Youth Bushcraft Program: Skills for the Wild, Lessons for Life

The Youth Bushcraft Program at OARS is a hands-on, outdoor learning experience designed to help young people build confidence, resilience, and a meaningful connection to the natural world. Guided by trained instructors and grounded in safety, respect, and stewardship, participants learn foundational wilderness and woodland skills through experiential, age-appropriate activities.

Youth explore practical skills such as fire safety and fire-building, shelter construction, cordage and knot-tying, navigation and map reading, tool awareness, natural materials identification, and Leave No Trace ethics. Lessons emphasize problem-solving, teamwork, and situational awareness while encouraging curiosity and creativity in an outdoor setting.

The program is intentionally structured to support social-emotional learning, helping participants develop independence, cooperation, and confidence through guided challenges and group collaboration. Activities are adaptable for varying ages and abilities, ensuring an inclusive environment where all youth can participate meaningfully.

Beyond outdoor skills, the Youth Bushcraft Program fosters environmental stewardship, teaching participants how to responsibly interact with ecosystems and understand their role within them. By blending traditional bushcraft knowledge with modern safety standards, the program nurtures both respect for nature and practical life skills that extend far beyond the woods.

Ideal for beginners and returning participants alike, this program supports OARS’ mission to provide accessible, empowering outdoor education that strengthens youth, families, and community connections through nature-based learning.

Youth Bushcraft Program: Skills for the Wild, Lessons for Life

The Youth Bushcraft Program at OARS is a hands-on, outdoor learning experience designed to help young people build confidence, resilience, and a meaningful connection to the natural world. Guided by trained instructors and grounded in safety, respect, and stewardship, participants learn foundational wilderness and woodland skills through experiential, age-appropriate activities.

Youth explore practical skills such as fire safety and fire-building, shelter construction, cordage and knot-tying, navigation and map reading, tool awareness, natural materials identification, and Leave No Trace ethics. Lessons emphasize problem-solving, teamwork, and situational awareness while encouraging curiosity and creativity in an outdoor setting.

The program is intentionally structured to support social-emotional learning, helping participants develop independence, cooperation, and confidence through guided challenges and group collaboration. Activities are adaptable for varying ages and abilities, ensuring an inclusive environment where all youth can participate meaningfully.

Beyond outdoor skills, the Youth Bushcraft Program fosters environmental stewardship, teaching participants how to responsibly interact with ecosystems and understand their role within them. By blending traditional bushcraft knowledge with modern safety standards, the program nurtures both respect for nature and practical life skills that extend far beyond the woods.

Ideal for beginners and returning participants alike, this program supports OARS’ mission to provide accessible, empowering outdoor education that strengthens youth, families, and community connections through nature-based learning.

Youth Bushcraft Program: Skills for the Wild, Lessons for Life

The Youth Bushcraft Program at OARS is a hands-on, outdoor learning experience designed to help young people build confidence, resilience, and a meaningful connection to the natural world. Guided by trained instructors and grounded in safety, respect, and stewardship, participants learn foundational wilderness and woodland skills through experiential, age-appropriate activities.

Youth explore practical skills such as fire safety and fire-building, shelter construction, cordage and knot-tying, navigation and map reading, tool awareness, natural materials identification, and Leave No Trace ethics. Lessons emphasize problem-solving, teamwork, and situational awareness while encouraging curiosity and creativity in an outdoor setting.

The program is intentionally structured to support social-emotional learning, helping participants develop independence, cooperation, and confidence through guided challenges and group collaboration. Activities are adaptable for varying ages and abilities, ensuring an inclusive environment where all youth can participate meaningfully.

Beyond outdoor skills, the Youth Bushcraft Program fosters environmental stewardship, teaching participants how to responsibly interact with ecosystems and understand their role within them. By blending traditional bushcraft knowledge with modern safety standards, the program nurtures both respect for nature and practical life skills that extend far beyond the woods.

Ideal for beginners and returning participants alike, this program supports OARS’ mission to provide accessible, empowering outdoor education that strengthens youth, families, and community connections through nature-based learning.

Youth Bushcraft Program: Skills for the Wild, Lessons for Life

The Youth Bushcraft Program at OARS is a hands-on, outdoor learning experience designed to help young people build confidence, resilience, and a meaningful connection to the natural world. Guided by trained instructors and grounded in safety, respect, and stewardship, participants learn foundational wilderness and woodland skills through experiential, age-appropriate activities.

Youth explore practical skills such as fire safety and fire-building, shelter construction, cordage and knot-tying, navigation and map reading, tool awareness, natural materials identification, and Leave No Trace ethics. Lessons emphasize problem-solving, teamwork, and situational awareness while encouraging curiosity and creativity in an outdoor setting.

The program is intentionally structured to support social-emotional learning, helping participants develop independence, cooperation, and confidence through guided challenges and group collaboration. Activities are adaptable for varying ages and abilities, ensuring an inclusive environment where all youth can participate meaningfully.

Beyond outdoor skills, the Youth Bushcraft Program fosters environmental stewardship, teaching participants how to responsibly interact with ecosystems and understand their role within them. By blending traditional bushcraft knowledge with modern safety standards, the program nurtures both respect for nature and practical life skills that extend far beyond the woods.

Ideal for beginners and returning participants alike, this program supports OARS’ mission to provide accessible, empowering outdoor education that strengthens youth, families, and community connections through nature-based learning.

Youth Bushcraft Program: Skills for the Wild, Lessons for Life

The Youth Bushcraft Program at OARS is a hands-on, outdoor learning experience designed to help young people build confidence, resilience, and a meaningful connection to the natural world. Guided by trained instructors and grounded in safety, respect, and stewardship, participants learn foundational wilderness and woodland skills through experiential, age-appropriate activities.

Youth explore practical skills such as fire safety and fire-building, shelter construction, cordage and knot-tying, navigation and map reading, tool awareness, natural materials identification, and Leave No Trace ethics. Lessons emphasize problem-solving, teamwork, and situational awareness while encouraging curiosity and creativity in an outdoor setting.

The program is intentionally structured to support social-emotional learning, helping participants develop independence, cooperation, and confidence through guided challenges and group collaboration. Activities are adaptable for varying ages and abilities, ensuring an inclusive environment where all youth can participate meaningfully.

