Parent-Child Meetups
Nature Explorers
Tuesdays | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Ages 4–10 (siblings of all ages welcome)
Nature is an incredible living classroom. Exploring the outdoors nurtures curiosity, hands-on learning, and critical thinking. Whether observing wildlife, studying plants, or exploring ecosystems, children gain a deeper understanding of science, geography, and even art. Time in nature also supports physical health, reduces stress, and sparks creativity — all essential for balanced learning. Most importantly, it fosters a lasting respect and sense of responsibility for the natural world, helping homeschoolers grow into thoughtful, engaged citizens.
What Our Tuesdays Include
• Welcome circle
• Parent-led STEAM or nature-based lesson
• Free play and nature exploration
Lessons are developmentally appropriate. Younger children enjoy nature crafts and simple science experiments, while older students engage in hands-on STEAM and nature challenges that build problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Monthly Group Hikes
One Tuesday each month is dedicated to a group hike around Treasure Valley. These outings give families the opportunity to explore local trails together while building community outdoors.
Weather & Air Quality Policy
We meet rain, shine, or snow whenever conditions are safe for families. Meetups will be canceled if the outdoor temperature “feels like” below 19°F for the duration of the program. Activities may also be canceled if air quality is rated “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” or worse due to smoke or other environmental conditions. Families will be notified of any changes as early as possible.
STEAM Explorers
Fridays | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Ages 4–10 (siblings of all ages welcome)
STEAM learning helps children make sense of the world through creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking. By blending science, technology, engineering, art, and math, children learn to solve problems, connect ideas, and apply learning to real-life situations. Hands-on projects and experiments build resilience, collaboration, and communication skills while supporting diverse learning styles and encouraging innovation. Beyond academics, STEAM fosters confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.
What Our Fridays Include
• Welcome circle
• Parent-led STEAM lesson
• Free play
Lessons are developmentally appropriate. Younger children engage in shorter, guided activities featuring simple experiments and creative projects, while older students participate in longer lessons with science demonstrations and hands-on STEAM challenges that build problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
Seasonal Location
We meet outdoors in the spring through fall and indoors during the winter months.
Field Trips
Kids have field trips throughout the school year to various locations around Treasure Valley.
Science Fair
Kids age 5+ have the choice to participate in a Spring Science Fair. It is an opportunity for kids to do a science project following either the scientific method or the engineering design process. Kids create a science fair display board to present what they did, show their data, and present their conclusions.
Holiday Celebrations
Our parent-child meetups have parties throughout the school year to celebrate the holidays. These include a Fall party, Thanksgiving Potluck, Winter party, Valentine's Day party, Spring party and Summer party.
Monthly Mom's Day Out
Mom's work hard 24/7! Once a month, we have a mom's day out event. This is a chance for us moms to get together to relax, recharge, and have some fun without the kiddos around.
Family Handbook
Parent-Stay Meetups: Participation & Responsibilities
During the parent-stay meetups, families play an active role in making our community successful. Parents are responsible for planning, providing materials for, and facilitating a lesson on their assigned date(s). Typically, this means each family leads a class about 2–3 times per school year, depending on total enrollment. The number of classes each family is responsible for depends on the total number of families participating in the co-op, with all class days divided as evenly as possible so that each family contributes equally. If a parent is uncomfortable leading a class independently, they may arrange to co-teach with another parent; however, they are still responsible for planning the lesson and providing materials on their assigned date(s). Families are also responsible for assisting with one or more holiday celebrations during the school year. Parents are required to remain on-site for the full duration of each meetup and are responsible for the supervision, behavior, and safety of their child or children at all times.
Co-op Registration Fee
A $20 fee per child (ages 3 and up) is required each school year.
Behavior Policy
At Star STEAM Explorers Homeschool Co-op, we value a safe, respectful, and kind learning environment where all students can thrive. Students are expected to be respectful, responsible, safe, and kind. Bullying, harassment, or unsafe behavior—whether physical or verbal—will not be tolerated, and repeated offenses may result in dismissal from the co-op. To maintain a safe and positive environment, the presence or use of weapons, pornographic or sexually explicit materials, inappropriate or offensive language, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, or gang-related symbols or behavior is strictly prohibited during any co-op activity. Violations of these policies may result in immediate dismissal. The firearms portion of this policy applies specifically to students; parents and legal guardians retain their rights under Idaho state law, and Star STEAM Explorers respects these rights while maintaining safety expectations for all participants.
Sick Policy
To help keep our community healthy, families are asked NOT to attend class if a child has a fever, rash, pink eye, colored nasal discharge, diarrhea, vomiting, a wet cough, lice, or any communicable illness.
Respecting Differences
STEAM Explorers Homeschool Co-op is a secular group. We believe everyone has the right to their own personal beliefs and ask all members to be respectful of differing belief systems. Likewise, while we recognize that individuals hold a variety of political beliefs, political discussions are not permitted during STEAM Explorers meetups in order to maintain a welcoming and inclusive environment for all families.
Field Trips
Field trips are an important part of our learning experience. Families who attend a field trip are responsible for all associated expenses, including but not limited to entrance fees, parking fees, and travel costs. All members are welcome to organize field trips; however, all plans and details must be communicated with and approved by the director, Olivia, prior to the trip to ensure coordination and consistency.
Weather & Air Quality Policy
Whenever conditions are safe, we meet outdoors in sunshine, rain, or snow, so children can enjoy nature in all seasons. Outdoor meetups will be canceled if the outdoor temperature “feels like” it will remain below 19°F for the duration of the meetup. We use the “feels like” temperature because it accounts for wind chill, cloud cover, and sun exposure, giving a more accurate picture of how cold it actually feels for children spending extended time outdoors.
For example:
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If the air temperature is 29°F but conditions are cloudy and windy with a “feels like” temperature of 18°F, the meetup will be canceled.
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If the air temperature is 19°F, sunny, with a “feels like” temperature of 23°F, we will meet outdoors as scheduled.
Outdoor activities may also be canceled if local air quality is rated “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” or worse due to smoke or other environmental conditions. This helps protect children who may be more sensitive to air quality issues, as well as our group as a whole. If weather or air quality conditions require a change, families will be notified as early as possible so you have time to plan accordingly. We always aim to balance consistency with safety and truly appreciate your flexibility.