Earth Mentors Homeschool Program

Earth Mentors

Deep Nature connection for Homeschoolers

 Our homeschool programs offer a selection of earth-focused experiences that allow students to engage in hands-on, experiential learning led by skilled naturalist mentors. There are two programs described below, one for an older age range and one for a younger age range. These programs overlap in ages (5-8 and 7-16), so students may choose the program that best suits their needs. See below for more information about each session and to register online.  

Registration deadline is two weeks prior to the start date.

Program Themes include:

Earth Skills
  • Practice matchless fire-making techniques like flint & steel, bowdrill, and hand drill
  • Make primitive weapons like throwing sticks, atl-atls, and bows & arrows
  • Create earth arts from natural pigments and fibers, such as pokeberries, dayflowers, red clay, wisteria, and willow bark
  • Work on Shelter and village building projects.  Help construct a wigwam, weave a grass mat, make a stacked debris wall, and learn other techniques in wilderness living
Ecology
  • Learn hands-on science to understand our local ecology
  • Find out what kinds of wildlife live in our forests and waters
  • Become a knowledgeable caretaker of our wild places
  • Practice naturalist skills like finding & identifying trees, insects, reptiles, and amphibians
Adventures with Animals and Plants

  • Investigate the skeletons, feathers, and fur of common Piedmont animals
  • Study the signs left behind in footprints, scats, and dwellings
  • Compare the habits and habitats of predators and prey
  • Witness our live education raptors and reptiles in action
  • Prepare wild plant feasts that include cattail fritters, wild greens pesto, & acorn pancakes
  • Make plant-based medicines such as poison ivy potion, mosquito repellent, salves, tinctures and ointments
  • Create crafts from the forest like baskets, bags and cordage
Experience Community

  • Educational Storytelling and Songs
  • Nature Games
  • Sharing circles and community decisionmaking
  • Creativity encouraged
  • Peacemaking and Leadership qualities nourished

Earth Mentors – Thursdays

When: 10am-3pm on Thursdays
Where: Leigh Farm Park (directions)
Ages: 7-16 years
Cost: PWC members: $120 per 5 week Session         Nonmembers: $130

  • Session 1: October 11-November 8
  • Session 2: November 15 – December 20 (Skip November 22 for Thanksgiving break)
  • Session 3:  February 7 – March 7
  • Session 4: April 11 – May 9

 

Earth Mentors – Tuesdays

When: 10am-12pm on Tuesdays
Where: Leigh Farm Park (directions)
Ages: 5-8 years
Cost: PWC members: $60 per 5 week session         Non members: $70

  • Session 1: October 9-November 6
  • Session 2: November 13- December 11
  • Session3: March 5 – April 2
          •   Session 4: April 16 – May 14