School programs

We offer programs for schools/classes, weaving a series of trips together to create a journey through the latter part of middle school. Camping trips immersing in the wilderness near or far, provide the context for inner and outer exploration.

Example curriculum arc in a 2-year program:

FALL 7th grade

Nature Awareness: Watersheds, Astronomy, geological formation of California/Point Reyes, Indigenous cultures and life ways
Earth Skills: Friction fire, fire tending
Inner Cultivation: Gratitude, mindfulness, intention-setting, peak & transformative experiences
Social Connection: Peacemaking, Non-Violent Communication, gender identity, context for rites of passage

WINTER 7th grade

Nature Awareness: Local trees and plant communities, tracking, water purification, wild herbal teas
Earth Skills: Knife safety, carving spoons, knot-tying, tarp craft
Inner Cultivation: Basic neurobiology, Flow state psychology,
Social Connection: Power & privilege – racism, sexism, classism, The Way of Council

SPRING 7th grade

Nature Awareness: Astronomy, ecology of Point Reyes or Sierra Nevada
Earth Skills: Backpacking, orienteering with map & compass, Leave No Trace principles
Inner Cultivation: Emotional patterns of feeling and expression, somatics of mind-body connection
Social Connection: Non-judgement and acceptance of self and others, relational mindfulness

FALL 8th grade

Nature Awareness: Foraging and land care, tree care and fire safe forests, social forestry, sudden oak life
Earth Skills: Cooking over fire, making herbal medicine
Inner Cultivation: Ancestry and family tree, honoring lineage
Social Connection: Storytelling and the drama of life

WINTER 8th grade

Nature Awareness: Survival skills
Earth Skills: Bow making, archery
Inner Cultivation: Renewal of Creative path – creative scene and creating healthy practices
Social Connection: Relationships, consent, healthy sexuality

SPRING 8th grade

Nature Awareness: Ecology of Sierra Nevada or Trinity Mountains
Earth Skills: Water purification, backcountry cooking, how to poop in the woods
Inner Cultivation: Solitude and sense of self, integration, commitments, self expression and acceptance
Social Connection: Leadership, appreciation, giveaway