Youth School

“My daughter looks forward to her WAS day all week long. Her confidence and competence in the outdoors is well beyond my hopes for her.”

– Parent of an 8-year-old Foxes student

“My kids love the overall experience. I know the experience they are having is something that isn’t always quantifiable but I can see it in ways that amaze me, in their confidence, their inner growth, and in the strong curiosity, kindness, and care they show for all of life.”

– Mother of 9 and 10 year old students

“My child felt important and knew he was part of something much bigger than himself. He belonged, yet continued to flourish as himself. His confidence grew immensely.”

– Mother of 8 year old student

Wilderness Awareness Youth School is a weekly nature program for children. Students can register for one or both days. Note that the cost listed is per program day.

Wednesday Option

Village Day: Ages 7-13

Thursday Options

Foxes: Age 7-9
Coyotes: Age 10-13

All of our Youth School programs open the portals of curiosity, imagination, and connection for any child with an interest in nature. Through creative play and exploration, students work together in small groups with a low student-to-instructor ratio. Students gain nature awareness and knowledge of plants, mammals, birds, tracking, and survival.

Our Wednesday Village program is for 7-13 year-olds. In addition to everything we love about our Foxes and Coyotes programs, this program also naturally fosters a multi-age learning community, ripe for peer-to-peer mentoring and interest-based curriculum. 

On Thursday, we host our Foxes program for 7-9-year-olds and our Coyotes program for 10-13-year-olds.

Most parents choose between Wednesday and Thursday Youth School options based on what best fits their schedule. Some families with 7-13 year old students sign up for both days since each program is unique and offers something different.

Example Class Days:

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 children 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 students’ curiosities and interests
• Encouraging students to identify their unique gifts and passions, and to explore them with confidence  
• Nurturing our students in their journey of learning and growth in nature while building social and emotional skills within a supportive community of students and staff
• Encouraging creative thinking rather than simply providing answers. Our experienced instructors help students 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 volunteers and apprentice instructors
• Are trained as Coyote Mentors with current Wilderness First Aid and CPR certifications
• Have experience teaching wilderness and survival skills, and are well-versed with the unique needs of the students in each age group 
• Are compassionate educators, encouraging each child’s respect for self, others, and nature

Read this story about the positive transformation that Finn, one of our Youth School students, experienced recently.

Meet the Instructors

Village and Foxes