasonal fruit trees. Maximum Class size: 10 children, Teacher: Trix Toma and Alison Gould
SESSION DETAILS, SCHEDULES, PRICES, AND REGISTRATION
Spring Session 2010, March-May
Registering Now! Click the above link to register.
2010/2011 DATES WILL BE POSTED IN EARLY SUMMER.
Fall Session 2010, September - November
Winter Session 2010/2011 December-February
* GRATITUDE CIRCLE (what do we have to be thankful for?)
* GROUP GAME (These are fun teaching games- each with its own specific goal for instilling a nature related concept)
* ANIMAL ENCOUNTER (Speaking and sharing- what awesome animal did you see this week?)
* FOCUS ACTIVITY/LESSON (What are we learning/doing today?)
* NATURE EXPLORATION (hike or wander gently guided by instructor- meant to be a time to freely explore and interact)
* CLOSING ACTIVITY(conclusion, sharing favorite part of the day)
CURRICULUM
While Sienna Ranch Explorers instructors do not follow a set and rigid curriculum, we use the following guides as a backbone for our program:- Quails- Kamana for Kids, Books 1-3
- Raccoons- The Young Naturalist
- Coyotes- Primitive Ways Book
- For all ages, Coyote’s Guide
STAFF
The staff at Sienna Ranch is one of the key components which makes the Explorers program unique. All of the staff have previous experience mentoring children in nature and most have attended distinguished instructor training programs and intensives. Above all, Explorers instructors share a passion for facilitating positive learning experiences with youth in nature. Parents have reported that staff often leave a lasting impression on their students due to their care, creativity, positive communication, and enthusiasm. They are positive role models and dedicated educators.NOTE:
- Sienna Ranch Explorers staff are not equipped to handle the the special needs of children who have emotional or behavioral challenges. Please enroll your child only if he/she is able to effectively control his or her impulses, listen to directions, and follow the guidance of their adult leaders.
- There are no refunds given once the session has begun
- We reserve the right to adjust the age groups slightly in order to accommodate interested families. We will not, however, allow a group to exceed the maximum number of participants, (8 students).
- Occasionally, classes will be held off-site at the Lafayette Reservoir. Parents will be notified no later than the week before class about any location changes.
