Learn survival skills and connect with friends!
We expect students to demonstrate basic outdoor competence by participating in weekly games, activities, workshops and sit spots.
Students will construct their own bowdrill kits by studying their local plants and trees, practicing carving techniques, and experimenting with technique.
Participants will illustrate their competence in shelter building by building and testing debris huts, tarp shelters, and by wearing proper clothing.
Students will identify water that is potable and not potable; as well as identify plants that are medicinal and poisonous.
Participants will study taxonomy and ecology by actively participating in their environment; distinguishing field marks for birds, plants, animals, tracks, weather and much more.
Sit spot
Survival skills
Wandering
Our homeschool courses encourage creativity and confidence in kids by facilitating the time and space for them to be just that, kids. They will learn to track animals, build fire with sticks, make arrowheads and much more. We encourage growth and through introspection and introspection through sensory awareness. Learning to connect with your landscape and not only feel a part of it but one with it is a skill that students learn to master in our courses. Be prepared to get dirty and uncomfortable but only if you want to have a lot of fun. We will find sit spots, practice survival skills, wander and play games.
Ember is a natural teacher, and her years of professional experience have demonstrated her talents and abilities in helping people learn and grow. Her teaching style is very inclusive, especially for those shy or uncomfortable in new situations. She is skilled in the art of storytelling and captures the attention of all age groups. Ember feels drawn to share her life experience with others in an open and honest way.
Fall Break: Oct 26
Thanksgiving Break: Nov 23rd-26th
Winter Break: Dec 15 - Jan 17
Spring Break: April 1-5
In purchasing a spot for your child you are also commiting to a minimum of one volunteer day/year. Upon registration, you will receive an email requesting your available dates and your unavailable dates for the year. We will send out a schedule before the start of class for when each parent is volunteering.
For more information please visit our FAQ page.
It is highly recommended that students bring the following to each class:
A backpack containing the following:
Erik has such passion for giving back to others to create more possibilities for youth to grow up Nature-Connected. I highly recommend getting involved with his programs and giving yourself and your children a healthy foundation in a balanced relationship with the Earth.
- Rick Berry, 4 Elements Earth Education
Erik’s dedication to and passion for teaching are so strong. His programs are a benefit to all who attend. The quality of his work and commitment to people and their connection to the earth and skills is such a high priority.
- Karen Sherwood, Earthwalk Northwest
My girls and I started doing weekly classes with Erik two years ago, and it has been a favorite time together that we look forward to each week. Whether it is cold and rainy or sunny and warm, my girls can’t wait to go every week, and we benefit from getting out in nature and fresh air. We have gained a better understanding and respect for nature which couldn’t be more needed in today's world. We are so grateful for Making Tracks!
- Jamie Walsh, Client
Making Tracks Earth Education is just what I was looking for to help me and my children learn deeply how to love and connect with nature through games and hands-on experiences. Erik teaches in such a unique and profound way that my family has gained more connection to each other, to ourselves, and to nature through taking his classes. He really makes students think and own their own learning process. We absolutely love this style of learning and everything about Making Tracks.
- Rachel von Niederhausern, Client