At Home in the Woods…Every Week is a NEW Experience.
Our mentoring approach creates unique Programs by asking the kids, “what are your PASSIONS?” Then we build on that; we co-create a powerful week for all. Participants continue coming back year after year, and even for the whole summer!
Favorite activities include:
- just being in the woods all day;
- carving with a knife;
- weaving reed mats;
- fire building;
- learning to use a hatchet;
- wild edibles;
- making fish hooks;
- learning how to locate a “lost” person;
- learning about cordage;
- playing the games–Camouflage, The Hunted, Flash Flood.
- listening to nature;
- And from one happy camper’s evaluation form, he said he liked all the activities!
SUMMER PROGRAMS 2013 SCHEDULE:
Leader in Training 2013
Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
June 24-28: Leader in Training*, Conway, ages 12+
* Leader in Training: Specifically for those interested in becoming a peer mentor (see below for more)
Over the last 3 years, several At Home in the Woods Programs have filled quickly; please be sure to register early (and your non-refundable deposit will hold the spot)!
At Home in the Woods 2013
Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
June 24-28: At Home in the Woods W1, Greenfield, ages 7 to 12
July 1-5: At Home in the Woods W2, South Deerfield, ages 8 to 12
July 8-12: At Home in the Woods W3, South Deerfield, ages 8 to 12 **FULL**
July 15-19: At Home in the Woods W4, Conway, ages 8 to 12
July 22-26: At Home in the Woods W5, Shutesbury, ages 5 to 7 **FULL** AND 7 to 12 (still room in 7-12)
July 29-August 2: At Home in the Woods W6, Conway, ages 8 to 12
(As weeks fill, we will note **FULL** and will start waitlists for those Programs.)
All Leader in Training and At Home in the Woods Programs: Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
$255-$330, sliding scale, per child per week ($100 nonrefundable deposit due upon registration)
August 5-August 9: Way of the Scout, Conway, ages 10+ (pre-requisite: child must attend At Home in the Woods or an Earthwork Programs weekly seasonal Program prior to attending).
$355-$430, sliding scale; $100 nonrefundable deposit required. Includes 5 days plus 1 overnight (and Thursday dinner, Friday breakfast and lunch) Limit of 10. CALL 413-340-1161 FOR DETAILS
FOR PRETEENS & TEENS, check out:
- Hunter-Gatherer Summer Program–August 12-16, Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-3:00 pm, $295-$360, sliding scale; $100 nonrefundable deposit required.
To get an idea of what happens during Earthwork Programs Summer Program, read about A Day in the Life of an Earthwork Camper.
*Leader in Training Camp offers the opportunity for preteens and teens to practice their wilderness skills as well as learn how to peer mentor. Mentoring is much more than simply teaching knowledge or skills. As peer mentors, preteens and teens will lead younger participants to conclusions through the art of questioning. They spark passion, develop the need and/or desire to know, ask leading questions and then offer resources to gain answers and understanding. Upon completion of the LIT week, participants are assessed and may have the opportunity to attend any or all At Home in the Woods Programs as an LIT for half price!
Parents of previous years’ campers said:
(My son) is so engaged, so relaxed, so tired, so dirty-; he’s having the best week!
He learns skills that empower him, and he gets to be out in nature.
He gained confidence in being in the outdoors and in his skills as a responsible contributor. He found that there are things he likes to do by himself in the woods and he really felt a sense of accomplishment through fire building and carving. He worked on his collaboration skills.
My younger son is definitely attending next year!
He was very excited to share with us.
…allowing kids to explore nature and learn valuable information about some of the uses of plants.
We were impressed with how well the staff understood and related to the kids.
He continues to increase his self-confidence and independence, as well as actual physical skills and knowledge. A program like yours where the instructors meet the child where they are and are not pressuring them, and where the goal is to improve, not meet a certain benchmark, and where the child feels welcome and secure are of immeasurable. Thank you!
I recommend this program frequently!
…helped her confidence about interacting with other kids.
After the program, he has mentored his younger brother with carving and safety procedures.
I know he loved it and really liked the teachers. That’s always good.