our core curriculum


NATURALIST KNOWLEDGE

We go further than simply identifying and informing kids about their local landscape. The kids from our programs know how to use the plants they identify for food and medicine and where you are likely to spot a certain species of animal. It is common for parents to report that their child gave them a tour of a local park that they were blown away by.

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Curriculum:

  • Animal Tracking

  • Bird Language

  • Wild Edibles

  • Local Plant and Animal ID


Real Skills

Kids are often capable of much more than we would believe. Many six year olds can carve a piece of wood into a spoon, many eight year olds can make dinner for their families and many 13 year olds can be as good at tracking as adults. At Vilda, we respect the competency of children while also providing them a safe, nurturing environment to grow. Hands-on skills give kids a meaningful way to participate in the world and boost their self confidence.

CURRICULUM:

  • Wilderness Safety

  • Lost Proofing

  • Basic Orienteering

  • Map Skills

  • Camping

  • Survival

  • Archery

  • Tending the land

  • Knife skills

  • Nature Based Crafts

  • Creative Arts

  • Song, music,

  • Poetry

  • Art


heAlth and happiness

It is now becoming commonly accepted that children need time in nature to thrive. Our curriculum gives both physical exercise through outdoor adventure and tends to psychological well-being through fostering connection to each other, ourselves and the landscape.
 

CURRICULUM:

  • Hiking

  • Kayaking

  • Swimming

  • Active Games

  • Friendship

  • Movement

  • Yoga

  • Healthy Nutrition

  • Peaceful Conflict Resolution Practices


Environmental Stewardship

Our programs are geared to create health and happiness in not just the individual but in our communities and environment as well. We include an element of service and tending the land. Leave it better than we found it is one of our mottos.

cURRICULUM:

  • Service projects

  • Tending the land

  • Ecology

  • Sustainable practices

  • Restoration


It takes time–loose, unstructured dreamtime– to experience nature in a meaningful way. Unless parents are vigilant, such time becomes a scarce resource, not because we intend it to shrink, but because time is consumed by multiple, invisible forces; because our culture currently places so little value on natural play.
— Richard Louv, Author of "Last Child in the Woods