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Preschool Nature Programs

Backcountry Wilderness Area’s Preschool Nature Programs give young children the chance to learn and grow through outdoor play and discovery in a close-to-home wild place. From Wild Roots Nature Preschool to Sprouts Camp summer adventures and our Parent and Tot Nature Programs, each experience builds confidence, curiosity, and a meaningful connection to nature. These opportunities support children’s well-being by encouraging movement, social skills, creativity, and the joy of exploring the world outside.

Wild Roots Nature Preschool (Ages 3-6)

Year-round nature preschool focused on immersive, outdoor learning.

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Sprouts Camp (Ages 3-6)

A mini, half-day dose of summer camp woven together with outdoor exploration and nature-based fun. 

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Pony Programs (Ages 3-6)

Start the equine experience with opportunities to connect with horses. 

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Parent-Tot Programs (Ages 0-6)

Tag along with your little one to experience the outdoors through the magic of nature play. 

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Wild Roots Nature Preschool

Wild Roots Nature Preschool is an outdoor, nature-based preschool for children ages 3–6, offering an immersive, play-based learning experience rooted in the natural world. Children spend their days learning through exploration, movement, and hands-on experiences outdoors.

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Registration Opens February 1, 2026

Sprouts Camp

Sprouts Camp is a nature-based summer program for children ages 3–6, designed as a joyful, camp-style experience rooted in outdoor play and exploration. Offered in two-week sessions, Wild Sprouts invites children to spend their summer days moving, playing, and discovering in nature alongside peers and caring guides.
Register for Sprouts Camp

Each session is filled with hands-on activities that encourage curiosity, creativity, and connection—think muddy hands, imaginative play, nature crafts, storytelling, and plenty of time for unstructured exploration outdoors. Children learn through doing, experimenting, and engaging with the world around them, building confidence and independence along the way.

Sprouts Camp is not a part of Wild Roots Nature Preschool, but a stand-alone summer experience designed for children whose other preschool takes summers off, or for those who have completed kindergarten and are not quite ready for camp. Our days are intentionally playful, flexible, and rooted in joy, allowing children to fully embrace summer in a safe, supportive, and nature-rich environment.

-Wild Sprouts is open to children ages 3–6.

-Children must be 3 years old before the start date of their first registered session.
 
  • Children must be fully potty independent. This includes the ability to communicate potty needs with a teacher and push down and pull up their own underwear and pants. Please note that teachers are not permitted to change diapers or pull-ups, and your child will be sent home if they arrive in a diaper or pull up. 
  • Children are grouped by age to ensure developmentally appropriate experiences and meaningful peer connections.
  • Seedlings: Ages 3–4
  • Saplings: Ages 5–6
  • Both groups follow the same nature-based philosophy, with activities thoughtfully tailored to each age group’s interests, abilities, and growing independence.

 

Wild Sprouts Summer Program for 2026 is offered as a summer-only experience with enrollment available in two-week sessions. Families are welcome to join us for a single session or register for as many as they like. Each session features its own weekly focus and skill-building activities that thoughtfully grow and build throughout the summer.
 
Summer Session Dates – 2026 (Monday–Friday):
  • June 1 – June 12
  • June 15 – June 26
  • July 6 – July 17
  • July 20 – July 31

Packing List Sprouts

9:00-9:30 a.m. — Drop off and Play at Landing Pads
 
Upon arrival, families should prepare their child for the day with toileting, sunscreen application, and layering up for the weather, then helping their child plug into play at our landing pads. Landing pads may include things such as sensory tables full of science investigations, water table, mud kitchen, or sand play. Then we say, “see you soon!” to our caregivers to start our days’ adventures.

9:30-9:50 a.m. — Gathering Circle, Snack, & Storytime
                       
We join together as a community to sing good morning songs, greet our friends, go over the weather, discuss expectations, and talk about the days’ rhythm. Then we fuel up on a snack (brought from home), and read stories related to the weekly single-skill, to set the tone for our day’s explorations.

