While participating in the  Homeschool Naturalist Program is an experiential learning environment where your child will learn about all the earth sciences; botany, entomology, and basic biology.  Our hands-on approach helps create a deep nature connection while having fun learning . Our experienced Field Instructors and Mentors plan through the seasons as they use ancient knowledge and wisdom to guide them through meaningful nature-based experiences.  We take a deep dive into observing and learning about the local flora and fauna through activities and tasks involving; animal tracking, plant & tree identification, natural crafts and other hands-on skills.  These experiences helps create confident, strong, self sufficient learners. Our 100% outdoorprogram is like no other, as nature is not only our classroom it is our teacher and the foundation of every experience.

We will go on adventures back in time and learn  about the resources that have provided our ancestors with the four basic elements of life; shelter, water, fire, and food.  Through a numbers of Earth based skills and natural crafts, your child will learn how to manage these resources found in nature, as they learn how to be stewards of the land.

Through the ancient tradition of coyote teaching, we are helping build a community of natural leaders that will has; a sense of belonging; a passion to succeed; and problem solving skills

This is a drop off program with age-appropriate activities.

Ages: 7-14 (Participants must be of age at the start of the program)
Registration fee: 7 weeks $315-$560 sliding scale (you pay what you are comfortable paying)
Where: Ancestral Knowledge Nature Museum and Research Center, Lanham, MD
When: Monday's 10:30am-3:00pm once a week 8/31-10/19 (please refer to our calendar for the exact dates)

While participating in the  Homeschool Naturalist Program is an experiential learning environment where your child will learn about all the earth sciences; botany, entomology, and basic biology.  Our hands-on approach helps create a deep nature connection while having fun learning . Our experienced Field Instructors and Mentors plan through the seasons as they use ancient knowledge and wisdom to guide them through meaningful nature-based experiences.  We take a deep dive into observing and learning about the local flora and fauna through activities and tasks involving; animal tracking, plant & tree identification, natural crafts and other hands-on skills.  These experiences helps create confident, strong, self sufficient learners. Our 100% outdoorprogram is like no other, as nature is not only our classroom it is our teacher and the foundation of every experience.

We will go on adventures back in time and learn  about the resources that have provided our ancestors with the four basic elements of life; shelter, water, fire, and food.  Through a numbers of Earth based skills and natural crafts, your child will learn how to manage these resources found in nature, as they learn how to be stewards of the land.

Through the ancient tradition of coyote teaching, we are helping build a community of natural leaders that will has; a sense of belonging; a passion to succeed; and problem solving skills

This is a drop off program with age-appropriate activities.

Ages: 7-14 (Participants must be of age at the start of the program)
Registration fee: 7 weeks $315-$560 sliding scale (you pay what you are comfortable paying)
Where: Ancestral Knowledge Nature Museum and Research Center, Lanham, MD
When: Monday's 10:30am-3:00pm once a week 8/31/2026-5/24/2027 (please refer to our calendar for the exact dates)

While participating in the  Homeschool Naturalist Program is an experiential learning environment where your child will learn about all the earth sciences; botany, entomology, and basic biology.  Our hands-on approach helps create a deep nature connection while having fun learning . Our experienced Field Instructors and Mentors plan through the seasons as they use ancient knowledge and wisdom to guide them through meaningful nature-based experiences.  We take a deep dive into observing and learning about the local flora and fauna through activities and tasks involving; animal tracking, plant & tree identification, natural crafts and other hands-on skills.  These experiences helps create confident, strong, self sufficient learners. Our 100% outdoorprogram is like no other, as nature is not only our classroom it is our teacher and the foundation of every experience.

We will go on adventures back in time and learn  about the resources that have provided our ancestors with the four basic elements of life; shelter, water, fire, and food.  Through a numbers of Earth based skills and natural crafts, your child will learn how to manage these resources found in nature, as they learn how to be stewards of the land.

Through the ancient tradition of coyote teaching, we are helping build a community of natural leaders that will has; a sense of belonging; a passion to succeed; and problem solving skills

This is a drop off program with age-appropriate activities.

