Afterschool
Programs
Eco-Explorers
The Kiva Center’s Eco-Explorers afterschool program is a primarily outdoors-based class focused on nature connection for urban communities. Students explore the outdoor spaces in their local community and engage in group activities that encourage friendship, health, community service and fun! Seasonal activities include gardening, outdoor play, collaborative games, traditional arts and storytelling. The program runs throughout the entire school year.
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Program Spotlight
In 2017, The Kiva Center joined the My Outdoor Colorado Westwood Coalition of local organizations to implement GOCO’s Generation Wild Initiative in the Westwood neighborhood of Denver, CO.
My Outdoor Colorado (MOC) is a visionary approach to connecting youth with the outdoors through strategic partnerships that provide access to nature education, recreation and skill-building opportunities. Access to the outdoors fosters a greater appreciation of the natural environment, provides opportunities to build an ethic of stewardship, and helps youth experience potential careers in the outdoors.
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The Kiva Center participates through offering free nature connection programs and nature mentoring employment.
Success in Westwood
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At the beginning of the program students in Westwood were asked “Do you feel it’s important to spend time outdoors?,” only 27% responded YES! At the end of the program,100% of respondents answered YES to this question!
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When the same students were asked if they felt that they could make a difference in their community, the percentage of those who responded YES jumped from 14% at the start to 100% at the end of the end!
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Pathways in Westwood
Each year, The Kiva Center hires and trains young adults and high school students to run Eco-Explorers Programs. They receive extensive training in nature-connection mentoring, personal development opportunities, and the chance to make a difference in their community.
Montse, far left in the picture to the below, chose to change her major to education after her experience with Kiva Center.
Bianca, third from the left, inspired the youth to feel empowered to create change by sharing her passion for connecting to ancestral heritage.
The Kiva Center's Afterschool "Eco-Explorers" Program is currently paused through the remainder of the Fall 2025 Semester. We will update with information as it becomes available.
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