By Aolani
Photo album here
As our Sensei says “Hello,”
He’s greeted by smiles and “Yo!”
By Ninjas of all kinds,
Some could track, others could find.
Many swift and strong,
Making sure the forest is protected from wrong.
There are many dangers ahead,
Mysterious creatures you might dread.
Feeding on the flesh of lost souls.
Under rocks and hollow holes.
Some were scared, but craved the feeling,
Of being full-fledged Ninjas and awesomely succeeding.


Sensei announced, “Your first test, it seems…”
“I will be splitting you all into two teams.”
“You will be turned against each other,”
“Brother versus brother.”

Facing off to play Trout, Bear, Mosquito

Then all of a sudden: a battle field,
Our animal skins became our shields.
Multi colored leaves stood near,
As if a rainbow of fallen temples were once here.
Our group noticed there were many people missing,
Then the wind began hissing.
“Go!” shouted Sensei. Our friends were sneering.
Glaring and staring, testing our hearing.
Ninjas triumphant in many rounds,
Each team member had their ups and downs.


At the end of the test we were pumped and wanted more,
Though our feet were sore.
“Fire in the forest!” someone shouts.
“Don’t get tagged, or you’re out!”
After that, we were very hot and tired,

Our Ninja suits were getting damp as we perspired.
Sitting down upon crunching leaves and grass,
What a coincidence! It was Fall at last!


Then an unnecessary talk about dying,
The new students thought they were lying.
Our teacher, so as not to cause confusion.
Interrupted our darkly humorous illusion.
He said that 'they were talking about shirts,
dyeing with walnuts from the Earth.'


It was time to journey to the creek,
Everyone was so excited, they could hardly speak.
Navigator Ninja led the way.
Everyone wanted to play.
Looking all around on this magnificent day.
Leaves in the shape of colorful birds,
Such beauty and wonder, we had no words.
Logs that were once home to killer Fairies,
We also saw wild blueberries,
And mushrooms that were hairy.
“Shh…” said Navigator Ninja, “I can hear water running,”
“and the trees humming.”
We all followed the sound of a rushing waterfall,
“Wow!” said us all.
 “Woohoo!” shouted the Ninja with deadly dance moves.
Splashing anyone dry with his awesome cool groove.

Kanoe prepares to plunge!


“We’re gonna need a fire.”
Said Sensei, “Even if you’re tired.”
We went to make a fire,
With the bow drill and not a lighter.
We all worked together collecting sticks,
Watching out for thorns and ticks.
Once the fire was lit, we all had a rest.
Everyone agreed the marshmallows were the best.

​All hands on deck for a group bow-drill fire!


“Now let me tell you a story about great wisdom and strength.”
“An escaped slave, who went to great lengths.”
Sensei’s voice lured us into the world of his story,
Generosity and glory.
At the end of his tale, we were sucked out of a dream.
We started to choke from the smoke, it seemed.
“Look over there!” A young Ninja shouted.
It was a snake, it didn’t look too great.
“I think it’s dead!” Another Ninja cried.
“At least we can’t see it’s insides.”
The hairs on our backs started to rise.


The sound of nature and one last goodbye,
Our chariots arrived.
Our eyes glowing with newfound wisdom inside,
Our chi (energy) will help us strive,

To cherish all that is alive.

Bowie NL Field Report 10/25/2018

By Hamid
(student names changed for privacy)
Warning: Do not take personal. Joke included.


                We started the chilly day by gathering our burnished and sanded pots from Mr. Nick’s van. We headed into the woods to the fire pit to make a big fire and have a feast. We have a feast and play double ball on the last day of the session. 
​
After we got to the fire pit, we found lots of wood for the fire. Khaliyah lit the fire but everyone else found the wood and organized it. Everyone brought food and snacks for the feast. We had marshmallows, s’mores, hotdogs, cookies, chips and lots more. 

​Feasting in progress!