Ages: 7-14 (Participants must be of age at the start of the program)
Registration fee: 7 weeks $315-$560 sliding scale (you pay what you are comfortable paying)
Where: Wheaton Regional Park, Wheaton, MD
When: Wednesdays 10:30am-3:00pm once a week 9/2-10/14 (please refer to our calendar for the exact dates)

This is an outdoor play-based program, where curiosity, play, nature, and exploration lead our time together in community.   We believe time out in Nature not only benefits the minds and bodies of young children, but also enhances confidence and stimulates their motor and sensory awareness development.  We will have nature based art activities, nature based games, and storytelling during our time together, all while giving the children opportunities to explore, get comfortable in, and learn about their natural surroundings. Let your child grow, experience, and connect to Nature the way they were meant to in a fun, exploratory, safe community environment

Who: Ages 5-6
When: Wednesdays, 10:00am-1:00 pm (*meets for 10 weeks, see calendar for dates)
Where: Silver Spring/Wheaton, MD

Get ready for a life changing journey with our The Human Experience- Wilderness Skills Mentoring & Apprenticeship for Homeschool Teens.  Our 8 month apprenticeship gives y ou the opportunity to take a deep dive into nature observation, wilderness skills, and stewardship for 34 weeks between Sept 2026 & June 2027.

The Apprenticeship is held at Ancestral Knowledge's Museum & Research Center, located in PG County MD, inside the beltway, just minutes from the DC line.

Our Apprenticeship program will equip your teen with essential social and leaderships skills  to smoothly transition into being a responsible young adult. This program is full of experiences and learning opportunities all wrapped up in 100% hands-on adventure learning. We will combine ancient wisdom with modern technology to guide your teen to blossom into a self-assured leader and a dependable team player.

We're walking the tightrope between the old and the new, blending ancestral mentoring practices with contemporary life skills. This unique approach fosters growth, harnesses the power of choice, and encourages a healthy connection with the Earth.

But that's not all! We're thrilled to offer this ongoing mentorship on a weekly basis. Your teen will be immersed in ecology, biology, and environmental studies while among their peers, often times working as a team and problem solving together. And as they evolve through the program, they'll take on more responsibility and make wise decisions that dictate their path through their experience. This will surely be an experience and skills that they will carry along with them throughout their life.

Ages: 13-17
When: 10am-4pm, Wednesdays, 34 weeks Starts Sept 2nd, 2026
Location: Ancestral Knowledge Museum & Research Center

While participating in the  Homeschool Naturalist Program is an experiential learning environment where your child will learn about all the earth sciences;

botany, entomology, and basic biology.  Our hands-on approach helps create a deep nature connection while having fun learning . Our experienced Field Instructors and Mentors plan through the seasons as they use ancient knowledge and wisdom to guide them through meaningful nature-based experiences.  We take a deep dive into observing and learning about the local flora and fauna through activities and tasks involving; animal tracking, plant & tree identification, natural crafts and other hands-on skills.  These experiences helps create confident, strong, self sufficient learners. Our 100% outdoor program is like no other, as nature is not only our classroom its our teacher and the foundation of every experience.

We will go on adventures back in time and learn  about the resources that have provided our ancestors with the four basic elements of life; shelter, water, fire, and food.  Through a numbers of Earth based skills and natural crafts, your child will learn how to manage these resources found in nature, as they learn how to be stewards of the land.

Through the ancient tradition of coyote teaching, we are helping build a community of natural leaders that will has; a sense of belonging; a passion to succeed; and problem solving skills

This is a drop off program with age-appropriate activities.

Ages: 7-14 (Participants must be of age at the start of the program)
Registration fee: 7 weeks $315-560 sliding scale (you pay what you are comfortable paying)
Where: Patapsco Park, Hollofield Area
When: Thursday's 10:30am-3:00pm once a week (please refer to our calendar for the exact dates)

While participating in the  Homeschool Naturalist Program is an experiential learning environment where your child will learn about all the earth sciences; botany, entomology, and basic biology.  Our hands-on approach helps create a deep nature connection while having fun learning . Our experienced Field Instructors and Mentors plan through the seasons as they use ancient knowledge and wisdom to guide them through meaningful nature-based experiences.  We take a deep dive into observing and learning about the local flora and fauna through activities and tasks involving; animal tracking, plant & tree identification, natural crafts and other hands-on skills.  These experiences helps create confident, strong, self sufficient learners. Our 100% outdoor program is like no other, as nature is not only our classroom it is our teacher and the foundation of every experience.