Beyond outdoor skills, the Youth Bushcraft Program fosters environmental stewardship, teaching participants how to responsibly interact with ecosystems and understand their role within them. By blending traditional bushcraft knowledge with modern safety standards, the program nurtures both respect for nature and practical life skills that extend far beyond the woods.

Ideal for beginners and returning participants alike, this program supports OARS’ mission to provide accessible, empowering outdoor education that strengthens youth, families, and community connections through nature-based learning.

Growing Community • Cultivating Stewardship • Planting the Future

The Outdoor Arts & Recreation Society (OARS) invites families, youth, educators, and community members to celebrate Earth Day with a hands-on, nature-centered community event focused on environmental stewardship, learning, and connection to place.

The OARS Earth Day Celebration will feature a free tree giveaway and planting experience made possible through the Neighborhood Forest Program, ensuring that every registered child receives a tree to plant in the OARS Children’s Garden. This activity gives youth a tangible way to contribute to the landscape while learning about trees, ecosystems, and long-term care of the natural world.

The event will also bring together local nature and gardening organizations, conservation partners, and 4-H youth programs, offering interactive stations, demonstrations, and family-friendly activities. Participants can expect hands-on learning related to gardening, wildlife, soil health, pollinators, and sustainable land practices, along with opportunities to connect with regional groups doing important environmental work.

Designed as an inclusive, welcoming celebration, the OARS Earth Day event emphasizes:

Youth Bushcraft Program: Skills for the Wild, Lessons for Life

The Youth Bushcraft Program at OARS is a hands-on, outdoor learning experience designed to help young people build confidence, resilience, and a meaningful connection to the natural world. Guided by trained instructors and grounded in safety, respect, and stewardship, participants learn foundational wilderness and woodland skills through experiential, age-appropriate activities.

Youth explore practical skills such as fire safety and fire-building, shelter construction, cordage and knot-tying, navigation and map reading, tool awareness, natural materials identification, and Leave No Trace ethics. Lessons emphasize problem-solving, teamwork, and situational awareness while encouraging curiosity and creativity in an outdoor setting.

The program is intentionally structured to support social-emotional learning, helping participants develop independence, cooperation, and confidence through guided challenges and group collaboration. Activities are adaptable for varying ages and abilities, ensuring an inclusive environment where all youth can participate meaningfully.

Beyond outdoor skills, the Youth Bushcraft Program fosters environmental stewardship, teaching participants how to responsibly interact with ecosystems and understand their role within them. By blending traditional bushcraft knowledge with modern safety standards, the program nurtures both respect for nature and practical life skills that extend far beyond the woods.

Ideal for beginners and returning participants alike, this program supports OARS’ mission to provide accessible, empowering outdoor education that strengthens youth, families, and community connections through nature-based learning.

Youth Bushcraft Program: Skills for the Wild, Lessons for Life

The Youth Bushcraft Program at OARS is a hands-on, outdoor learning experience designed to help young people build confidence, resilience, and a meaningful connection to the natural world. Guided by trained instructors and grounded in safety, respect, and stewardship, participants learn foundational wilderness and woodland skills through experiential, age-appropriate activities.

Youth explore practical skills such as fire safety and fire-building, shelter construction, cordage and knot-tying, navigation and map reading, tool awareness, natural materials identification, and Leave No Trace ethics. Lessons emphasize problem-solving, teamwork, and situational awareness while encouraging curiosity and creativity in an outdoor setting.

The program is intentionally structured to support social-emotional learning, helping participants develop independence, cooperation, and confidence through guided challenges and group collaboration. Activities are adaptable for varying ages and abilities, ensuring an inclusive environment where all youth can participate meaningfully.

Beyond outdoor skills, the Youth Bushcraft Program fosters environmental stewardship, teaching participants how to responsibly interact with ecosystems and understand their role within them. By blending traditional bushcraft knowledge with modern safety standards, the program nurtures both respect for nature and practical life skills that extend far beyond the woods.

Ideal for beginners and returning participants alike, this program supports OARS’ mission to provide accessible, empowering outdoor education that strengthens youth, families, and community connections through nature-based learning.

Apothecary 101: An Introduction to Herbal Knowledge & Plant-Based Care

Apothecary 101 is an introductory, hands-on course that invites participants to explore the foundations of traditional herbalism and plant-based wellness through safe, educational, and experiential learning. Rooted in respect for nature, cultural knowledge, and modern safety standards, this course introduces the historical and practical role of plants in everyday care.

Participants learn to identify common local herbs, understand basic plant parts and their traditional uses, and explore how plants have been used historically for wellness, household remedies, and seasonal care. Guided activities may include harvesting ethics, drying and storing herbs, and simple, non-medicinal preparations such as herbal teas, sachets, infused oils, and salves—with a strong emphasis on safety, consent, and age-appropriate practice.

The course emphasizes observation, curiosity, and stewardship, teaching participants how to engage responsibly with the natural world while understanding the importance of sustainability and Leave No Trace principles. Lessons highlight the cultural and historical significance of apothecaries while clearly distinguishing between educational herbal knowledge and modern medical practice.

Apothecary 101 supports critical thinking, sensory learning, and environmental literacy, offering opportunities for journaling, labeling, basic measurements, and creative expression. Instruction is inclusive and adaptable, making the course accessible to beginners and suitable for youth, families, and intergenerational learning.

Designed as a foundational experience, Apothecary 101 builds plant awareness, confidence, and respect for traditional knowledge—encouraging participants to see the landscape not just as scenery, but as a living classroom.

Apothecary 101: An Introduction to Herbal Knowledge & Plant-Based Care

Apothecary 101 is an introductory, hands-on course that invites participants to explore the foundations of traditional herbalism and plant-based wellness through safe, educational, and experiential learning. Rooted in respect for nature, cultural knowledge, and modern safety standards, this course introduces the historical and practical role of plants in everyday care.

Participants learn to identify common local herbs, understand basic plant parts and their traditional uses, and explore how plants have been used historically for wellness, household remedies, and seasonal care. Guided activities may include harvesting ethics, drying and storing herbs, and simple, non-medicinal preparations such as herbal teas, sachets, infused oils, and salves—with a strong emphasis on safety, consent, and age-appropriate practice.