Khaliyah and Hannah helped sort out the food. The food was really good. Everyone enjoyed it. The most popular was the s’mores which was made with chocolate ice cream cones, graham crackers and marshmallows. I just realized that nobody told a story while we were having our feast!
​
After we ate, Mr. Nick and Serise fired our burnished pots. While our pots were in the fire Nolan taught everyone how to play double ball and find good sticks for the game. In double ball you need good sticks so the stick does not break while you are playing. The pots looked really good but many of them broke apart in the fire.  [This is how Mr. Nick learned the importance of pre-firing the pots right-side up!]  I did not fire my pot or let it break in the fire because I forgot to bring it!

​This pot came out beautifully!
​
After the pots were finished and the feast was over, we put out the fire, took our pots and cleaned up. We headed for the field to play double ball. 
Our hike was short because the field was so close to us. Once we arrived at the field we set up the goal posts and everybody got ready for the game. Seven on six with Mr. Nick, who counted as two players. Then we started playing the game. Mr. Nick saved a really close goal with 1 second remaining making the goal. In the end, my team won!

In the heat of the game!
​
After the game, we packed up our sticks, took out the goal posts, drank water and started hiking to the playground. Once we got there we had a closing circle. We also talked about our favorite part of the session since it was the last day. We said goodbye and good riddance!

​Bowie NL on October 18, 2018
By Khaliyah, age 16 
(student names changed for privacy)


Welcome fellow readers. Imagine you are sitting on a cozy chair, near a crackling fireplace, and sipping chamomile tea.
Our Tale begins…
We, thee animals of the Natural Leaders, small but mighty creatures, have followed thee request of thy Great and Mystical Wizard Grenier who is thee eldest owl of thy land. He is a mere ghost full of wisdom and power.
“Welcome thou brave pups, and kits.” Grenier’s calm yet commanding voice resonated off his dark ivory staff. The pups and kits stopped their yapping and immediately paid attention, for he had something very important to say. “Listen ye younglings, thou next mission is quite important, so no bunkum. Parrot, my trusty coordinator will lead ye through thou dangers and help thee avoid them. Wolf-pup and his trusty monkey sidekick will be our navigators. Ye must listen and follow them for thou lives depend on it. Now I must go, but don’t worry because I will watch over ye through my looking glass.” Then he struck his staff into the Earth and vanished.
“Vámonos amigos!” Wolf-pup yipped as he pranced forward with his monkey and purple backpack. We scrabbled in haste to follow him. Unexpectedly, we found ourselves surrounded by a huge circle.
Parrot hollered out before flying away to a nearby tree, “Thar nay dangers ahead! Thar NAY dangers ahead!” Thinking we eluded the shadow ninjas, a sigh of relief escaped until suddenly two menacing shadows appeared.
“Prepare for trouble!” the shadow ninja challenged looking as terrifying as a chicken wearing stilettos.
“Make it double!” challenged the other shadow ninja who pranced around vigorously with deathly dance moves.
“We are here to…” said the shadow ninjas in unison.
“Destroy the world with devastation.”
“Divide the animals within our nation.”
“Denounce the evils of truth and love.”
“Extend our reaches to the stars above.”
“We are here to test your might! Pass and move on, or fail and face a terrible fright.”
“But, I don’t want to play!” complained one of the kits as she stomped her paw to the ground and miraculously walked out of the circle harm free.
Thus, we began our first trial, minus one meow. We dodged, ducked, rolled and played like our lives depended on it. At the end we triumphed and continued on our mission. We passed many hills, trees, and streams as we frolicked along. It was bitterly cold and the wind blew through our knapsacks and stabbed our muzzles like little needles. Halted in our tracks, our most difficult trial stood before us. A Bridge as thin as a giants thumb laid across a chasm full of darkness and evil. “Oh dear! How shalt thou cross?” Parrot hollered before flying to the other side.

​Photo by Grenier
Each pup and kit took turns being careful not to break the fragile wooden planks. The daring pup Awesome Sauce back flipped, skipped, and tap danced across the bridge as she stuck her landing with one paw. The kits and pups clapped and praised Awesome Sauce as she bowed to the crowd.
Our next challenge was crossing the brambles and many logs that lay between us and our final destination. Sensing victory ahead, the pups and kits began chatting while the most wondrous creatures peered curiously at them through thorns and thickets. Fairies and elves holding magical devices took many a selfie to post on their Fairygram and ElfTube. We would soon be known throughout the land as famous and brave explorers.
Finally, we arrived at a desert where our prizes awaited us. We could literally smell the glory. 

