Wild Within

“Niya considers the teens in Wild Within especially her “tribe”. This is the place she feels most accepted, valued, seen. It’s the place that creates the space that allows deep thinking to arise. I am profoundly grateful for the staff, the mentoring model, the nature skill practice as a vehicle for personal growth. It’s clear that WAS programs have been a large part of what allows Niya to be herself in a way that is very different from her public school peers. To evaluate the choices she sees them make, and decide with intention what she will or will not participate in.”

– Kylie, mother of Niya (age 17)

Join a group of teens who seek adventure, skills and true wildness with amazing people!

Please note: There are two separate programs, Wild Within 1 for 14 to 16-year-olds and Wild Within 2 for 16 to 18-year-olds. New 16-year-old Wild Within students may be asked to join the 14 to 16 year-old program.

Wild Within gives teens the opportunity to intensely live the core routines of nature awareness, practicing wilderness and community building skills that bring us alive.

Students Will Learn:

Each of the 8 weekends will focus on a different aspect of this learning journey, based on the season, location, and knowledge and interest of the group. As the group discovers its major interests, the instructors will work to provide opportunities for in-depth learning in those areas to the group and to individuals with a passion for mastery of a certain topic.

Program Logistics

• Class takes place from Friday at 6pm to Sunday at 3pm
• Weekends will either meet at our 40-acre Campus outside of Duvall or in the town of Duvall. Instructors will provide specific guidance before each weekend.
• Some weekends will be an expedition visiting beautiful natural areas in the greater Puget Sound region, while other weekends will take place at our Duvall Campus
• Please note this change from previous years: we will provide one meal, Saturday dinner; all other meals are provided by students. We may not be able to accommodate all dietary needs. Please reach out to instructors after registration if you have specific dietary needs.

Our Educational Philosophy

Our signature Coyote Mentoring methods draw the learning out of our students rather than forcing it in. Curiosity is strategically ignited, and mentors keep a keen eye on their students, looking for moments of awe and opportunities for passion to grow. Our curriculum focuses on:

• Providing fun, hands-on opportunities for teens to get outside and to learn about the natural world
• Engaging play-based class content that adapts to the seasons, as well as to our teens’ curiosities and interests
• Nurturing our teens in their journey of learning and growth in nature while building social and emotional skills within a supportive community of students and staff
• Supporting our teens in noticing their unique gifts and pushing them towards their growth edges  
• Encouraging creative thinking rather than simply providing answers. Our experienced instructors help teens develop problem-solving skills and critical thinking, fostering a deeper level of curiosity, learning, and connection

Our Instructional Staff:

• Follow a targeted 1:10 adult to student ratio, and are supported by experienced volunteers and apprentice instructors
• Are trained as Coyote Mentors with current Wilderness First Aid and CPR certifications
• Have extensive experience teaching survival skills and have a solid understanding of the unique needs of teens
• Are compassionate educators, encouraging each child’s respect for self, others, and nature

Weekend Program Dates (2025-2026)

Wild Within 1: Ages 14-16

Sep 26-28, Oct 17-19, Nov 7-9, Dec 5-7, Jan 30-Feb 1, Feb 27-Mar 1, Mar 27-29, Apr 24-26

Wild Within 2: Ages 16-18 

Sep 19-21, Oct 10-12, Oct 31-Nov 2, Dec 5-7, Jan 23-25, Feb 20-22, Mar 20-22, Apr 17-19

Program will run Friday at 6pm through Sunday at 3pm.

Lydia Crook

Omer Gil

Siana Stutchbury

Andy Franjevic