Our Approach

alternative learning experience

Rooted in connection, guided by values, and shaped by nature.

Through hands-on, land-based learning, we support emotional and physical well-being while helping participants develop a sense of belonging, curiosity, and connection. We believe learning happens best when it’s rooted in real experiences, play, and community.

A close up of two green leaves on a white background
What we teach | Our Curriculum
What we teach | Our Curriculum

Naturalist Knowledge

Exploring the natural world through observation, awareness, and hands-on learning.

  • Plant & Tree Identification

    Learn to recognize local plants and trees, along with their edible, medicinal, and practical uses.

  • Bird Language Awareness

    Tune into the sounds and patterns of bird behavior to understand what's happening in the surrounding environment.

  • Wildlife Observation & Tracking

    Observe the habits and life cycles of forest animals—mammals, birds, insects, amphibians—and track their movements across the land.

  • Geological Exploration

    Discover the stories held in fossils, rocks, soil, and waterways, and what they reveal about ecological history.

  • Ecosystem Awareness

    Deepen your understanding of forest health by learning about invasive species, pollution, erosion, and how all life is connected.

  • Ecosystem Stewardship

    Participate in activities that support the land and witness the positive impact of caring for the local ecosystem.

Wilderness Skills

Hands-on skills that build confidence, self-reliance, and a deeper connection with the land.

  • Safety & Awareness

    Learn to recognize and respond to risks in natural settings, and navigate healthy risks with support and guidance.

  • Tool Use

    Practice safe techniques for carving, harvesting, and working with wood using knives, hatchets, saws, and gauges.

  • Fire-Making

    Explore different fire-starting methods—from flint and steel to friction-based techniques like bow drill and hand drill.

  • Shelter-Building

    Build shelters like lean-tos, debris huts, snow forts, and even small animal homes using natural materials.

  • Navigation

    Use natural landmarks, weather patterns, compasses, and sometimes even the stars to find your way.

  • Natural Fiber Weaving

    Harvest and weave plant fibers into baskets, mats, toys, rope, and shelter reinforcements.

  • Plant Medicine

    Make simple, natural remedies like teas and syrups from local plants and trees.


  • Wild Food Preparation

    Learn to safely process and prepare wild foods—such as acorns, nuts, roots, berries, leaves, and flowers.

  • Hide-Tanning & Natural Dyes

    Work with animal hides and explore traditional methods for making natural inks and dyes from the land.

How we teach

Pedagogy

Our pedagogical approach supports participants’ learning in ways that inspire them, challenge them, and help them to grow. We use a variety of different teaching methods in order to achieve this.

A close up of a tree branch with green leaves on a white background
A black and white drawing of a leaf on a white background.
Inquiry-Based Learning
  • Learn More

    We engage participants by encouraging real-world connections through exploration and thoughtful questioning. Instead of relying on structured lectures, we use inquiry-based methods to spark curiosity, build confidence, and support lifelong learning.

A black and white drawing of a leaf on a white background.
Place-Based Learning
  • Learn More

    Our programs are rooted in local heritage, culture, natural history, and landscapes. This approach fosters a strong sense of place by helping participants connect with the land and community around them.

A black and white drawing of a leaf on a white background.
Emergent Learning
  • Learn More

    We adapt our programs based on the interests and curiosities of participants. This flexible approach encourages active participation, strengthens relationships, and nurtures creativity and engagement.

A black and white drawing of a leaf on a white background.
Play-Based Learning
  • Learn More

    We create space for child-led learning through open-ended play. This allows children to take initiative, develop focus and social skills, and explore the world with a sense of curiosity and wonder.

A black and white drawing of a leaf on a white background.
Integrative/Cross-Curricular Learning
  • Learn More

    We weave together themes, skills, and perspectives across different subject areas to support the whole person. This includes not only academic learning, but also emotional intelligence, mental health, and physical well-being.

what we do

Practice

Unstructured exploration and hands-on experiences that deepen connection with the land.

A boy and a girl are climbing a tree.
A close up of an acorn on a white background
  • Wandering & Exploration
     Timeless, open-ended exploration of the land—following the natural inspirations and curiosity of participants, without a set plan.


  • Creative Expression
    Singing, storytelling, nature journaling, and making art with natural materials.


  • Awareness Games
     Engaging games that teach naturalist concepts while sharpening observation and sensory awareness.


  • Group Projects & Wilderness Skills
     Collaborative activities that include time for practicing hands-on skills like shelter-building, carving, and more.
  • Sit Spots
    Quiet time spent alone in nature, observing, listening, and simply being present in the environment.


  • Gardening & Farming
    Growing food together and supporting local farmers by helping tend and harvest crops.


  • Ecological Stewardship
    Caring for the land through activities like removing invasive species, planting native trees and plants, and restoring habitats.



  • Engaging with Healthy Risk
    Building confidence and resilience through supervised activities such as climbing trees, tool-use, fire-making, big body play, and hill-climbing.
A little girl in a purple jacket and pink mittens is holding a log in the snow.
Results

What Grows from Earth Path

Increased academic performance
Increase in physical, mental, and social health
Deep connection to the natural world
Increased enthusiasm and passion for learning
Increased environmental awareness
Improved emotional, behavioral, and intellectual development
Other Initiatives

Regenerative Design & Mentorship

Regenerative Design & Mentorship

Regenerative Design

Regenerative design allows us to support deep, long-term connections with nature—across ages, stages, and generations. At Earth Path, we’ve created a metaphoric basket that holds individuals and families throughout their journey with us.

This basket begins with our Oaks and Acorns program (ages 0–3) and carries through Fox Kits (4–6), Raccoons (7–9), and Bobcats (10–13), eventually leading into our teen and adult programs. This cyclical, continuous design supports nature connection as a lifelong process—not a one-time experience.

Mentorship

Mentorship at Earth Path is rooted in relationship. It’s about meeting someone where they are—recognizing their past, their present, and the possibilities ahead.

Our mentors listen deeply, respond with intention, and offer guidance that supports personal growth over time. It’s not about fixing or directing, but planting seeds—encouraging individuals to believe in themselves, trust their process, and grow into their fullest potential.

Explore what we're growing

Discover nature-based programs and seasonal camps that nourish connection, curiosity, and community.