The Natural Leaders Program
Adventure-based mentoring for homeschoolers
"Because others depend on them too" -- Natural Leaders Homeschool Parent Testimonial
Schedule |
Ages |
|
|
Program Description
|
This is a nature-based LEADERSHIP program! Students have a great time exploring and learning, while honing social and leadership skills each week.
Each week the students meet for the day (5 hrs), with a highly qualified lead facilitator who supports them in assigning, planning and performing leadership roles. |
|
Each student is expected to review the relevant online resources in the LEARN! section of this website, and then lead his or her role in the field. Leadership roles include:
A typical day features exploring, group games, story-telling and a skills challenge. See also the Coordinator page for more on this topic.
Technical skills we work on may include, but are not limited to:
It can take many years to master leadership and wilderness skills, so students are encouraged to attend long-term and grow through the program.
By attending for multiple years, students are able to develop proficiency in a wide suite of skills, and can then use the resulting confidence to tackle ambitious personal dreams and contribute to the world in a big way.
- Coordinator - Plans and executes the day's schedule
- Storyteller - Learns, practices and presents a story
- Safety Officer - Keeps an eye out for hazards
- Navigator - Leads the group using map and compass
- Field Reporter - Types up a brief report about the day that goes out to parents
- Photographer - Takes pictures of the day's activities, for parents, website, etc.
- Master of Games - Learns and leads games
- Skills coach - Learns about a skill from my tutorial, and teaches or coaches other students
A typical day features exploring, group games, story-telling and a skills challenge. See also the Coordinator page for more on this topic.
Technical skills we work on may include, but are not limited to:
- Fire-making
- Cooking on a fire
- Survival shelter
- Primitive pottery
- Whittling
- Group shelter
- Tree and plant uses
It can take many years to master leadership and wilderness skills, so students are encouraged to attend long-term and grow through the program.
By attending for multiple years, students are able to develop proficiency in a wide suite of skills, and can then use the resulting confidence to tackle ambitious personal dreams and contribute to the world in a big way.
Get prepped for your adventure!
FAQ
If you have a question you don't find listed here, reach out to us! [email protected]
Do I need all the items on the gear list for my first day?
The most important gear you will need on your first day is weather appropriate clothing and footwear. If you are unsure about other items, you can wait until you spend a day out in the field with your instructor to find out what will be most useful for you and your group.
What knife should I get my child?
We recommend and sell the Bahco 2444 Carpenter Mora Multi-Purpose Knife. See explanation here.
My child is younger than 7... Can they still participate?
Students must be 7 or older to participate in the Homeschool Program. Students under 7 can signup for the Under-7 Waitlist which will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Considerations for new students include:
Can my child attend half-day or every other week?
Due to the nature of our programs, our groups are out exploring! This means it is not possible to adjust for the logistics of recurring half-day attendance. Weekly attendance is an important piece of the curriculum. Irregular attendance or approaching days as a "drop-in" program is discouraged. More detailed registration terms can be found here.
How do the mixed-age groups work?
The natural world offers us the opportunity to hone our skills no matter our age. We work to scale content, skills, stories, projects, games, and topics to enable students of all skill levels to try new things, deepen their knowledge, and expand their practice of basic techniques. As older students grow confident in their abilities, they will be encouraged to take on greater leadership roles, share with newer/younger students, and challenge themselves to take their skills to the next level.
What is your instructor-to-student ratio?
Most of our homeschool groups operate with a maximum of 10 students per instructor. Occasionally, larger groups (~11-14 students) will operate depending on student ages and experience levels or with added instructional support.
What training do your staff have?
Our talented instructors have experience working with youth including classroom instruction, coaching, tutoring, and/or skills instruction. Their outdoor experiences range from backcountry guiding, primitive skills, leadership development, naturalism, ecology, and more. Many work out in the field throughout the year and are familiar with the parks and region in which they work. They all are trained in First Aid/CPR and have completed background checks. To find out more about our staff you can checkout our staff bios.
Can parents join during the day? Do parents join on trial days?
Typically no. We invite parents who would like to check out our locations and get to know our instructors to arrive to class a little bit early on the first day so you can ask any relevant questions you have. Our instructors take time during pickup and drop off to discuss anything that's come up during the day with families and are available via email and phone after class time when necessary.
Is this program jedi friendly?
Of course! "This IS the course you're looking for..."
Will attending this program help my child get into Hogwarts?
Natural Leaders programs have been consistently rated among the top 10 Muggle enrichment programs by the Hogwarts Alumni Association.
The most important gear you will need on your first day is weather appropriate clothing and footwear. If you are unsure about other items, you can wait until you spend a day out in the field with your instructor to find out what will be most useful for you and your group.
What knife should I get my child?
We recommend and sell the Bahco 2444 Carpenter Mora Multi-Purpose Knife. See explanation here.
My child is younger than 7... Can they still participate?
Students must be 7 or older to participate in the Homeschool Program. Students under 7 can signup for the Under-7 Waitlist which will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Considerations for new students include:
- stamina during long distance hikes over variable terrain (ranging 1 - 3 miles per day)
- comfortability outside/getting dirty/facing adverse weather conditions
- self-reliant/comfortable with back-country bathroom use
- ability to follow the directions of an instructor
- ability and awareness to stay with the group
- ability to express emotions in a safe and helpful way
- ability to work/play collaboratively and respectfully with others
Can my child attend half-day or every other week?
Due to the nature of our programs, our groups are out exploring! This means it is not possible to adjust for the logistics of recurring half-day attendance. Weekly attendance is an important piece of the curriculum. Irregular attendance or approaching days as a "drop-in" program is discouraged. More detailed registration terms can be found here.
How do the mixed-age groups work?
The natural world offers us the opportunity to hone our skills no matter our age. We work to scale content, skills, stories, projects, games, and topics to enable students of all skill levels to try new things, deepen their knowledge, and expand their practice of basic techniques. As older students grow confident in their abilities, they will be encouraged to take on greater leadership roles, share with newer/younger students, and challenge themselves to take their skills to the next level.
What is your instructor-to-student ratio?
Most of our homeschool groups operate with a maximum of 10 students per instructor. Occasionally, larger groups (~11-14 students) will operate depending on student ages and experience levels or with added instructional support.
What training do your staff have?
Our talented instructors have experience working with youth including classroom instruction, coaching, tutoring, and/or skills instruction. Their outdoor experiences range from backcountry guiding, primitive skills, leadership development, naturalism, ecology, and more. Many work out in the field throughout the year and are familiar with the parks and region in which they work. They all are trained in First Aid/CPR and have completed background checks. To find out more about our staff you can checkout our staff bios.
Can parents join during the day? Do parents join on trial days?
Typically no. We invite parents who would like to check out our locations and get to know our instructors to arrive to class a little bit early on the first day so you can ask any relevant questions you have. Our instructors take time during pickup and drop off to discuss anything that's come up during the day with families and are available via email and phone after class time when necessary.
Is this program jedi friendly?
Of course! "This IS the course you're looking for..."
Will attending this program help my child get into Hogwarts?
Natural Leaders programs have been consistently rated among the top 10 Muggle enrichment programs by the Hogwarts Alumni Association.
Request a New Location or Day!
We are expanding on an ongoing basis.
Most of our existing programs were created with the help of enthusiastic parents like you.
Help start a new program here!
We are expanding on an ongoing basis.
Most of our existing programs were created with the help of enthusiastic parents like you.
Help start a new program here!
