Growing in community, supported by nature
An Exciting Summer Partnership: Our Elements Outdoor Learning Comes to High Meadow School!
Session 1: July 13th-17th
Session 3: July 20th-24th
Explore our offerings
Description: This immersive 4-hour program introduces young learners to the ancient and essential skill of fire making. Beginning with an exploration of our local northeastern landscape, participants will discover the natural materials that make fire possible, white birch bark, cedar, grape vine, and other treasures hidden in the forest around us. Through hands-on discovery, children will learn not only how to identify and gather these materials but also why they work, building an understanding rooted in observation and respect for the natural world.
From there, we'll dive into the fundamentals of fire building itself: selecting the right wood (understanding the difference between soft and hard woods), constructing a basic fire structure, and learning the principles that turn a spark into a sustainable flame. With a strong foundation in place, participants will explore a range of fire starting methods, from the familiar strike of a match to the timeless challenge of flint and steel, and even get an introduction to the more advanced techniques of bow drill and hand drill. While this class offers a taste of these traditional methods, mastering them requires dedicated practice available through our longer-format programs.
Throughout the program, safety and responsible fire use are woven into every activity, ensuring that children not only gain technical skills but also develop the mindfulness and confidence to work with fire in a respectful, empowered way. We'll also incorporate Leave No Trace principles, teaching participants how to minimize their impact and care for the places we explore, so that these wild spaces remain healthy and vibrant for generations to come.
Program Highlights:
Identifying and gathering local fire-making materials (birch bark, cedar, grape vine, and more)
Understanding fire ecology: soft vs. hard woods and their roles
Building foundational fire structures step-by-step
Hands-on practice with multiple fire-starting methods: matches, flint & steel.
Begin to learn about techniques like Bow Drill and Hand Drill
Fire safety principles and responsible outdoor practices
Developing patience, perseverance, and connection to nature
Who It's For: Ages: 7-12. Perfect for curious young outdoor learners ready to build confidence, practical skills, and a deeper relationship with the natural world. No prior experience necessary, just an adventurous spirit and a willingness to learn.
Programs involve uneven terrain, variable weather, and sustained physical activity. Our Elements welcomes participants of all abilities. Participants may request reasonable accommodations by contacting us prior to the program start date. We will work collaboratively to determine appropriate supports when possible.
Program Dates (if you register and do not make further communication with OE it is assumed you are signing the child you are registering up for the next available program date)
May: Coming Soon!
June: Coming Soon!
Rekindling Skills & Outdoor Confidence
Description: This immersive 4-hour program introduces participants to the ancient and essential skill of fire making. Beginning with an exploration of our local northeastern landscape, we'll discover the natural materials that make fire possible, white birch bark, cedar, grape vine, and other resources hidden in the forest around us. Through hands-on practice, participants will learn not only how to identify and gather these materials but also why they work, building an understanding rooted in observation and respect for the natural world.
From there, we'll dive into the fundamentals of fire building itself: selecting the right wood (understanding the difference between soft and hard woods), constructing a basic fire structure, and learning the principles that turn a spark into a sustainable flame. With a strong foundation in place, participants will explore a range of fire-starting methods, from the reliable strike of a match to the timeless challenge of flint and steel, and even get an introduction to the more advanced techniques of bow drill and hand drill. While this class offers a solid introduction to these traditional methods, mastering them requires dedicated practice available through our longer-format programs.
Throughout the program, safety and responsible fire use are woven into every activity, ensuring that participants not only gain technical skills but also develop the mindfulness and confidence to work with fire in a respectful, empowered way. We'll also incorporate Leave No Trace principles, exploring how to minimize our impact and care for the places we explore, so that these wild spaces remain healthy and vibrant for generations to come.
Program Highlights:
Identifying and gathering local fire-making materials (birch bark, cedar, grape vine, and more)
Understanding fire ecology: soft vs. hard woods and their roles
Building foundational fire structures step-by-step
Hands-on practice with multiple fire starting methods: matches, flint & steel, bow drill, and hand drill
Fire safety principles and responsible outdoor practices
Developing patience, focus, and a deeper connection to nature
Who It's For: Ages 16+ Ideal for beginners and outdoor enthusiasts alike, this program is designed for anyone who wants to deepen their connection to nature while building practical, transferable skills for camping, hiking, and backcountry adventures. No prior experience necessary; just a willingness to learn and get your hands dirty.
Programs involve uneven terrain, variable weather, and sustained physical activity. Our Elements welcomes participants of all abilities. Participants may request reasonable accommodations by contacting us prior to the program start date. We will work collaboratively to determine appropriate supports when possible.
Program Dates (if you register and do not make further communication with OE it is assumed you are registering up for the next available program date)
May: Coming Soon!
June: Coming Soon!
How Booking Works: When you book, payment secures your spot. If we don't reach the minimum enrollment (6 participants) , we'll cancel the program and issue you a full refund, no questions asked. We'll give you advance notice (at least [timeframe]) if this happens so you can plan accordingly.
Description:
In this immersive 4-hour hands-on program, participants will learn the fundamentals of building survival shelters to meet one of our most important needs in the outdoors: protection from the elements. We’ll explore two different techniques, one designed for warmer weather and one adapted for colder conditions, giving participants practical, transferable skills for a variety of environments.
Through guided practice, participants will discover how to select safe and effective sites, gather and use natural materials, and construct shelters that balance durability, comfort, and efficiency. More than just a technical skill, shelter building cultivates resourcefulness, creativity, and self-reliance.
By the end of the program, participants will leave with increased confidence in their ability to spend time outdoors, knowing they have the knowledge to prepare for unexpected situations and to meet their basic need for shelter.
Program Highlights:
Shelter-building fundamentals for warm and cold conditions
Site selection and safety considerations
Using natural and available resources effectively
Hands-on practice with two different shelter techniques
Building confidence and readiness for outdoor adventures
Who It’s For:
This program is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, campers, trekkers, and anyone looking to deepen their survival skills and confidence in nature.
Programs involve uneven terrain, variable weather, and sustained physical activity. Our Elements welcomes participants of all abilities. Participants may request reasonable accommodations by contacting us prior to the program start date. We will work collaboratively to determine appropriate supports when possible.
Program Dates (if you register and do not make further communication with OE it is assumed you are registering up for the next available program date)
May: Coming Soon!
June: Coming Soon!
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Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!