Growing the next generation of problem solvers

Inside Roseville’s League of Explorers

At the Utility Exploration Center, learning about utilities does not look like a lecture. It looks like kids building water filters, wiring solar circuits, and testing what really should and should not go down the drain.

It is all part of the League of Explorers, a free program designed for kids ages 7 to 11 that blends science, creativity, and real-world problem solving. Each month, participants take on a new “mission” focused on sustainability and environmental utilities. They complete hands-on activities at home, then return to “Headquarters” at the center to put their knowledge to the test in a live lab and earn that month’s badge.

For Madelaine Reynolds, an Interpretive Services Specialist II who leads the program, the goal is simple but powerful.

“We’re pulling back the curtain on utilities for this age group and empowering them to make changes every single day,” she explained. “They may not pay the utility bill, but they use these services. They’re active members of the community, and we lean on them to help us make a difference.”

Learning by doing

Each League of Explorers mission is designed to be hands-on and rooted in STEAM learning, covering science, technology, engineering, art, and math.

One month, kids might test what clogs a toilet using everyday items. Another month, they build water filtration systems or create solar-powered circuits. The lessons change, but the goal stays the same: make complex systems tangible and memorable. Before attending a live lab, participants complete take-home experiments with their families.

“In each kit, there are three experiments to do at home,” Reynolds shared. “They document what they learn, then come back and use that knowledge to complete a project in the live lab.”

The program has grown steadily since it launched three years ago, with sessions often reaching capacity and families returning month after month.“We’re always seeing new families, but also a lot of returning explorers,” Reynolds noted. “People are telling their neighbors and bringing friends along.”

The “light bulb” moments

For many participants, the impact goes beyond a single activity. Ten-year-old Lucas has been part of the program for more than two years. Ask him what keeps him coming back, and the answer comes easy.

“The activities are super fun and amazing.” From building solar cars to experimenting with circuitry, Lucas has found a passion for engineering. “I do want to be an engineer,” he shared. “The wiring and stuff like that is really good for becoming an engineer.”

He has also taken lessons beyond the classroom, especially when it comes to protecting the environment. “I’ve learned about protecting creeks and freshwater areas,” he added. “You’ve got to protect nature… for future generations.”

Those moments are exactly what Reynolds hopes to see.

“Kids come back month after month, and they recognize us right away,” she reflected. “They’re building relationships, and they’re starting to see our staff as role models for future careers.” She has also seen the ripple effect extend beyond the classroom.

“Parents are learning right alongside their kids,” Reynolds pointed out. “We’ve had families tell us they’ve saved money on plumbing because of what they learned here.”

Building future stewards

At its core, League of Explorers is about more than science experiments. It is about building awareness, responsibility, and curiosity at an age when habits begin to form.

For Reynolds, that mission is personal. “This is my passion,” she shared. “I love engaging with the community and creating free, accessible science programming for kids. We’re empowering the next generation, because we’re going to depend on them.” For kids like Lucas, that future already feels a little clearer. “It’s fun and engaging, and you learn how to protect the environment.”

How to join

League of Explorers is free for Roseville families, with monthly missions and limited-capacity live lab sessions. Families can sign up or learn more at roseville.ca.gov/explorers or by visiting the Utility Exploration Center in person. Because the next generation of problem solvers might already be hard at work.