Junior Explorers & Adventure Packs

Explore the Southeast Side Parks and Earn Badges

The Junior Explorers activity booklet and Adventure Pack are tools families, homeschool groups, or youth organizations can use to explore the Southeast Side Natural Areas. It’s the perfect way to spend the weekend or a day off. Activities encourage visits to the parks and inspire kids to love and protect nature. Come by the Ford Calumet Environmental Center to pick up a packet. Complete each skill level within the packet and earn your badges to become a Southeast Side Junior Explorer.

If you are interested in reserving a space, please fill out this interest form.

Skill badges to become a Southeast Side Junior Explorer!

Naturalist

Reconnect with nature by learning more about the animals, plants, and geology at the parks.

Adventurer

Rediscover the outdoors by hiking, and learning about navigation, park safety, and sustainability.

Athlete

Reactivate your energy by rock climbing, biking, running, climbing, or doing yoga.

Creator

Refuel your creativity and let the parks be a source of inspiration for music, art, writing, and poetry.

Historian

Reawaken the past and uncover the unique industrial history of the Southeast Side parks.

Tools to Help Explore

In addition to the activity booklet, the Junior Explorer adventure pack includes tools to deepen park exploration and supplement the activity pages. Adventure packs can be checked out at the Ford Calumet Environmental Center at Big Marsh Park.