The course emphasizes observation, curiosity, and stewardship, teaching participants how to engage responsibly with the natural world while understanding the importance of sustainability and Leave No Trace principles. Lessons highlight the cultural and historical significance of apothecaries while clearly distinguishing between educational herbal knowledge and modern medical practice.

Apothecary 101 supports critical thinking, sensory learning, and environmental literacy, offering opportunities for journaling, labeling, basic measurements, and creative expression. Instruction is inclusive and adaptable, making the course accessible to beginners and suitable for youth, families, and intergenerational learning.

Designed as a foundational experience, Apothecary 101 builds plant awareness, confidence, and respect for traditional knowledge—encouraging participants to see the landscape not just as scenery, but as a living classroom.

Youth Bushcraft Program: Skills for the Wild, Lessons for Life

The Youth Bushcraft Program at OARS is a hands-on, outdoor learning experience designed to help young people build confidence, resilience, and a meaningful connection to the natural world. Guided by trained instructors and grounded in safety, respect, and stewardship, participants learn foundational wilderness and woodland skills through experiential, age-appropriate activities.

Youth explore practical skills such as fire safety and fire-building, shelter construction, cordage and knot-tying, navigation and map reading, tool awareness, natural materials identification, and Leave No Trace ethics. Lessons emphasize problem-solving, teamwork, and situational awareness while encouraging curiosity and creativity in an outdoor setting.

The program is intentionally structured to support social-emotional learning, helping participants develop independence, cooperation, and confidence through guided challenges and group collaboration. Activities are adaptable for varying ages and abilities, ensuring an inclusive environment where all youth can participate meaningfully.

Beyond outdoor skills, the Youth Bushcraft Program fosters environmental stewardship, teaching participants how to responsibly interact with ecosystems and understand their role within them. By blending traditional bushcraft knowledge with modern safety standards, the program nurtures both respect for nature and practical life skills that extend far beyond the woods.

Ideal for beginners and returning participants alike, this program supports OARS’ mission to provide accessible, empowering outdoor education that strengthens youth, families, and community connections through nature-based learning.

Youth Bushcraft Program: Skills for the Wild, Lessons for Life

The Youth Bushcraft Program at OARS is a hands-on, outdoor learning experience designed to help young people build confidence, resilience, and a meaningful connection to the natural world. Guided by trained instructors and grounded in safety, respect, and stewardship, participants learn foundational wilderness and woodland skills through experiential, age-appropriate activities.

Youth explore practical skills such as fire safety and fire-building, shelter construction, cordage and knot-tying, navigation and map reading, tool awareness, natural materials identification, and Leave No Trace ethics. Lessons emphasize problem-solving, teamwork, and situational awareness while encouraging curiosity and creativity in an outdoor setting.

The program is intentionally structured to support social-emotional learning, helping participants develop independence, cooperation, and confidence through guided challenges and group collaboration. Activities are adaptable for varying ages and abilities, ensuring an inclusive environment where all youth can participate meaningfully.

Beyond outdoor skills, the Youth Bushcraft Program fosters environmental stewardship, teaching participants how to responsibly interact with ecosystems and understand their role within them. By blending traditional bushcraft knowledge with modern safety standards, the program nurtures both respect for nature and practical life skills that extend far beyond the woods.

Ideal for beginners and returning participants alike, this program supports OARS’ mission to provide accessible, empowering outdoor education that strengthens youth, families, and community connections through nature-based learning.

Youth Bushcraft Program: Skills for the Wild, Lessons for Life

The Youth Bushcraft Program at OARS is a hands-on, outdoor learning experience designed to help young people build confidence, resilience, and a meaningful connection to the natural world. Guided by trained instructors and grounded in safety, respect, and stewardship, participants learn foundational wilderness and woodland skills through experiential, age-appropriate activities.

Youth explore practical skills such as fire safety and fire-building, shelter construction, cordage and knot-tying, navigation and map reading, tool awareness, natural materials identification, and Leave No Trace ethics. Lessons emphasize problem-solving, teamwork, and situational awareness while encouraging curiosity and creativity in an outdoor setting.

The program is intentionally structured to support social-emotional learning, helping participants develop independence, cooperation, and confidence through guided challenges and group collaboration. Activities are adaptable for varying ages and abilities, ensuring an inclusive environment where all youth can participate meaningfully.

Beyond outdoor skills, the Youth Bushcraft Program fosters environmental stewardship, teaching participants how to responsibly interact with ecosystems and understand their role within them. By blending traditional bushcraft knowledge with modern safety standards, the program nurtures both respect for nature and practical life skills that extend far beyond the woods.

Ideal for beginners and returning participants alike, this program supports OARS’ mission to provide accessible, empowering outdoor education that strengthens youth, families, and community connections through nature-based learning.

Youth Bushcraft Program: Skills for the Wild, Lessons for Life

The Youth Bushcraft Program at OARS is a hands-on, outdoor learning experience designed to help young people build confidence, resilience, and a meaningful connection to the natural world. Guided by trained instructors and grounded in safety, respect, and stewardship, participants learn foundational wilderness and woodland skills through experiential, age-appropriate activities.

Youth explore practical skills such as fire safety and fire-building, shelter construction, cordage and knot-tying, navigation and map reading, tool awareness, natural materials identification, and Leave No Trace ethics. Lessons emphasize problem-solving, teamwork, and situational awareness while encouraging curiosity and creativity in an outdoor setting.

The program is intentionally structured to support social-emotional learning, helping participants develop independence, cooperation, and confidence through guided challenges and group collaboration. Activities are adaptable for varying ages and abilities, ensuring an inclusive environment where all youth can participate meaningfully.

Beyond outdoor skills, the Youth Bushcraft Program fosters environmental stewardship, teaching participants how to responsibly interact with ecosystems and understand their role within them. By blending traditional bushcraft knowledge with modern safety standards, the program nurtures both respect for nature and practical life skills that extend far beyond the woods.

Ideal for beginners and returning participants alike, this program supports OARS’ mission to provide accessible, empowering outdoor education that strengthens youth, families, and community connections through nature-based learning.

Youth Bushcraft Program: Skills for the Wild, Lessons for Life

The Youth Bushcraft Program at OARS is a hands-on, outdoor learning experience designed to help young people build confidence, resilience, and a meaningful connection to the natural world. Guided by trained instructors and grounded in safety, respect, and stewardship, participants learn foundational wilderness and woodland skills through experiential, age-appropriate activities.