​Photo by Zaq
Grenier lit a blazing fire full of enchantment. The fire roasted the most ancient and best hotdogs in all the world. Oh it was lovely! We warmed our paws and listened to a story about a sad king who yearned for happiness.

​Photo by Zaq


After our delicious feast, we toddled and scuttled back to the start of our journey, our tired paws pushing forward. The Great and Mystical Wizard Grenier handed each of us a prize for conquering the many trials and tribulations of our quest. Oh it was a wonderful prize!  A beautiful mystical goblet that was full of secrets of the forest and held the power of the trees. Our grand adventure now complete, we dispersed into our dens satisfied, tired, and ready for the next chapter of the Natural Leaders.

                                               Homeschooling has never been this good!

                                    Discover the earth, discover friends, discover yourself!


                                               Our Virginia election results are in:

                                               The CENTREVILLE PROGRAM wins! 
​
                                                            We start next week!

                                                                  Register now

The program your child's been waiting for!

You can still register your child for the Natural Leaders program this Late Fall session, including 2 newly-listed programs:

• Lorton - Mondays 10 - 3, started 11/5, details here.
• Centreville - Tuesdays 10 - 3, starts 11/13, details here. NEW!
• Reston - Thursdays 10 - 3, starts 11/8, details here.
• Falls Church - Fridays 10 - 3, starts 11/9 - details here. NEW!
• Crownsville - Thursdays 10 - 3, starts 11/13, details here
• Bowie - Thursdays 10 - 3 - FULL

The Natural Leaders program will nourish your child's deep need for connection to friends and nature, while also giving him or her the most cutting edge youth leadership and wilderness survival trainingavailable.  We expect it to be the highlight of your child's homeschooling, the one day they look forward to the most each week!
 
About a typical day
 
A typical day includes old-school group games, student storytelling and safety presentations, exploring and nature play, and practicing wilderness survival skills.  All the activities are led by students, who draw on our online videos and tutorials.  Instructors coach, guide and support students in leading and learning from their roles.  

Tag...You're it!  Old games, new ways, always fun.


​Social and Leadership Skills
 
Sadly, today many homeschoolers and even school children have very little unstructured time to play and interact with peers. This is an unprecedented new development in human history.  The Natural Leaders program fosters an environment where students who are shy, socially awkward, or anxious can develop relationships and social confidence.  We have seen dramatic transformations, just over the last year.  At the same time, socially confidentstudents take their leadership skills to new levels through regular practice.   
 
Wilderness Survival & Nature Discovery
 
Most children today lack the opportunity to roam outside exploring local woods and creeks.  They are often fearful or uncomfortable in nature, or ignorant of the actual dangers.  We seek to foster the development of a life-long love of the outdoors.  Students experience nature through the seasons: windy and calm; rainy, snowy and dry; hot, cold and moderate.  Through long-term mentoring and repeated practice students grow increasingly confident and competent in wilderness survival skills like fire-making, shelter construction, and a variety of crafts like primitive pottery, wooden spoons, traps, cordage, and more.  Natural Leaders is perfect for both complete beginners and passionate explorers alike, who will each grow tremendously. 
 
Register risk free!

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee.  If at any time you decide that this program is not a good fit for your child, we will issue a prorated refund of tuition.

Questions or concerns?  

Reach out!