We will go on adventures back in time and learn  about the resources that have provided our ancestors with the four basic elements of life; shelter, water, fire, and food.  Through a numbers of Earth based skills and natural crafts, your child will learn how to manage these resources found in nature, as they learn how to be stewards of the land.

Through the ancient tradition of coyote teaching, we are helping build a community of natural leaders that will has; a sense of belonging; a passion to succeed; and problem solving skills

This is a drop off program with age-appropriate activities.

Ages: 7-14 (Participants must be of age at the start of the program)
Registration fee: 12 weeks $360-900 sliding scale (you pay what you are comfortable paying)
Where: Patapsco Park, Hollofield Area
When: Thursday 10:30am-3:00pm once a week 9/2-10/14 (please refer to our calendar for the exact dates)

WAYS TO PAY:  (*discounts only apply when paying in full)

1. Pay via Check or Money Order - Submit your registration, remit payment via USPS.
2. Pay in full With Credit Card - Submit your registration below and follow PayPal link to submit payment.

Meet the Staff

Ancestral Knowledge instructors are First Aid / CPR certified, have completed CJIS Criminal Background Checks, and have been checked against the National Sex Offenders Registry

If you did not pay in full when you registered, please subscribe to the installment plan below.

While participating in the  Homeschool Naturalist Program is an experiential learning environment where your child will learn about all the earth sciences; botany, entomology, and basic biology.  Our hands-on approach helps create a deep nature connection while having fun learning . Our experienced Field Instructors and Mentors plan through the seasons as they use ancient knowledge and wisdom to guide them through meaningful nature-based experiences.  We take a deep dive into observing and learning about the local flora and fauna through activities and tasks involving; animal tracking, plant & tree identification, natural crafts and other hands-on skills.  These experiences helps create confident, strong, self sufficient learners. Our 100% outdoorprogram is like no other, as nature is not only our classroom it is our teacher and the foundation of every experience.

We will go on adventures back in time and learn  about the resources that have provided our ancestors with the four basic elements of life; shelter, water, fire, and food.  Through a numbers of Earth based skills and natural crafts, your child will learn how to manage these resources found in nature, as they learn how to be stewards of the land.

Through the ancient tradition of coyote teaching, we are helping build a community of natural leaders that will has; a sense of belonging; a passion to succeed; and problem solving skills

This is a drop off program with age-appropriate activities.

Ages: 7-14 (Participants must be of age at the start of the program)
Registration fee: 28 weeks $1260-$2240 sliding scale (you pay what you are comfortable paying)
Where: Hollofield Area, Patapsco Park, Ellicott City MD
When: Thursdays 10:30am-3:00pm once a week 9/3/2026-6/3/2027 (please refer to our calendar for the exact dates)

While participating in the  Homeschool Naturalist Program is an experiential learning environment where your child will learn about all the earth sciences; botany, entomology, and basic biology.  Our hands-on approach helps create a deep nature connection while having fun learning . Our experienced Field Instructors and Mentors plan through the seasons as they use ancient knowledge and wisdom to guide them through meaningful nature-based experiences.  We take a deep dive into observing and learning about the local flora and fauna through activities and tasks involving; animal tracking, plant & tree identification, natural crafts and other hands-on skills.  These experiences helps create confident, strong, self sufficient learners. Our 100% outdoor program is like no other, as nature is not only our classroom it is our teacher and the foundation of every experience.

We will go on adventures back in time and learn  about the resources that have provided our ancestors with the four basic elements of life; shelter, water, fire, and food.  Through a numbers of Earth based skills and natural crafts, your child will learn how to manage these resources found in nature, as they learn how to be stewards of the land.

Through the ancient tradition of coyote teaching, we are helping build a community of natural leaders that will has; a sense of belonging; a passion to succeed; and problem solving skills

This is a drop off program with age-appropriate activities.

