Below is a sort of FAQs that bullet points this offering in a way that we hope makes things most simple.  We are excited to provide a program that evolves over time and provides opportunities to develop long term relationships and focused skill building.  Thus the theme of apprenticeship.  Our intention is that participants complete this program ready to be bigger, better siblings, students, friends, sons, daughters and stewards of the world they inherit.   Register Here.

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What is this?  Our newest and most comprehensive youth program inspired both by work colleague programs are doing regionally and by our own endeavor to (among other things):

• Deepen connection to the outdoor world through both adverse and inspired context

• Immerse youth in skills/competency development competency leading to confidence building

• Provide social development - friendship, teamwork, leadership 

• Character development - mentored discussions and practice in communication, initiative, responsibility

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How do we do this?  Youth meet for weekly and monthly sessions with a small cohort of peers.  Cohorts are:

• Narrow age ranges (grade school and middle school groups)

• Mentored by an instructor that follows and directs the cohort through the program

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Who is the Mentor?  

• Mentors are Coyle Outside Head Instructors chosen for their level of experience and their commitment to this program

• Mentors are supervised by Coyle Outside management to support best practices, curriculum development and student empowerment

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When do cohorts meet?

• Weeknights 1x weekly for 2-3 hours

• Satudays 1x monthly for field trips to visit diverse natural areas and practice skills

• Weekends (Fri PM/Sat AM overnight camping/backpacking to Sun eve) every 3 months (3x total) to solidify skill building and build connection/team

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What do participants actually do?  At each weekly and monthly event cohorts work on developing Hard Skills AND Soft Skills that increase confidence, initiative and a sense of belonging including:

• Hard Skills

  • Wilderness Skills - Fire, Knife, Shelter, Navigation, Knots/Cordage, Fishing etc

  • Naturalist Skills - Plant and Animal ID, Animal Sign & Tracks, Eco Systems 

  • Bush Craft and Wild Crafting - Participants learn to make various items  and useful tools 

• Soft Skills

  • Regular discussion circles - Theme topics include values, communication, technology/screens, emotional awareness, coping mechanisms, leadership, responsibility, work ethic etc.

  • Regular debriefing circles - Develop listening, expression and interpretive capacity 

  • Awareness - Sit spots, Silent hiking, Bird Language, Meditation

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