Wildheart Nature School offers transformational experiences in the beautiful wild lands of Central Oregon.  We offer a variety of camps, classes, and events year-round for children, teens, and adults.

Time and play in nature is more important than many parents realize. Of the many moons humans have walked upon this planet, only in recent years have we spent so much time indoors with televisions, phones, and computers that enable us to become increasingly disconnected from the physical world around us. There have been countless studies in recent years illuminating why spending time outdoors is vital for children’s development.

According to the articles in Children and Nature: Psychological, Sociocultural, and Evolutionary Investigations edited by Peter Kahn and Stephen Kellert, during and after outdoor experiences, children experience higher levels of mental, emotional, and physical health, better concentration, greater interpersonal skills, increased self-discipline, more advanced problem-solving skills, less stress, and enhanced creativity among many other benefits.

 

At Wildheart, we believe that every adventure into the woods is an exercise in imagination and opens the door for a compelling story to be woven. Our students learn how to speak the language of nature that is innate to their ancestral heritage, giving them access to a world of mystery, adventure, and discovery. We transform the experience of being outdoors into an opportunity for learning through observation, artistic expression, and active imagination. By asking the right questions at the right moments, we teach our students how to engage the miraculous world of nature around them and to engage deeply with the mystery that is life on planet earth. Our programs encourage children to open to their own understanding of nature, directly leading to increased self-confidence, empowerment, and deep connection. While we teach factual information about the environment in our school, we also emphasize the importance of opening the senses and feeling the aliveness of each present moment amidst the wind, trees, birds, river, ants, and soil. Topics include nature arts & crafts, sensory awareness, primitive skills, survival skills, tracking, ecology, community building, plant identification, leadership building, and nature alchemy. Before you leave, make sure to subscribe to our mailing list and receive Wildheart’s Four-Season Guide to Outdoor Activities and Crafts, fun newsletters, and information on upcoming events!

 

Our Mission

Wildheart Nature School is dedicated to empowering young people and adults through our holistic model of nature connection.

 

More About Wildheart Nature School

We support all participants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We prioritize equity and inclusion through our Scholarship Program.

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