Youth explore practical skills such as fire safety and fire-building, shelter construction, cordage and knot-tying, navigation and map reading, tool awareness, natural materials identification, and Leave No Trace ethics. Lessons emphasize problem-solving, teamwork, and situational awareness while encouraging curiosity and creativity in an outdoor setting.

The program is intentionally structured to support social-emotional learning, helping participants develop independence, cooperation, and confidence through guided challenges and group collaboration. Activities are adaptable for varying ages and abilities, ensuring an inclusive environment where all youth can participate meaningfully.

Beyond outdoor skills, the Youth Bushcraft Program fosters environmental stewardship, teaching participants how to responsibly interact with ecosystems and understand their role within them. By blending traditional bushcraft knowledge with modern safety standards, the program nurtures both respect for nature and practical life skills that extend far beyond the woods.

Ideal for beginners and returning participants alike, this program supports OARS’ mission to provide accessible, empowering outdoor education that strengthens youth, families, and community connections through nature-based learning.

Apothecary 101: An Introduction to Herbal Knowledge & Plant-Based Care

Apothecary 101 is an introductory, hands-on course that invites participants to explore the foundations of traditional herbalism and plant-based wellness through safe, educational, and experiential learning. Rooted in respect for nature, cultural knowledge, and modern safety standards, this course introduces the historical and practical role of plants in everyday care.

Participants learn to identify common local herbs, understand basic plant parts and their traditional uses, and explore how plants have been used historically for wellness, household remedies, and seasonal care. Guided activities may include harvesting ethics, drying and storing herbs, and simple, non-medicinal preparations such as herbal teas, sachets, infused oils, and salves—with a strong emphasis on safety, consent, and age-appropriate practice.

The course emphasizes observation, curiosity, and stewardship, teaching participants how to engage responsibly with the natural world while understanding the importance of sustainability and Leave No Trace principles. Lessons highlight the cultural and historical significance of apothecaries while clearly distinguishing between educational herbal knowledge and modern medical practice.

Apothecary 101 supports critical thinking, sensory learning, and environmental literacy, offering opportunities for journaling, labeling, basic measurements, and creative expression. Instruction is inclusive and adaptable, making the course accessible to beginners and suitable for youth, families, and intergenerational learning.

Designed as a foundational experience, Apothecary 101 builds plant awareness, confidence, and respect for traditional knowledge—encouraging participants to see the landscape not just as scenery, but as a living classroom.

Apothecary 101: An Introduction to Herbal Knowledge & Plant-Based Care

Apothecary 101 is an introductory, hands-on course that invites participants to explore the foundations of traditional herbalism and plant-based wellness through safe, educational, and experiential learning. Rooted in respect for nature, cultural knowledge, and modern safety standards, this course introduces the historical and practical role of plants in everyday care.

Participants learn to identify common local herbs, understand basic plant parts and their traditional uses, and explore how plants have been used historically for wellness, household remedies, and seasonal care. Guided activities may include harvesting ethics, drying and storing herbs, and simple, non-medicinal preparations such as herbal teas, sachets, infused oils, and salves—with a strong emphasis on safety, consent, and age-appropriate practice.

The course emphasizes observation, curiosity, and stewardship, teaching participants how to engage responsibly with the natural world while understanding the importance of sustainability and Leave No Trace principles. Lessons highlight the cultural and historical significance of apothecaries while clearly distinguishing between educational herbal knowledge and modern medical practice.

Apothecary 101 supports critical thinking, sensory learning, and environmental literacy, offering opportunities for journaling, labeling, basic measurements, and creative expression. Instruction is inclusive and adaptable, making the course accessible to beginners and suitable for youth, families, and intergenerational learning.

Designed as a foundational experience, Apothecary 101 builds plant awareness, confidence, and respect for traditional knowledge—encouraging participants to see the landscape not just as scenery, but as a living classroom.

The Dr. Michael Doyle 5K Run/Walk of Cuba is a community-centered fundraiser held in Cuba in honor of the late Dr. Michael Doyle, whose life and work left a lasting impact on the village he called home. Open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities, the event celebrates health, togetherness, and service—values that Dr. Doyle embodied throughout his life.

Proceeds from the 5K are used to continue Dr. Doyle’s community legacy through local initiatives that strengthen and enrich Cuba. The event is proudly partnered with the Cuba Trail Town Committee, which works to grow, enhance, and beautify the Genesee Valley Greenway Trail, a treasured recreational and economic asset for the region.

Together, the Dr. Michael Doyle 5K honors remembrance through action—supporting community well-being, outdoor recreation, and a shared vision for a vibrant Cuba.

Registration for this event opens in May 2026.

Eco-Artists in the Woods is a week-long, full-day nature art camp where creativity, curiosity, and the natural world come together. Designed for youth ages 8 –12, this immersive program invites campers to explore the forest as both classroom and studio.

Through hands-on activities, campers create land art and ephemeral sculptures using fallen natural materials, experiment with pigments made from plants, soil, and charcoal, and tell stories inspired by the landscape around them. Daily nature walks, journaling, and collaborative projects encourage close observation, imagination, and respect for the environment.

Grounded in Leave No Trace principles, Eco-Artists in the Woods emphasizes process over product, helping campers build confidence, teamwork skills, and a deeper connection to nature. By the end of the week, campers celebrate their creativity through a forest gallery and reflection, taking home artwork, journals, and a renewed sense of wonder for the natural world.

Eco-Artists in the Woods is a week-long, full-day nature art camp where creativity, curiosity, and the natural world come together. Designed for youth ages 8 –12, this immersive program invites campers to explore the forest as both classroom and studio.

Through hands-on activities, campers create land art and ephemeral sculptures using fallen natural materials, experiment with pigments made from plants, soil, and charcoal, and tell stories inspired by the landscape around them. Daily nature walks, journaling, and collaborative projects encourage close observation, imagination, and respect for the environment.

Grounded in Leave No Trace principles, Eco-Artists in the Woods emphasizes process over product, helping campers build confidence, teamwork skills, and a deeper connection to nature. By the end of the week, campers celebrate their creativity through a forest gallery and reflection, taking home artwork, journals, and a renewed sense of wonder for the natural world.

