Students will develop bushcraft and survival skills such as fire-making, shelter-building, foraging, and navigation by practicing them in a safe and controlled outdoor setting. They will test their skills by completing tasks and challenges individually and in groups.
Students will enhance their social and emotional intelligence by participating in team-building activities, games, and exercises. To promote qualities such as communication, trust, respect, and empathy, students will reflect on their experiences and challenges in a supportive and non-judgmental atmosphere.
Students will identify the importance of responsible and ethical behavior towards nature and technology.
The instructor will provide constructive feedback and encourage students to embrace growth and improvement on an ongoing process.
Sit spot
Survival skills
Wandering
After our morning game, students will find their sit spot and enjoy solo time interacting with nature. From there, we will work on the skill of the day, both as individuals and as a group. To finish off our day, we will wander beneath the astounding Timpanogos Peaks.
We support students in taking an active role in choosing their own educational path. It is our job to have lessons and skills ready to facilitate that growth.
Please note the age limit for this course is 5-18, while 4 and under can attend and are free of charge. But students 7 years and younger need a parent to attend with them.
Dakota has been teaching professionally since 2011 and has an insatiable love for nature. His passion for teaching brought him from Missouri to Utah to delve deeper into his career. He is a proud father and enjoys spending his time trekking in the old ways and practicing the skills of the Mountain Men. He believes these skills connect us to our ancestors and their hardships in a way that brings new meaning to our own lives.
This course will be for ages 5-18. Students aged 5-7 must be accompanied by a parent for every class.
Upon registration you will be asked which days you are availble to volunteer for (don't worry you can switch later with other parents). This is to encourage parents to stay involved in their childs experience with us. If you wish to participate more days than you sign up for check with our instructor they usually welcome it.
It is highly recommended that students bring the following to each class:
A backpack containing the following:
August: 25th
September: 8th, 22nd
October: 6th, 20th
November: 3rd, 17th
December: 1st, 15th
January: 5th, 19th
February 2nd, 16th
March: 1st, 15th, 29th
April: 12th, 26th
May: 10th, 24th
Fall Break: October 10th-14th
Thanksgiving Break: November 23rd-25th
Winter Break: December 18th-31st
Spring Break: April 3rd-7th
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