Youth & Teen Programs

The Way of the Woods-The Basics program is perfect for those who want to connect with nature and start building the foundation to a lifetime of adventure and outdoor skills.  This program introduces participants to a deep nature connection as our experienced mentors use the knowledge of our ancestors to guide them through meaningful nature-based experiences.

We will explore the flora and fauna of the local area through animal tracking and plant identification and experience first-hand the interconnectedness of things. This 100% outdoor program is like no other, as nature is not only our classroom and our teacher it's the foundation of every lesson and experience.

Through many different Earth skills and natural crafts, your child will learn how nature has provided us the four sacred elements of survival - shelter, water, fire and food. We will go on adventures and learn how to manage these resources and become stewards of the land.

This ancestral knowledge is your birthright and has been passed down through many generations. Through the tradition of coyote teaching we are building a community of natural leaders that will hold this ancient wisdom and continue to pass it on to future generations to come.

This is a drop off program with age appropriate activities.

Ages: 8-12 (Participants must be of age at the start of the program)
Registration fee: 6 weeks $240-$480 (sliding scale)
Where: Ancestral Knowledge Museum & Research Center in Riverdale/Lanham MD
When: Every other Saturday 10:00am-3pm Starting Sept 19th  (please refer to our calendar for the exact dates)

We will make splint baskets and spoke baskets from wild collected materials, especially invasive plant species including wisteria. Learn how to identify, collect and prepare basketry materials. Plan out a basket, practice techniques of plaiting, weaving and twining, and how to finish with two styles of strong rims. We'll discuss handle types, and how to install them. We'll see examples of important primitive implements made using basketry techniques, e.g., backpacks, fish traps and arrow quivers. Go home with two finished baskets and the knowledge of how to make more.

When: Saturday Nov 14th, 10am-4pm
Where: Lanham MD
Cost:$35-$75 (slinding scale, pay what you are comfortable)
Ages: 10 & up (Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult)

While obsidian is some of the easiest materials to learn how to knap with, it isn't found locally and is expensive to have shipped. However, one of the most accessible materials we have around here is obsidian's man made cousin, the glass bottle bottom. The best thing about bottle bottoms is that they offer all the same lessons of obsidian but don't break the bank while you are learning. Not to mention, they are a renewable and recyclable resource that is readily available pretty much everywhere.

We will work with you through the process of turning a bottle bottom into a finished arrowhead.

Where: Lanham MD,
When: November 21, 10am -4pm
Price: $45-$80
Age: 13-18  (Adults can join but MUST be accompanied by a teen!)

Gather together to learn the lore and traditional skill of the drop spindle. Spend the day practicing the ancient alchemy of turning wool into thread. Hear timeless tales and song surrounding this craft that will broaden your understanding of this method of spinning.
Feel free to bring your own natural or plant dyed wool roving and drop spindle. (Nothing synthetic please!) Everyone will have the opportunity to make a simple spindle to use out of forest material.