Eco-Artists in the Woods is a week-long, full-day nature art camp where creativity, curiosity, and the natural world come together. Designed for youth ages 8 –12, this immersive program invites campers to explore the forest as both classroom and studio.

Through hands-on activities, campers create land art and ephemeral sculptures using fallen natural materials, experiment with pigments made from plants, soil, and charcoal, and tell stories inspired by the landscape around them. Daily nature walks, journaling, and collaborative projects encourage close observation, imagination, and respect for the environment.

Grounded in Leave No Trace principles, Eco-Artists in the Woods emphasizes process over product, helping campers build confidence, teamwork skills, and a deeper connection to nature. By the end of the week, campers celebrate their creativity through a forest gallery and reflection, taking home artwork, journals, and a renewed sense of wonder for the natural world.

Eco-Artists in the Woods is a week-long, full-day nature art camp where creativity, curiosity, and the natural world come together. Designed for youth ages 8 –12, this immersive program invites campers to explore the forest as both classroom and studio.

Through hands-on activities, campers create land art and ephemeral sculptures using fallen natural materials, experiment with pigments made from plants, soil, and charcoal, and tell stories inspired by the landscape around them. Daily nature walks, journaling, and collaborative projects encourage close observation, imagination, and respect for the environment.

Grounded in Leave No Trace principles, Eco-Artists in the Woods emphasizes process over product, helping campers build confidence, teamwork skills, and a deeper connection to nature. By the end of the week, campers celebrate their creativity through a forest gallery and reflection, taking home artwork, journals, and a renewed sense of wonder for the natural world.

Simple Yoga with Reiki - FREE

A gentle, supportive class designed for individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and other mobility concerns. This class will be led by Linda Botens and blends accessible yoga postures, mindful breathing, and guided relaxation with the calming, restorative energy of Reiki. Movements are adapted to each participant’s comfort level and can be done seated in a chair or using supportive props. No prior yoga experience is necessary—just a willingness to move, breathe, and receive. You’ll leave feeling relaxed, balanced, and supported in body and mind.

Eco-Artists in the Woods is a week-long, full-day nature art camp where creativity, curiosity, and the natural world come together. Designed for youth ages 8 –12, this immersive program invites campers to explore the forest as both classroom and studio.

Through hands-on activities, campers create land art and ephemeral sculptures using fallen natural materials, experiment with pigments made from plants, soil, and charcoal, and tell stories inspired by the landscape around them. Daily nature walks, journaling, and collaborative projects encourage close observation, imagination, and respect for the environment.

Grounded in Leave No Trace principles, Eco-Artists in the Woods emphasizes process over product, helping campers build confidence, teamwork skills, and a deeper connection to nature. By the end of the week, campers celebrate their creativity through a forest gallery and reflection, taking home artwork, journals, and a renewed sense of wonder for the natural world.

Wilderness Survival Medicine is a hands-on, field-based training course that prepares participants to respond to medical emergencies when professional help is far away. This immersive program combines standard CPR and First Aid certification with wilderness medicine skills used by outdoor professionals, trail crews, expedition leaders, and backcountry guides.

Students learn how to assess injuries, control bleeding, manage fractures, treat hypothermia and heat illness, respond to allergic reactions, and perform life-saving CPR — all while working in real outdoor environments. Instead of a classroom, training takes place on trails, in wooded terrain, and at simulated backcountry accident scenes.

Participants practice patient assessment, evacuation decision-making, splinting, and improvised medical care using minimal equipment, just as they would in real-world wilderness emergencies.

Upon successful completion, students earn a nationally recognized CPR and First Aid certification, along with a Wilderness Survival Medicine certificate documenting their field-based emergency care training.

This course is ideal for:

• Outdoor educators and camp staff

• Hikers, hunters, and backpackers

• Search & rescue volunteers

• Youth leaders and trip leaders

• Anyone who spends time far from emergency services

Learn to stay calm, think clearly, and save lives—where it matters most: in the field. 🌲🩺

THIS COURSE IS FREE

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

Apothecary 101: An Introduction to Herbal Knowledge & Plant-Based Care

Apothecary 101 is an introductory, hands-on course that invites participants to explore the foundations of traditional herbalism and plant-based wellness through safe, educational, and experiential learning. Rooted in respect for nature, cultural knowledge, and modern safety standards, this course introduces the historical and practical role of plants in everyday care.

Participants learn to identify common local herbs, understand basic plant parts and their traditional uses, and explore how plants have been used historically for wellness, household remedies, and seasonal care. Guided activities may include harvesting ethics, drying and storing herbs, and simple, non-medicinal preparations such as herbal teas, sachets, infused oils, and salves—with a strong emphasis on safety, consent, and age-appropriate practice.

The course emphasizes observation, curiosity, and stewardship, teaching participants how to engage responsibly with the natural world while understanding the importance of sustainability and Leave No Trace principles. Lessons highlight the cultural and historical significance of apothecaries while clearly distinguishing between educational herbal knowledge and modern medical practice.

Apothecary 101 supports critical thinking, sensory learning, and environmental literacy, offering opportunities for journaling, labeling, basic measurements, and creative expression. Instruction is inclusive and adaptable, making the course accessible to beginners and suitable for youth, families, and intergenerational learning.

Designed as a foundational experience, Apothecary 101 builds plant awareness, confidence, and respect for traditional knowledge—encouraging participants to see the landscape not just as scenery, but as a living classroom.

Earth to Form: Clay, Place, and Process is a week-long immersive ceramics experience for teens that explores the transformation of raw earth into expressive and functional art. Rooted in place-based learning, this program invites participants to slow down and engage deeply with clay as a natural, geological material shaped by time, environment, and human hands.

Throughout the week, teens locate and ethically collect clay from the landscape, learn how to process and refine it, and explore handbuilding techniques such as pinch, coil, and slab construction. Participants experiment with texture, surface, and form using natural tools and locally sourced materials, while learning how design choices reflect both function and personal expression.

The program emphasizes process over perfection, encouraging patience, problem-solving, and reflection. Through guided studio time, group critiques, and artist journaling, teens develop technical skills, creative confidence, and a stronger connection to the land as both resource and inspiration. The week culminates in a studio showcase, where participants present finished ceramic works alongside artist statements that connect material, place, and creative intent.

