Teens in Nature
Annual Nature Programs: Earth Tenders, Dusk Walkers
Currently, Outside Now offers opportunities for teens to spend a full day each week on the land (Tuesday) with a group of peers and naturalist mentors and/or gather at the end of the traditional workday for an evening of outdoor adventuring in a variety of wilderness settings throughout SLO County (Thursday). O.N. mentors also develop optional overnight camping and backpack adventures for teens enrolled in O.N. programs who are ready for these extended experiences.
Both Earth Tenders and Dusk Walkers have rotating drop-off and pick-up outdoor locations, which are revealed in our weekly newsletters. Each week we gather at a trailhead to we meet up with each other and our primary instructor—Nature herself.
Envision yourself attaining greater self-sufficiency by practicing wilderness skills–making fire, building shelter, and harvesting wild food sources.
Spark your creativity using the artistic resources the land offers—clay, wood, grasses, hides, feathers, and natural dye plants.
Reflect upon the changing landscape and the inherent knowledge it holds with others who treasure the Earth.
Can you imagine how it will be when we all remember our place in the web of life, deepen our connection with the lands we call home, and celebrate the diverse life forms that share this place?
Join us and learn for yourself at Earth Tenders and Dusk Walkers.
APPLY
Earth Tenders Info:
Days: Tuesday
Date: Sep 03, 2024 - Jun 03, 2025*
Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Tuition: $2,450 plus $100 Annual Enrollment Fee
Mentors: Jessica Jelinski, Sam Mcree
Location: Various Drop-off Locations in SLO County
Ages: 12 - 16 (other ages with mentor approval)
*Annual enrollment is required. Monthly payment plans are available. Outside Now is a vendor with Heartland Homeschool Charter.
Some in our Earth Tenders clan have grown up with Outside Now—from little Coyote Pups through Nature Explorers—and now are deepening their relationship to the natural world in the adolescent years. Others will be having a direct experience of nature connection routines, wilderness skills, and earth arts for the first time. Welcome to all, as we create a supportive group and explore the wild Central Coast!
During our time together on the land, we
develop strength and vitality through our many wanders, tracking experiences, and stealth games;
cultivate awareness through sit spots, earth arts, journaling;
express ourselves through storytelling, music, drumming, skits;
are truly helpful in service to others and while tending the wild;
offer what we know to guide others by joining in "Village Days" with younger children, serving as peer mentors for newcomers, and bringing skills and practices to share at home with our families;
bring an inquisitive, open mind to our days by asking questions and listening to one another and the language of other life forms, especially the birds;
fill our days with gratitude and practice peacemaking by expressing ourselves clearly and listening deeply in communication circles.
We offer no obligation try-us days. Teens, come and spend a day. See if Outside Now programs are a good fit for you!
Dusk Walkers Info:
Days: Thursdays
Dates: Sep 05, 2024 - Jun 05, 2025*
Time: 4:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Tuition: $1,960 plus $100 Annual Enrollment Fee
Mentors: Jessica Jelinski, Sam Mcree
Location: Various Drop-off Locations in SLO County
Ages: 13 - 18 (other ages with mentor approval)
There is magic at the moment when day transitions into night. The quality of light is incomparable and a stillness settles over the landscape. Words that describe the brief moments at sunset are poetry: twilight, gloaming, eventide, dusk…
Are you a nature-loving teen who is studying or working during the peak daylight hours? How would it feel to know you had a weekly opportunity to step outside where you could inhale deeply, taking in fresh coastal air, and exhale fully, releasing the constraints of your day, with a group of like-minded peers and mentors? Dusk Walkers may be calling your name.
Our evenings together include such nature connection experiences as
trekking across the land (sometimes in the moonlight!),
playing stealth games,
tending the wild and being of service,
cooking over the open fire and having dinner together,
listening and sharing around council fires,
holding sit spots and journaling,
crafting and singing,
stargazing and storytelling.
We offer no obligation try-us days for all Outside Now programs and invite you to schedule yours. Hope to meet up with you on the trail soon!
If you have any questions about applying, please email us:.