Nick Grenier 
Director
Natural Leaders
571-244-3793
naturalleaders.com

Adventure report for Bowie NL on 10/4

By Nolan 

*British accent* 
Today was an extraordinary day. Twas amazing. Amazing, I say. The class started off as we frolicked over to our teacher, Mr Nick. "Toodili do!" he cried. "Karen! Teach us how to play a game!"
"Indubitably," she replied. And so, our dear Karen taught us to play a game called Tail Tag. 
"Todili do!" Mr Nick cried. "Let us set forth into the forest." And so we frolicked along. And as we were discussing gumdrops and rainbows and where to go next, we were suddenly attacked. 
By flying little angry LAZER WORMS.
"Toodili do!" Mr Nick exclaimed. "Run!" And so we all ran for our lives. Poor Karen was lazered five times in a row! And everyone crowded around her, asking if this horrible tragedy could possibly be true.
"Indubitably," she replied. Then Laura said in a thick Scottish accent,
"AYE, we be headin' to the creek now, AYE." And Mr Nick said,
"Toodili do! Let us set forth, to the creek!" So we froliky-dolideed over. And we dashingly ate our skippy-doodle lunch. And we all loved skipping our stones. And we were told a wonderful story. And we were told about safety. And unicorns! And gumdrops! And sunshine! And ponies! 
​

Student storyteller presenting at our creek-side lunch.

"Toodili do!" Mr Nick said. "Let's go and make baskets!"
"AYE. We should do that now, AYE." said Laura.
"Indubitably." commented Karen. So we frolicked along to create baskets with the wonderful imagination that our rainbow-y heads possessed.
"Hopscotch hooray!" exclaimed Nolan. "Tis a turtle amongst the leaves!"
"And tis feasting on the mushroomy goodness!" said Hamid.
​

​by Soria, age 9
A Crownsville Natural Leaders program adventure report for 10/30/2018
(Student names changed to protect privacy)

[Student leaders at the Natural Leaders program take turns each week writing the Adventure Report - a synopsis of that week's events at class. Many students take this opportunity to be creative and we get some great stories out of it! Be sure to check back over the next few days to see the rest of the reports from recent classes. We've really had some fun report recently!]


One day Huggo, the leader of the elf town, told all the other elves that Merra would teach them how to play a game called ''patentero'' In which elves try to run past the elves on guard, to the other  side of the arena without getting tagged.

After the game, Huggo brought the rest of the elves up ''Hamburger Hill''.  There the elves conjured up a roaring fire with their magical powers.

Photo by Loren, age 10

After the tales were told, all the elves traveled down 'Hamburger Hill' and found magical double ball staffs. After finding the staffs they gathered together and played an ancient elven game called 'double ball'.  

​Photo by Nick, instructor

Then they came together for a final farewell circle and went their ways.

​By Cal

(Names changed to protect privacy.)
​
October 23 was a beautiful Fall day. After we arrived at Camp Barrett, Rob gathered everyone for our morning game, “Fire in the Forest.”  It’s a game based on runners and taggers.  

​When the game was over, Mary, our Coordinator rounded us up and had us walk to the Main Camp.  Hubert led the way.  
​
Once we were at Main Camp, we divided into three groups.  Each group had to find and gather a different size of wood... from logs to kindling.  When the wood was collected, we built the fire structure.  Then we arranged our clay pots close to the structure and lit it. 

​Some of the larger wood we collected would be used to make spoons.  Nick also brought some pieces.  We began to prepare the wood for spoon-making. 

At lunchtime, Sara, this week’s storyteller, told us about when she inspired her teacher to dye her hair.

After lunch, we had a long debate about what game to play next.  We ended up playing a game of “Cat and Mouse,” also a tagging game.

Next, we went out exploring with Hubert and Anthony leading.  We followed the stream and noticed a lot more erosion from the last time we were there.  A lot of the trees were losing their leaves.  
​
Back in camp, we worked on spoon-making, using the coals from our fire to create indentations in the wood.  

​Soon it was 2:45.  Nick had us stop our work and take our pots out of the fire. The pots were ready to take home. 

We gathered up our belongings and headed toward the parking lot.   When we were close, we did our Closing Circle and shared our favorite time of the day.    
​
Then most of us played GaGa ball.  It was a fun day!

Have you seen the Natural Leaders gear list? Need some advice on what to buy for your child or what YOU might need on your next hike into the woods? Better yet...the next time your kid wants to take you on a trek into the woods, be prepared with this list to help you out!

https://www.naturalleaders.com/gear-list.html

Being outside CAN be enjoyable in any weather...with the right preparation!