Cool Learning Experience

Early in 2008, two First Baptist Church of Waukegan pastors noted how multiple factors, namely detachment from nature and lack of immersion in natural spaces within the community, combined to undermine healthy child development. With one being a wilderness guide and the other an educator and former scientist, their shared insights led them to develop a nature-based approach that promised hands-on, minds-on learning experiences to combat the dire future being faced by many children. Cool Learning Experience (CLE) was founded that summer as a learning program which addressed the child as a whole, with specific consideration given to the entire life context in which a child was being raised. Today, we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization creating programs which help children develop positive, harmonious relationships with self, peers, family, community and nature. At CLE, we envision a world in which all children in the community are cherished and have experiences that help them to thrive in relationships with their family, community, and the natural world. Together with our loyal volunteers and our growing list of partners and local collaborators, we at CLE have made it our mission to educate children, celebrate nature, inspire well-being, engage families, champion futures, cultivate leaders, and build community.