Teachers & Youth Leaders

Three Rivers' parks offers educational destinations for school field trips, scout and other organized groups, or homeschool students. Classroom concepts are reinforced through learning opportunities that teach children and teens to appreciate and respect their surroundings. Programs are available in the parks, at your school or other preferred location. Sites will work with you to achieve educational goals for students and scouts.

Three Rivers' parks are the perfect field trip destinations. Choose from a variety of activities or customized programs to create a special experience for your group. Park District staff can also bring programs to schools and other locations.

Find numerous events for scouts of all ages, like outdoor exploration, badge programs, overnight stays and more. Scouts can fulfill badge requirements and personal interests by attending one of the many scheduled scout programs.

Students can fulfill curriculum needs and personal interests when they attend one of the many scheduled homeschool programs. They can also develop an understanding of science, the natural world, history, agriculture and art or learn new life-long recreation skills.

Get your group involved with skills-based activities at your location or in the parks with the Outdoor Recreation School. Sign up for one activity or mix and match for either a half or full day of fun. 

Three Rivers provides program fee assistance to help groups with financial need so they can experience fee-based programs and activities in the parks.

Coming by bus or passenger van? Reservations are required and fees may be assessed for vehicles of this size. Check with your site or the Reservations staff for more information.

Need gear? No problem. Three Rivers offers rental equipment for almost any activity and ability. Contact the park site you are planning to visit to check on availability and special pricing that may available.

A 50% fee reduction is offered to public agencies and non-profit organizations on weekdays and based on availability.

Three Rivers appreciates the help of volunteers and offers projects for groups and individuals. Opportunities include Global Youth Service Day, garlic mustard and buckthorn removals, prairie seed collection and more.
 

Three Rivers Park District is committed to making programs accessible. With advance notice, we can arrange for sign language interpreters and a wide variety of assisted technology (all-terrain wheel chairs, sound amplifiers, etc.). Financial assistance is available for qualifying groups.

At Three Rivers Parks, classroom concepts are reinforced through nature and outdoor education. Programs are available in the parks, at your school or other preferred location. Sites will work with you to achieve educational goals for students.

Transportation fee assistance is designed to connect people with the park facilities, programs and natural spaces with an emphasis on new visitors and those who would otherwise be unable to visit the parks.

The Pathways Internship program provides meaningful, hands-on opportunities for students and youth to explore the exciting possibilities of a career in parks and recreation.

Newsletters

Stay updated on programs designed for school groups, scouts, youth groups and homeschools through the Youth Leader Services newsletters.

The Wandering Naturalist

Episodes 195–197: Women and Wilderness

Join Brandon and Angela this month as we discuss women and wilderness. Discover how rewarding pursuing a career in the outdoors can be, the role educators play in creating a more inclusive space for everyone to explore their relationship with the outdoors and how our connection with the land guides our own healing.

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