Summer Skills Program
 

Embark on an immersive, hands-on adventure where curiosity and wonder guide the way! This program is thoughtfully designed for young explorers, encouraging a deep love and respect for nature through engaging, skill-building activities. Throughout the experience, participants will develop foundational skills for wilderness survival, such as constructing simple shelters, identifying edible and medicinal plants, filtering water, and practicing fire safety. These hands-on lessons are woven into nature games, storytelling, and group challenges, ensuring that learning is both fun and meaningful. A key focus of the program is understanding the Rule of Threes for Survival. Activities throughout the week will focus on teaching these essential survival principles in engaging and age-appropriate ways: - You can survive three minutes without air or in extreme conditions. - You can survive three hours without shelter in harsh weather. - You can survive three days without water. - You can survive three weeks without food. Beyond survival skills, this program builds confidence, creativity, and teamwork. Kids will problem-solve through interactive scenarios, learn to communicate effectively in outdoor settings, and develop leadership skills as they navigate challenges together. Whether it's practicing calm decision-making in unexpected situations, learning about hazards of wildlife, or engaging in eco-stewardship activities, each day brings new opportunities to grow, explore, and connect. With an emphasis on playful discovery and outdoor connection, this experience empowers all young adventurers to feel capable, confident, and at home in the great outdoors!

Push your limits, test your resilience, and explore what it truly means to survive in the wild. Designed for teens seeking real-world survival skills, this immersive program goes beyond the basics, challenging participants to think critically, problem-solve under pressure, and develop strong leadership abilities in the great outdoors. Throughout the week, teens will tackle advanced survival challenges that require adaptability, quick thinking, and teamwork. Participants will learn: > Primitive shelter construction: building sturdy, weather-resistant structures with only natural materials. > Tracking and awareness: reading animal signs, identifying movement patterns, and using tracking as a survival tool. > Archery skills: practicing precision, patience, and coordination while learning the fundamentals of traditional archery. > Emergency response and navigation: Practicing real-life survival situations, from providing first aid and signaling for rescue to finding their way using natural signs like the sun, stars, and landmarks. Survival isn’t just about skills—it’s about mindset, endurance, and teamwork. Teens will engage in wilderness simulations and survival missions that test their ability to stay calm, think strategically, and make crucial decisions in changing conditions. Through shared challenges and group problem-solving, they’ll develop trust, communication, and leadership skills essential for thriving in the wild. Working both independently and in small teams, they will learn to assess risks, manage resources, and overcome obstacles with determination and creativity. This program is designed to push boundaries, foster self-reliance, and build confidence in the face of the unknown. Whether braving the elements, mastering new survival techniques, or leading a group through a high-stakes challenge, participants will walk away with a deep sense of accomplishment, resilience, and a lifelong connection to the wild—and to those who faced the journey alongside them.

Join us for a week-long adventure into the art and practice of foraging, where the natural world offers abundant gifts for us to explore! This hands-on program is designed to immerse participants in the rich diversity of plants and herbs found on the land, providing them with the tools to identify, harvest, and appreciate the bountiful offerings of nature. Participants will dive deep into the principles of ethical harvesting, learning the importance of sustainability and the delicate balance of nature. They will explore the land through guided walks, honing their skills in plant identification, while gaining an understanding of the many benefits these plants provide. Whether it's recognizing the healing properties of certain herbs or learning which plants are safe to consume, this experience will foster a deeper connection to the environment. As we harvest, we’ll also focus on the process of transforming these plants into useful remedies. Participants will engage in crafting herbal teas, creating nourishing salves and soothing tinctures, and learning how to prepare these ingredients for long-term use. Each day will provide opportunities to learn about the many uses of plants, from food to medicine, and participants will take home their own creations, a testament to their newfound knowledge. This program goes beyond just foraging—it’s an invitation to cultivate mindfulness and reverence for the land. We’ll explore the role of plants in traditional cultures, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices and the connection between humans and the earth. Through storytelling, group activities, and experiential learning, participants will deepen their appreciation for the natural world and the timeless art of foraging. By the end of the week, participants will leave with not only new skills and knowledge but also a greater sense of empowerment and connection to the environment. This program is perfect for young explorers who are curious about the healing potential of nature, eager to learn sustainable practices, and ready to develop a deeper, more respectful relationship with the land.

Step into the flow of adventure, where every ripple tells a story! This immersive creek survival program transforms young explorers into the heroes of their own wilderness quest, blending hands-on learning with a thrilling, unfolding survival scenario. From the moment we enter the creek, participants will be drawn into a realistic survival story, where teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking are the keys to success. Maybe their raft has crashed, leaving them stranded, or a mentor has an “injury”, requiring a daring water rescue. Each day, they’ll face a new challenge—filtering water, building a makeshift raft, or navigating the creek safely—developing real-world survival skills as they work together to reach safety. This program isn’t just about survival—it’s about embracing adventure, building resilience, and forming bonds through shared challenges. Through group problem-solving, creative thinking, and plenty of splash-filled fun, participants will leave with new skills and a lifelong connection to water, teamwork, and the wild places that call us to explore.