Field School

“I can’t say enough good things about the field school at Crow’s path. The mentors are skilled compassionate and knew how to engage my son on so many levels. Caleb learned a lot about himself and absolutely loved all his time there.”

“Our daughter has gained immeasurable confidence and self-sufficiency during her time at Crow’s Path. She has loved her time connecting with mentors (who are incredible!), she has a “can-do” attitude in spending time outside for hours in less than ideal weather, and is notably more curious about the natural world. What an amazing learning opportunity with great leadership!”

“We love field school! (please can we have a parents/family bonfire night- as a fundraiser, etc? I just want to come hang out!)”

“Our child doesn’t play sports and wasn’t finding his groove with his peers in public school. By joining Field School, he grew roots in the woods, spent his Fridays playing and discovering with like-minded individuals, and became embedded in the most magical and inclusive community. Our child claims his favorite thing about Field School was his spit spot: A place he sat in the woods every week, where he was able to observe how nature changes throughout a year. In just one year, he’s developed confidence, resilience, and gratitude. He was nurtured well by capable, compassionate, and extremely knowledgeable mentors. We can’t wait for future years at Field School!”

Crows Path consistently creates and holds a container that fuels learning, adventure and creativity. My kids have benefited from the rich sense of cooperative learning, shared purpose, reflection and play that fills their days at Field School. Being part of a purpose driven community that reminds us how to (re)connect to self, wild and each other has been key in my family’s joy and growth.

“Crow’s Path has encouraged my daughter’s love of the natural world and given her a place to be herself and explore, while being active, curious, creative, silly and happy. Being a part of this group has given her a close knit and supportive community of friends and mentors. She wouldn’t miss a day- not even when the rain pours or the wind chill dips!”

“Crow’s Path invites kids to learn about the world around them, teaches kids respectful ways of moving through that world, encourages kids to be their true selves, and prepares kids to be engaged and thoughtful ecological citizens. I am a parent who has had the great fortune of traveling through the portal on many occasions for both camp and Field School. While out on the land, I have seen eyes grow wider with wonder and hearts grow lighter as children share their gratitude for that which they hold most dear. My son returns home from Crow’s Path each day covered with dirt, pockets filled with pine cones, mind filled with stories, and eyes twinkling with joyful wonder. To me, these are the signs of the best possible kind of learning.”

“Our daughter has been with Crows Path since second grade, and has such a strong sense of connection to Rock Point, the animals and plants there, the mentors, and to imaginative play that engages with place.  It isn’t always obvious that this is developing; kids keep some of this private in their hearts.  But as I listen to her non-stop explanation of every stage of the overnight, watch her plan ahead for becoming a Middle School Apprentice, and hear here decide what programs she loves and which aren’t her preference, I see the impact — in her growing sense of what she loves, and how she wants to be herself.”

“Field School will be inextricably linked to childhood in our kids’ memories — there’s no doubt about it. The joy, the challenges, the deep connection with others and with the land has been a big, wonderful, muddy part of their lives.”

“Each of my boys attended Crow’s Path Field School from grades 1–4. The outdoor education experience was a perfect fit for two active boys who craved independence and exploration. They were fully engaged in their elementary school classrooms, knowing that every Wednesday they’d get to spend the day in the forest.”
I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything. They grew in confidence, knowledge, and appreciation for the natural world. The program also helped them maintain a healthy balance—they stayed caught up with their academic work while benefiting from the freedom and challenge of outdoor learning.”

“We’ve been part of the Crows Path family since our oldest son started in 2010.  As a family that believes strongly in the importance of immersing young people in nature, we are deeply grateful that Crows Path has provided a way for our boys to do that once a week.  Additionally, knowing that their time in the woods is spent with loving, trained nature mentors who allow the children to explore their curiosities and interests is a priceless gift.”

“Crow’s Path programs have been invaluable to our 2 elementary school aged daughters. Field school is a welcome mid-week break and compliment to more traditional education in the classroom. The forest, field and lake offer a perfect setting to spend a day reflecting, playing and connecting with nature. This time allows them the space and freedom to be themselves, follow their senses and move at their own pace for a day, among a group of nurturing and supportive adults and children that value each other as peers. This experience empowers our children, cultivates leadership skills, teaches a love and respect for nature and allows for a unique bonding time in a beautiful setting. I wish all children had the opportunity to participate in a program like this.”

“When family and friends and neighbors ask about Crow’s Path and what goes on there, they usually want to know what concrete skills are being learned. And, of course, there are indeed things of that sort (wonderful things!) that we can tell them: pitching a tent and building a fire; identifying trees and animal tracks. But these things aren’t why we choose to send our daughter out into the woods one day per week, instead of to “regular” school. It is, rather, the more nebulous things about Crow’s Path – things like community and confidence and contemplation, for which there never seems to be enough time elsewhere – for which we are so grateful.”