Our Mission
To empower students of all backgrounds through hands-on activities that foster self-confidence and a personal connection to nature
HANDS-ON
When we say hands-on, we mean it. The tools are real, the chisels are sharp, and the wood coming out of the steamer will be too hot to hold without gloves. The firewood isn’t going to collect itself, and if we want to cook we’ll have to figure out how to get the fire started, even in the rain. Tangible goals, everyone having meaningful contributions and with thoughtful instruction make kids come alive.
SELF-CONFIDENCE
Most school activities have one person who has a leg up on everyone else because they’ve done it before. It’s unlikely anyone has built a boat or started a fire without a match, so everyone feels ready to ask for help. When the kid who struggles in class helps the valedictorian tie a stronger knot, they’ve learned self-confidence and respect for others. Later, they will be laughing together as they paddle down the river.
CONNECTION TO NATURE
Over 120 years ago Teddy Roosevelt wrote, “The lack of power to take joy in outdoor nature is as real a misfortune as the lack of power to take joy in books.” Imagine what he’d write today! By helping kids feel more confident in nature, we hope to make everyone, no matter where they are, appreciate and feel welcome in the natural world around them. This isn’t an image on a screen or an animal on display. This is an experience that will be remembered for a lifetime.