Earth to Form: Clay, Place, and Process is a week-long immersive ceramics experience for teens that explores the transformation of raw earth into expressive and functional art. Rooted in place-based learning, this program invites participants to slow down and engage deeply with clay as a natural, geological material shaped by time, environment, and human hands.

Throughout the week, teens locate and ethically collect clay from the landscape, learn how to process and refine it, and explore handbuilding techniques such as pinch, coil, and slab construction. Participants experiment with texture, surface, and form using natural tools and locally sourced materials, while learning how design choices reflect both function and personal expression.

The program emphasizes process over perfection, encouraging patience, problem-solving, and reflection. Through guided studio time, group critiques, and artist journaling, teens develop technical skills, creative confidence, and a stronger connection to the land as both resource and inspiration. The week culminates in a studio showcase, where participants present finished ceramic works alongside artist statements that connect material, place, and creative intent.

Earth to Form: Clay, Place, and Process is a week-long immersive ceramics experience for teens that explores the transformation of raw earth into expressive and functional art. Rooted in place-based learning, this program invites participants to slow down and engage deeply with clay as a natural, geological material shaped by time, environment, and human hands.

Throughout the week, teens locate and ethically collect clay from the landscape, learn how to process and refine it, and explore handbuilding techniques such as pinch, coil, and slab construction. Participants experiment with texture, surface, and form using natural tools and locally sourced materials, while learning how design choices reflect both function and personal expression.

The program emphasizes process over perfection, encouraging patience, problem-solving, and reflection. Through guided studio time, group critiques, and artist journaling, teens develop technical skills, creative confidence, and a stronger connection to the land as both resource and inspiration. The week culminates in a studio showcase, where participants present finished ceramic works alongside artist statements that connect material, place, and creative intent.

Earth to Form: Clay, Place, and Process is a week-long immersive ceramics experience for teens that explores the transformation of raw earth into expressive and functional art. Rooted in place-based learning, this program invites participants to slow down and engage deeply with clay as a natural, geological material shaped by time, environment, and human hands.

Throughout the week, teens locate and ethically collect clay from the landscape, learn how to process and refine it, and explore handbuilding techniques such as pinch, coil, and slab construction. Participants experiment with texture, surface, and form using natural tools and locally sourced materials, while learning how design choices reflect both function and personal expression.

The program emphasizes process over perfection, encouraging patience, problem-solving, and reflection. Through guided studio time, group critiques, and artist journaling, teens develop technical skills, creative confidence, and a stronger connection to the land as both resource and inspiration. The week culminates in a studio showcase, where participants present finished ceramic works alongside artist statements that connect material, place, and creative intent.

Earth to Form: Clay, Place, and Process is a week-long immersive ceramics experience for teens that explores the transformation of raw earth into expressive and functional art. Rooted in place-based learning, this program invites participants to slow down and engage deeply with clay as a natural, geological material shaped by time, environment, and human hands.

Throughout the week, teens locate and ethically collect clay from the landscape, learn how to process and refine it, and explore handbuilding techniques such as pinch, coil, and slab construction. Participants experiment with texture, surface, and form using natural tools and locally sourced materials, while learning how design choices reflect both function and personal expression.

The program emphasizes process over perfection, encouraging patience, problem-solving, and reflection. Through guided studio time, group critiques, and artist journaling, teens develop technical skills, creative confidence, and a stronger connection to the land as both resource and inspiration. The week culminates in a studio showcase, where participants present finished ceramic works alongside artist statements that connect material, place, and creative intent.

Earth to Color: Pigment, Pattern, and Transformation is a week-long immersive painting and textile arts experience for teens that explores how color emerges from the natural world and is shaped through human creativity. Grounded in place-based making, this program invites participants to work directly with pigments and dyes derived from plants, soil, charcoal, and other natural materials.

Throughout the week, teens ethically gather and prepare natural pigments, experiment with extraction and fixation techniques, and explore painting and fabric dyeing on paper and textiles. Participants learn how color behaves across different surfaces, how patterns emerge through resist and bundle-dye techniques, and how cultural traditions have long used natural dyes to communicate identity, symbolism, and meaning.

Emphasizing experimentation and process, the program encourages curiosity, patience, and thoughtful risk-taking. Through studio practice, guided critiques, and reflective journaling, teens develop technical skills and artistic voice while deepening their understanding of nature as both source and collaborator. The week concludes with a shared exhibition of paintings and dyed textiles, accompanied by artist statements that reflect on transformation—of materials, ideas, and self.

Earth to Color: Pigment, Pattern, and Transformation is a week-long immersive painting and textile arts experience for teens that explores how color emerges from the natural world and is shaped through human creativity. Grounded in place-based making, this program invites participants to work directly with pigments and dyes derived from plants, soil, charcoal, and other natural materials.

Throughout the week, teens ethically gather and prepare natural pigments, experiment with extraction and fixation techniques, and explore painting and fabric dyeing on paper and textiles. Participants learn how color behaves across different surfaces, how patterns emerge through resist and bundle-dye techniques, and how cultural traditions have long used natural dyes to communicate identity, symbolism, and meaning.

Emphasizing experimentation and process, the program encourages curiosity, patience, and thoughtful risk-taking. Through studio practice, guided critiques, and reflective journaling, teens develop technical skills and artistic voice while deepening their understanding of nature as both source and collaborator. The week concludes with a shared exhibition of paintings and dyed textiles, accompanied by artist statements that reflect on transformation—of materials, ideas, and self.

Earth to Color: Pigment, Pattern, and Transformation is a week-long immersive painting and textile arts experience for teens that explores how color emerges from the natural world and is shaped through human creativity. Grounded in place-based making, this program invites participants to work directly with pigments and dyes derived from plants, soil, charcoal, and other natural materials.

Throughout the week, teens ethically gather and prepare natural pigments, experiment with extraction and fixation techniques, and explore painting and fabric dyeing on paper and textiles. Participants learn how color behaves across different surfaces, how patterns emerge through resist and bundle-dye techniques, and how cultural traditions have long used natural dyes to communicate identity, symbolism, and meaning.

Emphasizing experimentation and process, the program encourages curiosity, patience, and thoughtful risk-taking. Through studio practice, guided critiques, and reflective journaling, teens develop technical skills and artistic voice while deepening their understanding of nature as both source and collaborator. The week concludes with a shared exhibition of paintings and dyed textiles, accompanied by artist statements that reflect on transformation—of materials, ideas, and self.

