ORANJESTAD, Aruba — An Aruba nature walk brought elementary schoolchildren together with Governor Alfonso Boekhoudt for two mornings of outdoor learning at Arikok National Park.
The Cabinet of the Governor organized the activity on Monday and Tuesday as part of the “Buki di Pret” program for children during Aruba’s summer vacation period.
This year marks the fifth consecutive year that the Governor’s Cabinet has organized the nature activity for elementary school students.
Governor Boekhoudt personally participated in the walks and spent time explaining Aruba’s natural environment to the children.
Students Explore Arikok National Park
The Aruba nature walk took place inside Arikok National Park, giving the participating children an opportunity to experience one of the island’s most important natural areas firsthand.
During the excursion, Governor Boekhoudt spoke with the students about the flora and fauna found in the area.
Rather than learning only through books or classroom lessons, the children were able to observe Aruba’s landscape and natural environment while walking through the park.
The activity provided an educational experience that combined outdoor recreation with lessons about nature.
For young students, visiting the national park also offered an opportunity to become more familiar with the plants, animals and landscapes that form part of Aruba’s natural heritage.
Buki di Pret Offers Vacation Activities
The walks were organized as part of “Buki di Pret,” a publication created especially for elementary schoolchildren.
The program contains a variety of activities that children can register for during the long school vacation.
These activities provide young residents with opportunities to remain active, learn new things and participate in different experiences while schools are closed.
The Governor’s annual nature walk has become one of those activities.
By bringing students into Arikok National Park, the program combines education, recreation and appreciation for the island’s environment.
Governor Shares Knowledge With Children
Governor Boekhoudt took an active role in the activity instead of attending only in a ceremonial capacity.
During the walk, he provided the children with detailed explanations about the natural surroundings and the different flora and fauna they encountered.
The interaction gave participants an opportunity to learn directly while exploring the park.
The Aruba nature walk also encouraged children to pay closer attention to the environment around them and understand why Aruba’s natural areas are important.
Outdoor educational activities can help young people develop greater curiosity about nature and build an early appreciation for protecting the environment.
Fifth Consecutive Year of Nature Activity
The 2026 walks continue a tradition that the Cabinet of the Governor has maintained for five consecutive years.
Holding the activity across two mornings allowed groups of elementary schoolchildren to experience the park while participating in the Buki di Pret vacation program.
The initiative demonstrates how educational activities can extend beyond the classroom and use Aruba’s own natural surroundings as a learning environment.
Through the Aruba nature walk, participating students were able to spend time outdoors, explore Arikok National Park and gain a better understanding of the island’s flora and fauna directly from Governor Boekhoudt.
Photos of the activity were provided courtesy of the Cabinet of the Governor.
