Other Education Programs

Let’s all learn together!

Beginning Environmental Explorers (BEE)

BEE is an enriching introduction into environmental science taught by Guadalupe River Park Conservancy’s environmental educators. This is a free, drop-in program and pre-registration is NOT required. Guardians must stay with their children and are responsible for their behavior for the duration of the program. BEE is offered every Friday from 10:30-11:30 AM in English and 12:00-1:00 PM in Spanish.

The program is usually held at the Rotary PlayGarden pavilion but in inclement weather, the program will be moved indoors to the Guadalupe River Park Conservancy Visitor & Education Center located at 438 Coleman Avenue San Jose, CA 95110.

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Who are these classes for?

BEE is designed for children ages 2 – 6. Lessons are specifically written to build on milestones of this age group taking into consideration cognitive, linguistic, social, and life skill development.

Community Homeschool Investigators of the River Park

Our engaging Community Homeschool Investigators of the River Park (CHIRP) Program, provides an interactive, outdoor environmental education experience. This is a drop-off program. We utilize our river, famous Heritage Rose Garden, Historic Orchard, and exhilarating park as tools to teach exciting educational themes. Our students build a community with one another by working together with experiments, observations, presentations, and other hands-on activities.

Our lessons structurally encourage students to form their own connection with nature, while reinforcing environmental objectives and concepts.

CHIRP is proud to be an activity-based, question-driven program with the newest Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) as a model.

Who are these classes for?

CHIRP is specially designed for children ages 5-12. We offer one session for younger students 5-8, and one for older students 9-12. We welcome independent homeschooling families or those associated with Ocean Grove, Connecting Waters, Peak Prep Academy, Valiant, or other vendors.

Small Group Programs

Are you the leader of a small group? Do you homeschool your children? Do you simply want to bring a group outside to learn? Sign up for a small group program and join us for an adventure!

Available every day for groups of 20 or fewer, our Small Group programs are fun AND educational. They can be customized for groups of all ages and levels. With topics ranging from salmon to compost to pollinators and more, there is sure to be a program that will suit your group!