Carolina Explorers “Adventures in Nature” is a FREE science-based, hands-on program for ages 8-12 at the Banner Elk Book Exchange, located in the Historic Banner Elk School in downtown Banner Elk, N.C. (western North Carolina).

Join us in 2024 as we learn about plants, animals, fungi, geology, weather and other cool things in nature that make this area such an amazing place to explore! We’ll also learn about different habitats and organisms in other regions of our state.


2024 Program Dates & Times:

Saturday, May 18 | 1-4 p.m. | Theme: “Reading the Weather”

Saturday, June 15 | 1-4 p.m. | Theme: “Through the Eyes of Insects”

Saturday, July 27 | 1-4 p.m. | Theme: “Wings & Webbed Feet”

Saturday, August 24 | 1-4 p.m. | Theme: “Rocks & Roll”

Each 3-hour session will vary, and includes the following opportunities:

~Hands-on investigations and activities

~Displays on the natural history of the mountains (and other NC regions)

~Fun fieldwork along Banner Elk’s Greenway

~Indoor/outdoor games and puzzles

~Snacks

~Create with Nature craft time

Each student will also take home a Carolina Explorers publication and other educational materials throughout the year. This indoor/outdoor program is FREE! Please register your child by emailing tamara@ncexplorers.com or calling/texting 828.406.8187 with the following information: Participant’s name and age, and special needs/requests for each participant.

This is an indoor and outdoor program, and will require a parent/guardian to sign a waiver form at the time of the event.

‘Adventures in Nature’ is led by a N.C.-Certified Environmental Educator and certified Blue Ridge Naturalist.

The Historic Banner Elk School is located at 185 Azalea Circle, Banner Elk, NC 28604. Banner Elk is approximately 20-30 minutes from Boone or Blowing Rock N.C.