Forest Dwellers

Give your child an important breath of fresh air during the often busy school year. This Sunday program keeps Nature Connection alive in our students throughout the year, and are held with the caring support of skilled Nature Mentors!

This co-ed program runs throughout the school year for all kids ages 7-15. Children will revel in the season, playing games and learning skills associated with them. In the fall, we’ll build shelters, harvest nuts and berries, make fires and more. In the spring we’ll eat wild harvested salads, watch buds burst into leaves and flowers, and explore. Students will also have a chance to learn to use knives safely to craft and carve.

This is a minimal site, which means there is no running water, shelters or bathrooms. Our instructors are experienced in running programs on sites like this. We will come with jugs of water, tarps for rainy days, and tutorials for the kids on how to have a pleasant and successful “nature bathroom” experience.

Details & Registration – Forest Dwellers

  • Kids Ages 7 – 15

  • 2026-2027 Dates

    Sep 13th

    Oct 4th

    Nov 8th

    Dec 6th

    Winter break

    Feb 7th

    Mar 14th

    Apr 11th

    May 2nd

  • 10 am – 4 pm

  • Charlottesville: Located at Rivanna Trail access in northeast Charlottesville near Rio Road.

  • Full-year: $725

    Fall or spring only: $390

    (Note that a fixed or locking blade knife is required. We sell these for $25.)

    Apply here to be considered for Financial Assistance. Funds are limited and priority applications close April 6th. All applications after that point will be reviewed on a rolling basis as funds last.

    Payment plans are available.

If the program is marked as FULL, please do register for the waiting list (no cost in the event that space does become available). We will often schedule additional programs if we see there is enough interest.