Earth to Color: Pigment, Pattern, and Transformation is a week-long immersive painting and textile arts experience for teens that explores how color emerges from the natural world and is shaped through human creativity. Grounded in place-based making, this program invites participants to work directly with pigments and dyes derived from plants, soil, charcoal, and other natural materials.

Throughout the week, teens ethically gather and prepare natural pigments, experiment with extraction and fixation techniques, and explore painting and fabric dyeing on paper and textiles. Participants learn how color behaves across different surfaces, how patterns emerge through resist and bundle-dye techniques, and how cultural traditions have long used natural dyes to communicate identity, symbolism, and meaning.

Emphasizing experimentation and process, the program encourages curiosity, patience, and thoughtful risk-taking. Through studio practice, guided critiques, and reflective journaling, teens develop technical skills and artistic voice while deepening their understanding of nature as both source and collaborator. The week concludes with a shared exhibition of paintings and dyed textiles, accompanied by artist statements that reflect on transformation—of materials, ideas, and self.

Earth to Color: Pigment, Pattern, and Transformation is a week-long immersive painting and textile arts experience for teens that explores how color emerges from the natural world and is shaped through human creativity. Grounded in place-based making, this program invites participants to work directly with pigments and dyes derived from plants, soil, charcoal, and other natural materials.

Throughout the week, teens ethically gather and prepare natural pigments, experiment with extraction and fixation techniques, and explore painting and fabric dyeing on paper and textiles. Participants learn how color behaves across different surfaces, how patterns emerge through resist and bundle-dye techniques, and how cultural traditions have long used natural dyes to communicate identity, symbolism, and meaning.

Emphasizing experimentation and process, the program encourages curiosity, patience, and thoughtful risk-taking. Through studio practice, guided critiques, and reflective journaling, teens develop technical skills and artistic voice while deepening their understanding of nature as both source and collaborator. The week concludes with a shared exhibition of paintings and dyed textiles, accompanied by artist statements that reflect on transformation—of materials, ideas, and self.

Wilderness Survival Medicine is a hands-on, field-based training course that prepares participants to respond to medical emergencies when professional help is far away. This immersive program combines standard CPR and First Aid certification with wilderness medicine skills used by outdoor professionals, trail crews, expedition leaders, and backcountry guides.

Students learn how to assess injuries, control bleeding, manage fractures, treat hypothermia and heat illness, respond to allergic reactions, and perform life-saving CPR — all while working in real outdoor environments. Instead of a classroom, training takes place on trails, in wooded terrain, and at simulated backcountry accident scenes.

Participants practice patient assessment, evacuation decision-making, splinting, and improvised medical care using minimal equipment, just as they would in real-world wilderness emergencies.

Upon successful completion, students earn a nationally recognized CPR and First Aid certification, along with a Wilderness Survival Medicine certificate documenting their field-based emergency care training.

This course is ideal for:

• Outdoor educators and camp staff

• Hikers, hunters, and backpackers

• Search & rescue volunteers

• Youth leaders and trip leaders

• Anyone who spends time far from emergency services

Learn to stay calm, think clearly, and save lives—where it matters most: in the field. 🌲🩺

THIS COURSE IS FREE

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

Apothecary 101: An Introduction to Herbal Knowledge & Plant-Based Care

Apothecary 101 is an introductory, hands-on course that invites participants to explore the foundations of traditional herbalism and plant-based wellness through safe, educational, and experiential learning. Rooted in respect for nature, cultural knowledge, and modern safety standards, this course introduces the historical and practical role of plants in everyday care.

Participants learn to identify common local herbs, understand basic plant parts and their traditional uses, and explore how plants have been used historically for wellness, household remedies, and seasonal care. Guided activities may include harvesting ethics, drying and storing herbs, and simple, non-medicinal preparations such as herbal teas, sachets, infused oils, and salves—with a strong emphasis on safety, consent, and age-appropriate practice.

The course emphasizes observation, curiosity, and stewardship, teaching participants how to engage responsibly with the natural world while understanding the importance of sustainability and Leave No Trace principles. Lessons highlight the cultural and historical significance of apothecaries while clearly distinguishing between educational herbal knowledge and modern medical practice.

Apothecary 101 supports critical thinking, sensory learning, and environmental literacy, offering opportunities for journaling, labeling, basic measurements, and creative expression. Instruction is inclusive and adaptable, making the course accessible to beginners and suitable for youth, families, and intergenerational learning.

Designed as a foundational experience, Apothecary 101 builds plant awareness, confidence, and respect for traditional knowledge—encouraging participants to see the landscape not just as scenery, but as a living classroom.

Wildcraft & Woodland Skills is a week-long, full-day outdoor camp that builds confidence, responsibility, and practical skills through hands-on learning in the forest. Designed for youth ages 8–12, this program introduces campers to traditional outdoor skills rooted in safety, respect, and environmental stewardship.

Throughout the week, campers learn how to build and improve shelters, tie essential knots, safely use age-appropriate tools, and navigate using maps and compasses. Activities are scaffolded to support skill mastery, problem-solving, and teamwork, with an emphasis on patience, focus, and clear communication.

Guided by Leave No Trace principles, Wildcraft & Woodland Skills helps campers understand how thoughtful design and responsible decision-making keep both people and natural spaces safe. The week culminates in a Wildcraft Showcase, where campers teach skills to peers, demonstrate shelters and knots, and reflect on their growth as capable, confident outdoor learners.

Wildcraft & Woodland Skills is a week-long, full-day outdoor camp that builds confidence, responsibility, and practical skills through hands-on learning in the forest. Designed for youth ages 8–12, this program introduces campers to traditional outdoor skills rooted in safety, respect, and environmental stewardship.

Throughout the week, campers learn how to build and improve shelters, tie essential knots, safely use age-appropriate tools, and navigate using maps and compasses. Activities are scaffolded to support skill mastery, problem-solving, and teamwork, with an emphasis on patience, focus, and clear communication.

Guided by Leave No Trace principles, Wildcraft & Woodland Skills helps campers understand how thoughtful design and responsible decision-making keep both people and natural spaces safe. The week culminates in a Wildcraft Showcase, where campers teach skills to peers, demonstrate shelters and knots, and reflect on their growth as capable, confident outdoor learners.