Ages: 7-14 (Participants must be of age at the start of the program)
Registration fee: 7 weeks $315-$560 sliding scale (you pay what you are comfortable paying)
Where: Great Falls, VA
When: Fridays 10:30am-3:00pm once a week 9/4-10/16 (please refer to our calendar for the exact dates)

Get ready for a life changing journey with our The Human Experience- Wilderness Skills Mentoring & Apprenticeship for Homeschool Teens.  Our 8 month apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to take a deep dive into nature observation, wilderness skills, and stewardship for 34 weeks between Sept 2026 & June 2027.

The Apprenticeship is held at Ancestral Knowledge's Museum & Research Center, located in PG County MD, inside the beltway, just minutes from the DC line.

Our Apprenticeship program will equip your teen with essential social and leaderships skills  to smoothly transition into being a responsible young adult. This program is full of experiences and learning opportunities all wrapped up in 100% hands-on adventure learning. We will combine ancient wisdom with modern technology to guide your teen to blossom into a self-assured leader and a dependable team player.

We're walking the tightrope between the old and the new, blending ancestral mentoring practices with contemporary life skills. This unique approach fosters growth, harnesses the power of choice, and encourages a healthy connection with the Earth.

But that's not all! We're thrilled to offer this ongoing mentorship on a weekly basis. Your teen will be immersed in ecology, biology, and environmental studies while among their peers, often times working as a team and problem solving together. And as they evolve through the program, they'll take on more responsibility and make wise decisions that dictate their path through their experience. This will surely be an experience and skills that they will carry along with them throughout their life.

Ages: 13-17
When: 10am-4pm, Wednesdays, 34 weeks Starts Sept 4th, 2026
Location: Ancestral Knowledge Museum & Research Center

While participating in the  Homeschool Naturalist Program is an experiential learning environment where your child will learn about all the earth sciences; botany, entomology, and basic biology.  Our hands-on approach helps create a deep nature connection while having fun learning . Our experienced Field Instructors and Mentors plan through the seasons as they use ancient knowledge and wisdom to guide them through meaningful nature-based experiences.  We take a deep dive into observing and learning about the local flora and fauna through activities and tasks involving; animal tracking, plant & tree identification, natural crafts and other hands-on skills.  These experiences helps create confident, strong, self sufficient learners. Our 100% outdoor program is like no other, as nature is not only our classroom it is our teacher and the foundation of every experience.

We will go on adventures back in time and learn  about the resources that have provided our ancestors with the four basic elements of life; shelter, water, fire, and food.  Through a numbers of Earth based skills and natural crafts, your child will learn how to manage these resources found in nature, as they learn how to be stewards of the land.

Through the ancient tradition of coyote teaching, we are helping build a community of natural leaders that will has; a sense of belonging; a passion to succeed; and problem solving skills

This is a drop off program with age-appropriate activities.

Ages: 7-14 (Participants must be of age at the start of the program)
Registration fee: 28weeks $1260-$2240 sliding scale (you pay what you are comfortable paying)
When: Fridays 10:30am-3:00pm once a week 9/4/2026-6/4/2027 (please refer to our calendar for the exact dates)

While participating in the  Homeschool Naturalist Program is an experiential learning environment where your child will learn about all the earth sciences; botany, entomology, and basic biology.  Our hands-on approach helps create a deep nature connection while having fun learning . Our experienced Field Instructors and Mentors plan through the seasons as they use ancient knowledge and wisdom to guide them through meaningful nature-based experiences.  We take a deep dive into observing and learning about the local flora and fauna through activities and tasks involving; animal tracking, plant & tree identification, natural crafts and other hands-on skills.  These experiences helps create confident, strong, self sufficient learners. Our 100% outdoorprogram is like no other, as nature is not only our classroom it is our teacher and the foundation of every experience.

We will go on adventures back in time and learn  about the resources that have provided our ancestors with the four basic elements of life; shelter, water, fire, and food.  Through a numbers of Earth based skills and natural crafts, your child will learn how to manage these resources found in nature, as they learn how to be stewards of the land.

