NEW BEDFORD, Mass. —

Exploring the natural world is a big focus of New Bedford’s Youth Opportunities Unlimited, or Y.O.U.

Based on Clark's Point peninsula, the small nonprofit started in 2004 as an after-school program. It provides bikes for local kids so they can set out on adventures.

Executive director Bernadette Souza explained that bikes allow participants to cover significant distances.

Carrie Hawthorne, who heads up programming, said the students, who are aged 9 to 14, get a big say in what activities they take part in.

"We are never coming at them with a curriculum," Hawthorne said. "We're really here to foster that sense of curiosity and follow their lead."

Hawthorne said no matter the season, there are new things to discover.

"We have the pond out back that we can put on w

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