For some, graduating The Immersion is just the start. Year 2 supports students in looking toward what is next in their work and life after completing The Immersion. Whether you need a reset after attending The Immersion years ago or you are a new graduate who wants to dive deeper into skills and togetherness, Immersion Year 2 is ready to welcome you back to Linne Doran.
What would it feel like to reconnect with the core routines of your Wilderness Awareness School student experience and continue your nature connection journey? Do you want to learn with a small and intimate group of like-minded people?
NEW in 2026-27 – Immersion Year 2 will be comprised of:
- Year 2 students will have class days primarily on Fridays. Friday class days and field trips specifically designed for Immersion Year 2 students will deepen core routines and skills through three primary curriculum areas (see below).
- You will be able to participate in most class days and field trips with the first-year Immersion students, fostering a strong and dynamic community. Besides some key expeditions, these days will be optional. You will be able to create an “a la carte” experience based on your interest and availability.
- Community “dirt time” – designed and structured to cultivate an embodied practice
Core Curriculum Areas
Natural & Cultural History of the Pacific Northwest
Students will step further into learning about the ecological landscapes and culturescapes of our region. This area of curriculum will study ecology, ornithology, bird language, wildlife tracking, botany, and cultural studies.
Potential class days: Marine and Island Ecology, Pacific Northwest Geology, Snow Tracking, etc.
Bushcraft & Outdoor Skills
This area will take students much further into bushcraft, survival, and other outdoor living and traveling skill sets. It will include advanced work with fire, shelter, campcraft, navigation, food and water procurement, and wildcrafting.
Potential class days: Large Animal Processing, Freshwater Fishing, Wildcrafted Pack Baskets, etc.
Leadership, Awareness, & Self Discovery
Students will continue their practices of core routines, self-awareness, embodiment, justice awareness, and communication and group process work. This component aims to leave second-year graduates more connected to who they are and how they may maximize their potential in this world.
Potential class days: Continued Leadership, Embodiment Work, Exploration of Equity in Nature Connection.
Program Logistics
- Immersion Year 2 will begin in early September and end in late May/early June
- This cohort will have a maximum of 14 students, with an average student/teacher ratio of 7:1
- Standard class for Year 2 only will typically be on Fridays
- Year 2 students are able to attend a majority of Year 1 class days throughout the year; these are not mandatory
- Each quarter will include at least one overnight specific to Year 2 to various Puget Sound and greater Northwest locations of interest
- Home study assignments will be given out throughout the year. Examples include personal projects, self-directed trips, volunteer opportunities, and citizen science projects
- Price reduced! – Tuition for this program is $7,495 with a non-refundable deposit of $1,000 due upon enrollment
Meet Your Core Instructor
Brooke Nelson (She/Her)
Brooke grew up exploring the woodlands, sagebrush steppe and salty shores of the Pacific Northwest. After graduating from the University of Washington, she developed a passion for the sea and spent years working for marine conservation organizations. When her attention shifted to life on land, she attended and taught at Alderleaf Wilderness College where she earned certificates in Wilderness Skills Education and Ecology, Wildlife Track & Sign (Level III), and Permaculture Design. In 2019, Brooke attended the Nature Connected Coaching program at Earth Based Institute. At Wilderness Awareness School, she graduated from the Nature Instructor Training program and worked as the admissions coordinator and Immersion Year Two core instructor. She loves wandering the wilds with people who marvel at the same things she does – animal tracks, native plants, bird calls – and sharing curiosity about all we find.
Adjunct Instructors
These Immersion Year 1 instructors will support your experience at multiple days of class.
Jeni Ronald
Richie Rivera-Booth
Andy Franjevic
Ready to Join?
If you’re a graduate of The Immersion and interested in participating in Immersion Year 2, apply here. Enrollment is open on a rolling basis until the program is filled.
To view more information, click here or email Kyle at [email protected].