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: 5 weeks $330 (includes material fees & a nature journal)
Where: Wheaton, MD
When: Saturday's, once a month.  10:00am-3:30pm  (please refer to our calendar for the exact dates)

The Wisdom of the Woods- Teens program is perfect for those who want to continue their connection with nature, and build upon the foundation to a lifetime of adventure and outdoor skills.  This program encourages participants to strengthen 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. We will delve deeper into our projects and survival skills, empowering makers and increasing coordination and confidence.

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: 12-17 (Participants must be of age at the start of the program)
Registration fee: 5 weeks $350 (includes material fees & a nature journal)
Where: Glenn Dale, MD
When: Sunday's, once a month.  10:00am-4pm  (please refer to our calendar for the exact dates)

The Stone Tool & Flint Knapping day camp is where you will learn basic and advanced tool production methods. We will guide you through all the stages of stone reduction that are proven to be the most effective way to produce the sharpest edge possible on stones. You will also learn how to properly use antler, stone, and bone tools to reduce raw stone into usable tools. The stone will be your teacher and we will be your translator. You may find the lessons learned are beyond mere flake removal. **We will go on a couple field trips to explore and test different rock sources around the DMV

Ages: 12 -17 (open to 10 participants, prerequisite: Woods Wise III Day Camp )
When: June 24-28, 9am-4pm (aftercare is available)
Registration Fee: $325 (includes tool use and materials)(no discounts available for this camp)

Forest Scout Day Camp is an adventure  where you will experience what it means to be the eyes and the ears of the forest.  Learning how to disappear into the forest without a trace we, will use skills like; natural camouflage, stalking and movement, aidless navigation, and advanced tracking and awareness to reach our objectives.

We will split off from the Woods Wise Day Camps and practice Scout activities and play Scout games that help hone each campers skills in awareness, stealth, and invisibility to prepare for their final mission, infiltrating the others camps to capture their treasures! This camp is modeled around the ancient Scout skills shared by Tom Brown Jr and takes each camper on an exciting Scout adventure.

Ages: 12 -17 (open to 10 participants, prerequisite: Woods Wise III Day Camp )
When: July 1-5
Registration Fee: $299

The Wilderness Experience Camps are more than just your typical overnight camps. They are a collection of transformative experiences, designed to guide our youth on a unique journey into the wilderness. These camps aren't just about camping, they're about personal growth and self-discovery. They offer a unique rite of passage for every participant, as they navigate their personal journey in a safe and supportive environment. The camps utilize age-old life skills, teaching kids not just how to survive in the wilderness, but also how to thrive in life. By providing a safe space for personal development, these camps help our youth to grow in confidence and self-awareness. They create an environment that encourages exploration, fostering a deep connection to nature and the world beyond their immediate surroundings. The Wilderness Experience Camps are about more than just camping. They are about equipping our youth with the confidence, awareness, and skills they need to navigate life's journey, while also fostering a love for the great outdoors.

The Ways of the Woods Camp offers an immersive experience for young explorers to master four critical wilderness survival skills. This includes building a shelter, learning to create fire for heat, cooking, and safety, identifying and purifying water sources, and procuring food. This practical knowledge is at the core of our camp curriculum.

We will also explore our favorite fishing spots, secluded mountain streams, waterfalls, and the Shenandoah River. If you have the nerve, you can test your skills on our SCOUT LOG! Our ever-changing overnight camps guarantee a new adventure each year.

The Earth Skills Overnight Camp provides a unique opportunity for campers to delve deeper into the ancient arts and trades. Our program builds on the foundational knowledge gained from the Ways of the Woods Camp, encouraging participants to test their newfound abilities in more complex scenarios. They'll engage in the creation of Primitive Pottery, utilizing the intricate art of shaping and molding clay. Leather Making will introduce them to the process of transforming raw hide into durable material. Stone Tool Technology will take them back in time, teaching them how to craft tools from natural resources.

Campers will also learn Open Fire Cooking, a fundamental skill of our ancestors. They will discover the art of Foraging, finding and safely preparing wild foods. Basket Making and Wood Working will allow them to create functional and beautiful items from natural materials. These are just a few of the numerous activities that await our campers, promising a rich, educational, and memorable experience.

The best thing about our overnight camps, each year they are different, so feel free to come back for a new adventure each year!

The Forest Scout Overnight Camp offers an immersive adventure into the intriguing world of scout skills. During this unique experience, participants collaborate as a team, honing their abilities in stealth, coordination, heightened awareness, and effective camouflage. We engage in a variety of games that are akin to popular activities like capture the flag. These games are designed to foster unity among the participants, encouraging them to move as one unit, all while aiming to accomplish the assigned missions successfully. The inspiration for this camp stems from the teachings imparted to Tom Brown Jr. by his mentor, Stalking Wolf. These teachings emphasize the importance of stealth and awareness in the wild, key aspects that we aim to instill in our campers.

We will also explore our favorite fishing spots, secluded mountain streams, waterfalls, and the Shenandoah River. You can bet that we will spend a lot of time honing our skills on the SCOUT LOG! Our ever-changing overnight camps guarantee a new adventure each year!