Teen Courses + Volunteer
Click on or scroll through options below for programs and volunteer opportunities for ages 13+
Our 9-month, one weekend per month immersive naturalist + survival program for ages 13-15. 2026-27 Application Period is OPEN! Read this full webpage, then scroll down to the application section below to apply!
Summer Camp options vary yearly and often include camps for ages 13+
We allow drop-in students who aren't available for the whole Immersion to select days of the Teen Immersion (age 13-15)
Drop In Sessions will be posted here ONLY if spaces become available throughout the year
Students ages 16+ are welcome to attend our short-course workshops for adults
Returning students ages 14+ can help out at a summer camp, no school camp, the Teen Immersion (alumni only), or homeschool (alumni only)
Request a custom program for your small group of teens, adults, mixed-age, etc
TEEN IMMERSION PROGRAM
September to May each Year, Ages 13-15
When? The Teen Immersion meets one weekend per month, September-May.
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September, October, & April meetings will be 9-3, Saturday & Sunday
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November - March meetings are Saturday-only (9-3 or 10-3, depending on the season/roads)​
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May's final trip is an overnight Saturday 9 am- Sunday 12 pm.
2026-2027 Application Period Open! Application is here!
Where? Private and Public Lands in Bend, Oregon. Outdoors. Locations vary.
See our Locations page and the FAQ at the bottom of this page for more info.
Who? Teens age 13-15 interested in camping, wild-crafting, community, nature games, wilderness survival, nature connection, and getting to know the land and ecosystem around them
How much? 2026-2027 Tuition is $985. $285 non-refundable registration deposit up front goes towards your tuition, then choose your payment plan for the remainder after (in full or quarterly). This program is paid and taken in full. Missed meetings are not discounted or refunded.
Teen Immersion Overview
This program meets one weekend per month for a 9 month long journey. Together we explore a wide range of skills related to earth skills, wild-crafting, natural world education, and outdoor leadership. This course is perfect for students looking to gain in depth knowledge, build community, and get a hands-on opportunity at survival skills through play, adventure, and crafts.
Throughout the year students will:
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Learn the rules of survival
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Build shelters
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Learn the art of making fire by friction
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Hear nature stories
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Expand sensory awareness
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Learn wildlife tracking
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ID edible and medicinal plants
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Take home wilderness crafts
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Cultivate knowing within our landscapes
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Go on an end-of-year "survival trip"
See the monthly schedule below for more topics we will touch on!
Apply Below.
Teen Immersion Schedule
2026-27 Schedule Below
Instructors: Chelsea Ernst and Tyler Doyle
Locations will vary depending on time of year, weather, and activity, but will be held in the greater Bend area on public lands, including locations on Alfalfa Market Road BLM land, Sisters USFS land, and Tumalo State Park. See FAQ below.
SEPTEMBER 12 + 13, 2026
Introduction, Survival "Rule of Threes", Water Purification
Get to know our group for the year! We’ll play sensory awareness and nature-based games, set goals, learn more about one other, the land we live on and the wilderness in our backyard. We’ll touch on the question: what is the first thing you should do when you realize you're in a survival situation? And practice some skills that would help you in that situation.
October 10 + 11, 2026
Shelter Building + Projectiles
Learn effective and practical shelters. Students will learn different techniques for making shelters that can withstand the weather and provide protection from the elements. The team will all work together to build a survival shelter from the landscape. We will also demonstrate a few handy knots. We'll also get some time in with archery, Atlatls and other projectiles.
NOVEMBER 7, 2026
Firecraft
With the days getting cooler, we’ll focus on learning how to make fire from the land through bow drill and hand drill. Students will get dirt time for practicing their fire making skills and gain tips and tricks for harsher conditions.
DECEMBER 5, 2026
Stone Tool Making
Diving back into our deep roots of human history, we’ll discuss and learn to craft some of the oldest tools of mankind. We’ll practice the art of flintknapping to make arrowheads and more. We'll make practical tools we could use on our end-of-year survival trip.
JANUARY 16, 2027
Arrow Making
(Topic switchups Jan-March are probable due to weather)
Students will get hands-on time with ancient tool making methods like making pitch Glue, using Sinew to haft a point to a stick, using feathers as fletching, and fire straightening. All of this and more will go into making their own traditional arrow to bring home.
FEBRUARY 13, 2027
Winter Games
(Topic switchups Jan-March are probable due to weather)
We’ll test the knowledge we’ve gained so far with a day-long game. This gives the group an opportunity to focus on each other’s strengths and weaknesses and fill in gaps for individuals skills.
MARCH 13, 2027
Wildlife Tracking and Acquiring food from the land
(Topic switchups Jan-March are probable due to weather)
As the beginnings of spring begin to emerge we’ll awaken our senses to the art of animal tracking. Students will learn to identify tracks and trails, look for animal signs, and learn the behaviours of the animals all around. We’ll discuss ethical and practical hunting and trapping techniques.
APRIL 10 + 11, 2027
Foraging, Plant ID, and Prep for May's Trip
To celebrate the days getting longer and the fauna in bloom, we’ll go on a group plant harvest. Students will learn plant families and how to identify common edibles and poisonous plants, as well as rules for ethical harvesting. We'll go over the plan for the next month's survival trip and cover any topics we missed so far this year.
MAY 15-16 (Overnight)
Primitive Camping "Survival" Overnight
Put all the years skills to the test! As a group, the team will be given a survival challenge where all the skills learned thus far will come together. We’ll then celebrate the end of the year with a group meal and share stories.
Teen Immersion Enrollment Application
Enrollment is by application. Teens are encouraged to participate with their parents in filling this application. Before applying, please first read this web page you are currently visiting for all program details so you know whether the program is a good fit for your family.
FAQS
Locations and Transportation?
Parents/guardians drop off and pick up at the months' location. Locations vary each month. Primarily outdoors. Public and Private lands in the greater Bend area. Exact Info on each month will be emailed to parents/guardians within the weeks before class. Some weekends, drop-off will be at an in-town meeting place and Nighthawk will transport students by van to a wilderness location for the class.
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY?
We teach through a style that balances inquiry with giving real information and answers. We teach by a curriculum outline, but we also value flexibility and a level of student-led learning. So, we allow for wiggle room on the topics we cover, the activities we do, and the craft projects we take on with the students. Our curriculum for this program, like all of our programs, even those for adults, dovetail with the seasons. So, we let the weather and seasons guide what we do.
TEACHER: STUDENT RATIO? AGE EXCEPTIONS?
This program will be 10 students max, with at least a 5:1 Student:Teacher ratio.​ Please follow age range suggestions for your program. Students younger than 13 allowed only if they turn 13 within the first couple months of the program. Within one year older is allowed, as long as they understand the age range and that the camp will be geared mainly towards that age group. Please reach out to info@nighthawknaturalistschool.com if needed for individual student considerations.
Tuition Help?
We offer partial subsidy options to veterans, tribe members, and those with financial need. We also offer payment plans for the Immersions, see monthly payment option in enrollment section above. Email us at info@nighthawknaturalistschool.com for other payment plans or to request partial subsidy.
More Questions?