9:50 a.m.-11:10 a.m. — Nature Immersion / Child-Led Play

Most important of all, our child-led time spent in nature will look different each day. Children get the opportunity to explore and relate with nature on their own terms and to have uninterrupted child-led play in nature. The possibilities are purposefully endless.

11:10 a.m.-11:40 a.m. – Guided Activity

Teachers may choose to lead a guided activity most days, if the flow of the day allows. Other days, nature play may be extended. Guided activities may include visiting the animals, process-based art, a scavenger hunt, or science investigation.

11:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – Pickup

We sing songs to reflect on the day’s highlights, and to say goodbye to our friends. We rejoin our families with lost of stories to tell about our day’s adventures. Note: Programming ends at 11:45 a.m. and all children must be picked up no later than 12:00 p.m. 

Each 2-week session is: 
  • $625 for HRCA Members 
  • $645 for HRCA Program Guests

1. Questions before registering?
If you have questions, please email [email protected]
Please note: Sprouts Camp is a summer-only camp-style offering. We do not require enrollment applications or offer tours for this program (these are exclusive to Wild Roots Nature Preschool), but we are always happy to help answer any questions you may have.

2. Register for your Desired Sessions
Families may register for one or multiple two-week sessions. Registration opens February 1, 2026.
 
3. Join Brightwheel
After registering your child, you will receive an invitation to join Brightwheel, our communication and record-keeping platform. You will need to download the app and create an account for your child.

Please note: All and guardians are required to have a Brightwheel account with up-to-date contact information.
 
4. Complete Required Paperwork
Once your Brightwheel account is set up, you will receive an invitation to complete all required childcare paperwork. This includes submitting your child’s most recent immunization record.

Cancellations requested prior to April 1, will be granted a refund minus a non-refundable 10% administrative fee. The 10% administrative fee will not be refunded for any reason. 
 
Cancellations requested on or after April 1, and more than three weeks (21 days) of the session’s start date will be granted a 50% refund. 
 
Cancellations made within three weeks (21 days) of the session’s start will not be granted a refund for any reason. 
 
Transfer requests will be granted up to three weeks (21 days) prior to the start date of your registered session, pending availability. All transfers must be made to another Camp Sprouts summer session in 2026.
 
Parents wishing to cancel a child from must provide written notification via email to [email protected]. You must include your child’s full name, your child’s age, and the dates of the session you wish to cancel, and cancellation reason. 

Parent-Tot Programs

Let us help you give your child a special place in nature, some tools to build and create, and the freedom to explore! Our experienced early childhood nature instructors will guide you and your child into the magic of nature play.

Register for Current Programs

Lunch with the Barnyard Bunch: Join our lively barnyard crew for the most exciting time of day—LUNCH TIME! Your wild ones will love getting up close and personal with our friendly chickens and playful goats, offering them tasty treats and making new furry and feathered friends. Don’t forget to pack your own delicious picnic lunch, because you’ll be joining the animals for a fun-filled feast! You are welcome to stay and enjoy your meal at our cozy picnic tables, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the farm until noon. An adult must accompany and supervise the registered child(ren), ensuring everyone has an unforgettable, hands-on experience! Come hungry for fun, laughter, and a whole lot of farmyard joy!

Little Acorns Playgroup:  Little Acorns Playgroup offers a supportive space for child-led play while celebrating seasonal changes and nature. Children and parents explore the Backcountry Wilderness Area together, fostering connection with the land. The morning includes seasonal songs, short hikes, and imaginative outdoor play, helping children build independence and confidence. This playgroup is a natural introduction to the Backcountry Wilderness Area community and a stepping stone to Wild Roots and Camp Backcountry.

Sunshine & Storytime:  Join us for a nature-themed storytime in the Backcountry Wilderness Area. Stories will be different each week and will be themed based upon seasonal happenings. After the story the Backyard will be open for free play, including our mud kitchen, sand “box” and rotating extension activities based on the book. An adult is required to stay on-site to supervise the registered child(ren). The program is free, but registration is required. Donations are encouraged to the Backcountry Wilderness Area Fund.

