Crafting a Wild Schooling Mentorship Program: 7 Strategies to Foster Learning Communities
We are excited to announce the launch of a unique mentorship program that combines outdoor adventure with traditional education principles. This program, designed for families, will offer monthly outdoor information sessions at partnered nature centers and parks, providing an opportunity for families to experience wild schooling firsthand.
Key Components of the Program
Mentorship Model: Co-mentoring and Reciprocal Learning
Our program employs a co-mentoring approach, where participants act as both learners and teachers, fostering a collaborative learning environment and intergenerational relationships. This approach encourages leadership development, mutual respect, and reciprocal knowledge exchange.
Integration of Outdoor Adventure and Academic Principles
Outdoor activities will be aligned with core academic goals, embedding outdoor experiences into traditional learning objectives and standards. Curriculum materials will draw on local natural contexts and real-world environmental challenges to make learning relevant and engaging.
Professional Development and Teacher Preparation
Educators will undergo ongoing training to confidently deliver nature-based education that meets academic requirements. This includes integrating outdoor learning training into teacher preparation and providing support to overcome logistical, safety, and curriculum alignment concerns.
Structured Program Design and Scheduling
The program will feature a multi-year mentorship program with clearly defined phases, including an initial immersive summer course or retreat, follow-up internships, and integrated classroom and outdoor sessions throughout the year. Flexible scheduling and logistics management will handle challenges like transportation and weather.
Building Collaborative Partnerships
Partnerships with local schools, community organizations, environmental nonprofits, and experts will provide diverse mentorship, resources, and authentic outdoor learning environments. We will also engage Indigenous communities respectfully to include traditional ecological knowledge where appropriate.
Equity and Accessibility
The program aims to ensure equitable access by investing in safe outdoor spaces, transportation, and resources, especially in underserved communities.
Evaluation and Growth
Ongoing evaluation of learner outcomes, mentorship relationships, and program impact will refine curriculum, mentoring approaches, and outdoor activities.
Program Details
The program will detail attendance requirements, weather policies, required gear lists, and parent involvement expectations. We will target local homeschooling groups with Facebook ads highlighting specific benefits like outdoor confidence and nature connection.
We will reach out to public school outdoor education coordinators and environmental science teachers who share our passion for nature-based learning. Offering payment plans that spread costs across multiple months and designing application forms capturing essential family information without overwhelming prospective participants are also part of our strategy.
Partnerships with nature centers, wildlife preserves, and environmental nonprofits will provide access to specialized knowledge and facilities. We will request emergency contact details, medical information, and any behavioral considerations that mentors should know.
Regular feedback from students and parents will be collected through brief surveys and informal conversations. Establishing comprehensive expectations that outline family responsibilities and program commitments upfront is crucial.
A written agreement covering liability waivers, photo permissions, and behavior expectations for both children and parents will be established. Communication protocols between families and mentors, including how progress updates and concerns will be addressed, will also be specified.
Clear eligibility requirements outlining age ranges, commitment expectations, and prerequisite outdoor skills (if applicable) will be established. Tiered pricing options like sliding scale fees, family discounts for multiple children, or work-trade opportunities where parents can contribute skills in exchange for reduced fees will be considered.
Mentor feedback will be used to refine training protocols and develop new resources that address recurring challenges in program delivery. Learning outcomes will be documented through nature journals, photo portfolios, and skill checklists.
Inclusion of withdrawal policies, makeup session procedures, and emergency contact protocols is essential. Mentors will be trained to recognize early warning signs of weather-related health issues like hypothermia and heat stroke.
Safety and Precautions
We will make immediate adjustments when safety concerns arise or when certain age groups consistently struggle with specific activities. Detailed protocols for lightning, severe wind, and precipitation prioritizing participant safety will be developed.
Detailed incident reporting procedures documenting behavioral concerns, accidents, or policy violations within 24 hours will be established. Clear communication protocols with parents about any disciplinary actions or safety concerns involving their children will be established.
Tracking academic progress and skill development is an integral part of the program. Creating informative blog posts about seasonal nature activities and homeschool integration strategies will improve search visibility.
Establishing clear supervision ratios based on age groups and activity risk levels is essential. Reviewing quarterly data to identify which activities generate the strongest learning outcomes and which need modification or replacement is also important.
Collaboration Opportunities
We will contact local Audubon chapters, park service offices, and environmental education centers to discuss collaboration opportunities. Specific temperature thresholds for indoor alternatives or program cancellations will be established, typically below 20°F or above 95°F depending on the region.
Defining appropriate physical contact boundaries for mentors is crucial. Creating seasonal checklists addressing ice conditions, heat exhaustion prevention, and appropriate shelter requirements will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
[1] Wild Purpose’s intergenerational mentoring in natural settings using co-mentoring principles. [2] Integrating outdoor classrooms and green infrastructure as essential parts of education. [3] The Global Mentorship Program and conservation leadership initiatives which pair emerging learners with experienced mentors in sustained, meaningful relationships centered on field experiences, leadership, and mutual learning. [4] Engaging with parent support groups like homeschool cooperatives, nature preschool networks, and outdoor family groups. [5] Libraries frequently host nature-themed programs and maintain extensive collections of field guide and educational materials. [5] Factoring in mentor compensation, insurance costs, site fees, and materials when establishing rates. [5] Mandating two-adult supervision for all activities. [5] Requiring comprehensive background checks for all mentors. [5] Asking families to submit a brief statement about their wild schooling goals and what they hope their children will gain from the mentorship experience. [5] Include sections for children’s ages, outdoor experience levels, and specific learning goals.
- This unique mentorship program, with its blend of lifestyle choices and education-and-self-development, offers families an opportunity to grow together through co-mentoring and reciprocal learning, fostering intergenerational relationships while immersed in wild schooling experiences.
- As the program expands, it will integrate educational principles in outdoor adventure, ensuring that core academic goals are met using local natural contexts and real-world environmental challenges, promoting relevant and engaging learning experiences.
