Young Explorers in Patagonia National Park: Connecting with Nature

For the past three years, young people from Perito Moreno, Los Antiguos, and Lago Posadas have the opportunity to live an unforgettable experience connecting with nature. Through the Explorers Program, promoted by Rewilding Argentina and the Fundación Freyja, children between 10 and 14 years old participate in camps that connect them with the environment, its history, and the local biodiversity.

This program is a journey of learning and exploration. Participants hike trails, identify native species, learn orientation and camping techniques, and experience nature in its purest form.

“We aim for boys and girls to take ownership of their territory, to understand and value it. We are convinced that the connection with nature is key for the new generations to actively engage in its conservation,” said Pablo D’Amico, program coordinator.

Connecting with nature

The Explorers Program was born in 2022 with a clear objective: to strengthen the bond between young people and their natural environment. “We understood that it was essential to rebuild the relationship between the new generations and nature. It is a fundamental element for any conservation project, because without a sense of identity and belonging, ensuring the care of the territory is difficult,” explained Pablo.

From this perspective, the initiative seeks to bring young people from these localities closer to the flora, fauna, and landscapes of their land. “We started with the basics: teaching them about the native, the behavior of fauna, the landscapes they have nearby. Learning about the sky, the species around us, and, above all, experiencing it firsthand,” he added.

In addition to generating knowledge, the proposal also aims to build an emotional and social connection with nature, encouraging collaboration and shared learning.

New Experiences: from Cañadón Pinturas to Cañadón Caracoles

Until last season, camps were held in the Cañadón del Río Pinturas. However, with the opening of the Portal Cañadón Caracoles, a unique activity was added: rock climbing. With more than 80 enabled routes, this practice is not only a physical challenge, but also an educational resource that fosters confidence, patience, and teamwork.

“Beyond the physical aspect, climbing helps develop self-confidence, observation, and perseverance. It is an incredible pedagogical tool that adds a new dimension to the Explorers’ experience,” highlighted Pablo.

During the camps, participants learn about the flora and fauna of the park, the geological and archaeological history of the region, as well as the ongoing conservation strategies.

Another key learning is orientation in nature. “The ancient inhabitants used the sun, the moon, the stars, and other natural elements to orient themselves and understand the cycles of the year. Now we combine these traditional techniques with modern tools such as compasses, GPS, and phones with geolocation, showing how our relationship with the environment has evolved,” Pablo pointed out.

A growing program that strengthens communities

Since its inception in 2022, Explorers has continued to attract interest. This season set a record, with the 12 scheduled camps fully booked halfway through the summer. The experience has proven to be transformative for young people and their families.

“It’s exciting to see how boys and girls from 10 to 14 years old, after spending three days in the park, already ask when the next camp will be or how to sign up again. This reflects how significant the experience is for them,” Pablo commented.

Many young people return inspired with new aspirations: to study biology, environmental sciences, or even explore how to work in protected areas.

The experience also fosters bonds that strengthen the community. “The kids create deep friendships. After the camp, they visit each other between towns like Perito Moreno and Los Antiguos, strengthening bonds beyond activities,” he added.

Furthermore, the program’s impact extends to families: “Every home with a son or daughter participating in Explorers returns to the park. They come back to hike a trail, visit the planetarium, or discover the places where their children lived an unforgettable experience.”

This program not only educates and excites, but also reinforces the bond between the community and the park, leaving a deep mark and sowing the future of the next nature guardians.