the shuman Urban Wilderness Center
A Hands-on Learning Hub for Woodworking, Outdoor Skills, and Real-World Discovery
Centered around community
Urban Wilderness began in 2012, growing out of years of hands-on learning experiences with Cincinnati students through our mobile boatbuilding program and wilderness field trips. What started as traveling workshops and outdoor expeditions has evolved into a permanent home for immersive learning.
Now, the Shuman Urban Wilderness Center, located at Aiken High School, brings this work together under one roof. Open to students across Cincinnati, the Center offers both an Outdoor Semester and a Woodshop Semester, creating year-round opportunities to build skills, confidence, and real-world experience.
Scroll down to learn more about the Center and how to get involved!
whAT is the center?
The Shuman Urban Wilderness Center is an innovative learning hub located on the campus of Aiken High School, a longtime partner of Urban Wilderness. At the Center, students gain hands-on experience in woodworking, outdoor leadership, and skilled trades. The goal is to empower students to build practical skills, earn valuable certifications, and explore career pathways through a two-semester curriculum offered through an after-school program.
Who can particpate?
Anyone! Starting in 2027, the Center will be fully operational and will consist of an after-school program that will be available to students across Cincinnati. If you are interested in enrolling to learn more about the outdoors, woodshop, and earn a “Camping & Education Foundation Certificate,” apply at the bottom of this webpage!
why is this important?
In the modern day, we have come to realize that not every student is the same. It is expected for all students to sit at a desk for 7 hours and sit still, which is not always the case. Some students thrive with hands-on work and creativity. The Shuman Urban Wilderness Center allows students to learn in a new way: outdoors and out of the classroom.
Our Goals
Learn outside the classroom
Connect students to outdoor and wilderness-based education.
hands-on teamwork
Build community through shared projects and teamwork.
career building
Create pathways toward certifications and future career opportunities.
After-School Program
participants
Aiken High School students
Local Cincinnati students who are enrolled (application at bottom of page)
structure & dates
Semester Dates: [insert semester start & end dates]
Daily Schedule: [insert daily class times]
Cost
Shuman Urban Wilderness Center programming is FREE for all students!
semester curriculum
The Center’s after-school program will be split into two semesters: Outdoor Education & Woodshop Skills. Each semester has its own curriculum where students will learn the following:
outdoor education
Outdoor skills and awareness
Environmental learning
Team-based challenges
Wilderness-inspired education in an urban setting
woodshop skills
Tool training & safety
Building projects from start to finish
Design thinking & craftsmanship
Real materials, real outcomes
Frequently Asked Questions
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We offer a range of solutions designed to meet your needs—whether you're just getting started or scaling something bigger. Everything is tailored to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
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Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form or schedule a call—we’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.
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We combine a thoughtful, human-centered approach with clear communication and reliable results. It’s not just what we do—it’s how we do it that sets us apart.
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You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.
interested?
Apply for our after-school program below.