Through the ancient tradition of coyote teaching, we are helping build a community of natural leaders that will has; a sense of belonging; a passion to succeed; and problem solving skills

This is a drop off program with age-appropriate activities.

Ages: 7-14 (Participants must be of age at the start of the program)
Registration fee: 7 weeks $315-$560 sliding scale (you pay what you are comfortable paying)
Where: Wheaton Regional Park, Wheaton, MD
When: Monday's 10:30am-3:00pm once a week 9/2-10/14 (please refer to our calendar for the exact dates)

This is an outdoor play-based program, where curiosity, play, nature, and exploration lead our time together in community.   We believe time out in Nature not only benefits the minds and bodies of young children, but also enhances confidence and stimulates their motor and sensory awareness development.  We will have nature based art activities, nature based games, and storytelling during our time together, all while giving the children opportunities to explore, get comfortable in, and learn about their natural surroundings. Let your child grow, experience, and connect to Nature the way they were meant to in a fun, exploratory, safe community environment

Who: Ages 5-6
When: Wednesdays, 10:00am-1:00 pm (*meets for 10 weeks, see calendar for dates)
Where: Silver Spring/Wheaton, MD

Get ready for a life changing journey with our The Human Experience- Wilderness Skills Mentoring & Apprenticeship for Homeschool Teens.  Our 8 month apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to take a deep dive into nature observation, wilderness skills, and stewardship for 34 weeks between Sept & June.

The Apprenticeship is held at Ancestral Knowledge's Museum & Research Center, located in PG County MD, inside the beltway, just minutes from the DC line.

Our Apprenticeship program will equip your teen with essential social and leaderships skills  to smoothly transition into being a responsible young adult. This program is full of experiences and learning opportunities all wrapped up in 100% hands-on adventure learning. We will combine ancient wisdom with modern technology to guide your teen to blossom into a self-assured leader and a dependable team player.

We're walking the tightrope between the old and the new, blending ancestral mentoring practices with contemporary life skills. This unique approach fosters growth, harnesses the power of choice, and encourages a healthy connection with the Earth.

But that's not all! We're thrilled to offer this ongoing mentorship on a weekly basis. Your teen will be immersed in ecology, biology, and environmental studies while among their peers, often times working as a team and problem solving together. And as they evolve through the program, they'll take on more responsibility and make wise decisions that dictate their path through their experience. This will surely be an experience and skills that they will carry along with them throughout their life.

Ages: 13-17
When: 10am-4pm, Wednesdays, 34 weeks Starts Sept 2nd, 2026
Location: Ancestral Knowledge Museum & Research Center

Registration Fee:  1 day a week for 34 weeks $1360-$2720 sliding scale (you chose what what you are financially comfortable paying per child.) do you want to come and learn more often, add more days to your cart!

Register here

What will you learn: (below is a representation of topics that may be taught throughout a participants involvement in the program. The program will be individualized for each participant.

• Wood Craft - Learn basic and advanced techniques of woodcraft
• Land Stewardship, Permaculture, Natural Gardening Practices
• System Dynamics
• Emergency Back Country Preparedness
• Archery - Learn proper form and techniques to become a safe, efficient, and accurate shooter
• Bow and Arrow Making from natural materials
• Natural Basketry - Learn twinned, splint, bark, and coil baskets
• Stone Tool Making Learn the fine art of stone tool making to produce a plethora of tools
• Fire by Friction - build your own fire by friction bow drill kit and learn MANY other techniques of fire by friction methods
• Primitive Fishing
• Natural Leather Making
• Gathering and open fire cooking techniques
• Animal Tracking - Learn how to track animals, read sign, and understand the language of the birds
• Edible and Useful Plants - Learn many useful plants from our region that not only can feed you but also provide medicine and other resources
• Stalking and Movement - Learn how to move silently and undetected through the forest to become the ultimate observer.
• Primitive Pottery- learn how to create earthenware right out of the ground.
• Primitive Hunting and Trapping
• Long Term Wilderness Living
• Natural Fibers and Weaving
• Basic Carpentry Skills
• DIY Skills
• Research and Journal keeping Skills
• Drawing and Documentation Skills
• The possibilities are endless....