If children are our future and we focus on their futures, what's created is an environment where everyone prospers.

That simple equation sort of sums up the North Museum of Nature and Science's new kids' program. It's the kind of forward thinking that has made the North Museum a cornerstone in our local education community.

"You see that spark of curiosity come out," said Kate Wilson, the North Museum's senior manager of visitors' services. "I just enjoy seeing (kids) come alive with wonder and get excited about the world around them. I love seeing kids learn but having fun with it. We don't want them to worry that they don't know things. Science changes. Seeing a kid make a mistake or having a happy accident is an opportunity to teach. That's what science is."

Located at 400 College Ave., Lancaster, the North Museum of Nature and Science has a new venture into the world of education called Nurture at North. The drop-off program is STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) based and geared toward budding learners between the ages of 3 and 6.

Following a trial run this winter, Nurture at North was launched in the early days of June. The second session of the program, which offers half-day and full-day rates, will conclude on Friday, Aug. 29, and a decision on whether or not to continue it beyond the start of the school year has yet to be made.

"It's STEM-focused, which gives kids a foundation for skills they're going to use the rest of their lives," said Scott Downs, the North Museum's director of development and strategic partnerships. "What could be a better classroom than a museum? STEM education is critically important to kids whether they pursue science later in life or not. It teaches them problem-solving and communication skills. I think there's a lot of value there. It also promotes equity and inclusion."

At this point in their development, 3- to 6-year-olds are just learning how to learn. About 14 kids are currently enrolled in the Nurture at North program.

"Developmentally, they're still learning their basic skills," said Wilson. "At this age, kids soak things up like a sponge, and they're able to report what they're learning. This is the perfect age to teach science, math and reading, and they're learning to be functioning humans. They're still learning basic facts."

"(Kids are) little explorers, and we're trying to foster that inquisitiveness," said Downs. "We know how important fundamental things are in a child's development."

Through weekly themes, real-life experiences and hands-on learning, Nurture at North teaches social and interpersonal skills, fun science facts and how things work in the world. Students are taught to identify birds and other wildlife; they learn about astronomy in the planetarium; they learn about the weather; and they are treated to free play, circle time, experiments and readings.

Downs noted that another purpose of Nurture at North is to provide a child care option for families.

"We're always trying to address the needs of the community," he said. "We thought this might be a good opportunity for us to step up and fill a void."

While the drop-off aspect is a unique element to its youth programs, the North Museum also sponsors the youth-focused Prechool Picassos, Little Explorer and Me, STEM Story Time, North Museum at Home, Science in the Summer and health and wellness fairs. In addition, the museum hosts dozens of school field trips each year and sends volunteers to schools through its STEM career fair program.

"So many people think of the North Museum as a museum," said Downs. "But beyond that, we are a large education provider for this community, and not just for children. We are making a difference in so many young people's lives. It's a really fascinating gem. This place is just so amazing."

For additional information, go to http://www.northmuseum.org.