Ages: Our Parent-Tot Programs are for children ages 0-8. 

What to Wear: Closed-toe shoes are required for all participants. Programs typically run rain, snow, or shine, so check the weather and dress accordingly. We strongly recommend all children wear a sunhat in the spring, summer, and fall.

What to Bring: A backpack packed with a reusable water bottle, snack, sunscreen, and an extra jacket or raincoat (based on the weather forecast).

Location: Backcountry Base Camp; 6005 Ron King Trail, Littleton, CO 80125

Refund Policy: Refund and transfer requests must be made one week prior to the start date of the program. If we have to cancel a program, you will be given a full refund. All refunds are processed with a $5 fee.

If you have any questions, please contact AnnaKate Hein at [email protected] or 303-471-8876.

Pony Programs

Spark a love for horses in your little ones with our engaging Pony Programs. Tailored for young riders, these hands-on sessions introduce basic horse care, grooming, and riding in a fun, safe environment. Ideal for building confidence and creating lasting memories, our pony programs offer the perfect first step into the equestrian world.

Pony Rides Little Equestrians Cuties at the Corrals Mini Manes Pony Tails Pony Parties

  • Ages: All riding programs are for ages 3-6 (see specific program for age ranges). Child must be 3 years old by the start date of the program; no exceptions. Our “Cuties at the Corrals” program is for ages 0-6.
  • Adult Attendance: Children must be accompanied by an adult for all pony programs; one adult may accompany more than one child.
  • Class size: Maximum of six students for Pony Rides. Maximum of ten students for Cuties at the Corrals. Maximum of eight students for Mini Manes and Pony Tails.
  • What to Wear: Closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothes which can get a little dirty.
  • Weather Policy: Horse programs run rain, snow, or shine, (with the exception of temperatures under 25 degrees, excessive rain/snow which would make programs unsafe, or thunderstorms). We reserve the right to cancel due to unsafe conditions.
  • Arrive Early: Arrive 5-10 minutes prior to the start time of your program to get checked in and have a waiver signed (participants under 18 years old must have their waiver signed by a parent/guardian)
  • Location: Backcountry Outdoor Center Horse Corrals; 6005 Ron King Trail, Littleton, CO 80125. Maps & Directions
  • Refund Policy: Cancellations/transfer requests made more than seven days in advance of the program will be refunded minus a $5 fee. Refunds will not be given for cancellations made fewer than seven days before the program.

Pony Rides 
Hand-led pony rides are available for the young horse enthusiast! Walk along with your child as they enjoy the ride. Please note: 125-pound weight limit. Each time slot accommodates up to eight kids. Both full sized horses and ponies may be used for our 3-6-year-old programs.
 
Little Equestrians 
Little Equestrians is the perfect bridge from pony programs to horseback riding lessons! This 30-minute, private pony-riding lesson firms up the basics of safe— and fun—riding with more attention to details between the rider, instructor, and the pony. Please note: 125-pound weight limit. Please complete a session of our Mini Manes or Pony Tails course prior to registering for Little Equestrians.
 
Cuties at the Corrals 
This 30-minute program is designed for kids under the age of 6 to come out to meet and love on our horses in a safe, crowd-free environment. This class is capped at 10 kids plus their adult(s).
 
Get your little one comfortable around our equine friends with no pressure to get into the saddle right away. This two-week, 45 minute program teaches your tot horse safety and care through hands-on activities. Once they are feeling confident, they’ll have the opportunity to go for a ride. Children must be accompanied by an adult. *Please note that both full-sized horses and ponies may be used for our 3-6-year-old programs.
 
Pony Tails
Help your small horse enthusiast learn about horse behavior and get hands-on experience grooming and saddling during the two-week, hour-long lessons. When they are not learning horse safety, they will get to ride and learn the basics of horseback riding! *Please note that both full-sized horses and ponies may be used for our 3-6-year-old programs.

Contact Abby DeGroot at [email protected]; 303-471-7046.

Need help registering? Contact Member Services at 303-471-7020.

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