Wildcraft & Woodland Skills is a week-long, full-day outdoor camp that builds confidence, responsibility, and practical skills through hands-on learning in the forest. Designed for youth ages 8–12, this program introduces campers to traditional outdoor skills rooted in safety, respect, and environmental stewardship.

Throughout the week, campers learn how to build and improve shelters, tie essential knots, safely use age-appropriate tools, and navigate using maps and compasses. Activities are scaffolded to support skill mastery, problem-solving, and teamwork, with an emphasis on patience, focus, and clear communication.

Guided by Leave No Trace principles, Wildcraft & Woodland Skills helps campers understand how thoughtful design and responsible decision-making keep both people and natural spaces safe. The week culminates in a Wildcraft Showcase, where campers teach skills to peers, demonstrate shelters and knots, and reflect on their growth as capable, confident outdoor learners.

Wildcraft & Woodland Skills is a week-long, full-day outdoor camp that builds confidence, responsibility, and practical skills through hands-on learning in the forest. Designed for youth ages 8–12, this program introduces campers to traditional outdoor skills rooted in safety, respect, and environmental stewardship.

Throughout the week, campers learn how to build and improve shelters, tie essential knots, safely use age-appropriate tools, and navigate using maps and compasses. Activities are scaffolded to support skill mastery, problem-solving, and teamwork, with an emphasis on patience, focus, and clear communication.

Guided by Leave No Trace principles, Wildcraft & Woodland Skills helps campers understand how thoughtful design and responsible decision-making keep both people and natural spaces safe. The week culminates in a Wildcraft Showcase, where campers teach skills to peers, demonstrate shelters and knots, and reflect on their growth as capable, confident outdoor learners.

Wildcraft & Woodland Skills is a week-long, full-day outdoor camp that builds confidence, responsibility, and practical skills through hands-on learning in the forest. Designed for youth ages 8–12, this program introduces campers to traditional outdoor skills rooted in safety, respect, and environmental stewardship.

Throughout the week, campers learn how to build and improve shelters, tie essential knots, safely use age-appropriate tools, and navigate using maps and compasses. Activities are scaffolded to support skill mastery, problem-solving, and teamwork, with an emphasis on patience, focus, and clear communication.

Guided by Leave No Trace principles, Wildcraft & Woodland Skills helps campers understand how thoughtful design and responsible decision-making keep both people and natural spaces safe. The week culminates in a Wildcraft Showcase, where campers teach skills to peers, demonstrate shelters and knots, and reflect on their growth as capable, confident outdoor learners.

Shelter & Weather Science is a hands-on outdoor learning experience that helps campers understand how design, materials, and environment work togeth-er to provide protection in the natural world. As part of the Wildcraft & Woodland Skills program, this session introduces youth 8-12 to the science behind shelter building through observation, experimentation, and teamwork.

Campers learn how to select safe and effective shelter sites by considering wind, sun, slope, and drainage. They explore insulation concepts using natural materials and apply these ideas to improve their shelters. Through controlled wind and water simulations, campers test their designs, observe how weather impacts structures, and problem-solve improvements.

By combining practical building skills with age-appropriate science concepts, Shelter & Weather Science strengthens critical thinking, collaboration, and environmental awareness, while reinforcing the importance of safety, preparation, and respect for the land.

Shelter & Weather Science is a hands-on outdoor learning experience that helps campers understand how design, materials, and environment work togeth-er to provide protection in the natural world. As part of the Wildcraft & Woodland Skills program, this session introduces youth 8-12 to the science behind shelter building through observation, experimentation, and teamwork.

Campers learn how to select safe and effective shelter sites by considering wind, sun, slope, and drainage. They explore insulation concepts using natural materials and apply these ideas to improve their shelters. Through controlled wind and water simulations, campers test their designs, observe how weather impacts structures, and problem-solve improvements.

By combining practical building skills with age-appropriate science concepts, Shelter & Weather Science strengthens critical thinking, collaboration, and environmental awareness, while reinforcing the importance of safety, preparation, and respect for the land.

Shelter & Weather Science is a hands-on outdoor learning experience that helps campers understand how design, materials, and environment work togeth-er to provide protection in the natural world. As part of the Wildcraft & Woodland Skills program, this session introduces youth 8-12 to the science behind shelter building through observation, experimentation, and teamwork.

Campers learn how to select safe and effective shelter sites by considering wind, sun, slope, and drainage. They explore insulation concepts using natural materials and apply these ideas to improve their shelters. Through controlled wind and water simulations, campers test their designs, observe how weather impacts structures, and problem-solve improvements.

By combining practical building skills with age-appropriate science concepts, Shelter & Weather Science strengthens critical thinking, collaboration, and environmental awareness, while reinforcing the importance of safety, preparation, and respect for the land.

Shelter & Weather Science is a hands-on outdoor learning experience that helps campers understand how design, materials, and environment work togeth-er to provide protection in the natural world. As part of the Wildcraft & Woodland Skills program, this session introduces youth 8-12 to the science behind shelter building through observation, experimentation, and teamwork.

Campers learn how to select safe and effective shelter sites by considering wind, sun, slope, and drainage. They explore insulation concepts using natural materials and apply these ideas to improve their shelters. Through controlled wind and water simulations, campers test their designs, observe how weather impacts structures, and problem-solve improvements.

By combining practical building skills with age-appropriate science concepts, Shelter & Weather Science strengthens critical thinking, collaboration, and environmental awareness, while reinforcing the importance of safety, preparation, and respect for the land.

Shelter & Weather Science is a hands-on outdoor learning experience that helps campers understand how design, materials, and environment work togeth-er to provide protection in the natural world. As part of the Wildcraft & Woodland Skills program, this session introduces youth 8-12 to the science behind shelter building through observation, experimentation, and teamwork.

Campers learn how to select safe and effective shelter sites by considering wind, sun, slope, and drainage. They explore insulation concepts using natural materials and apply these ideas to improve their shelters. Through controlled wind and water simulations, campers test their designs, observe how weather impacts structures, and problem-solve improvements.

By combining practical building skills with age-appropriate science concepts, Shelter & Weather Science strengthens critical thinking, collaboration, and environmental awareness, while reinforcing the importance of safety, preparation, and respect for the land.