Program
Weekly Outdoor Program for Homeschoolers Ages 7–12
Mondays | 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
September–May (with Winter Break in December and January)
New Waverly, TX (near TX-150 & Jim Browder Rd.)
Bigfoot Wilderness School is a weekly outdoor enrichment program for homeschool students who learn best through hands-on experience.
Students attend full-day sessions throughout the program year, building practical outdoor skills, confidence, and independence through real experience in the natural world.
Each day blends structured instruction, guided exploration, reflection, and play — creating space for both skill development and personal growth.
Over time, students gain not only outdoor knowledge, but also a stronger sense of capability, responsibility, and confidence.
Core Skills Students Learn
Throughout the program year, students build practical outdoor skills, including:
- Basic first aid, injury response, and safety awareness
- Knife safety and whittling
- Fire building and fire safety
- Shelter building and tent setup
- Compass use and navigation
- Water safety and basic filtration concepts
- Fishing skills
- Archery fundamentals
- Basic camping skills and outdoor cooking
In addition to these hands-on skills, students learn to:
- Solve real-world problems independently
- Take responsibility for tools and personal gear
- Work cooperatively with others
- Build resilience, patience, and confidence
- Practice observation, journaling, and reflection
Skill Progression
Bigfoot Wilderness School follows a skill-based curriculum built on repetition and progression.
Students revisit core skills throughout the year in new ways, allowing them to build confidence, responsibility, and independence over time.
Rather than introducing a skill once and moving on, students continue practicing and applying what they have learned through games, challenges, projects, and repeated hands-on experience.
2026–2027 Program Calendar
Fall Session: September 14 – November 23, 2026
Fall Makeup Day (if needed): November 30, 2026
Winter Break: December & January (no classes)
Spring Session: February 1 – May 17, 2027
Spring Break: No class March 29, 2027
Family Campout: April 30 – May 2, 2027
No Class: May 3, 2027 (following campout)
Final Class: May 17, 2027
Spring Makeup Day (if needed): May 24, 2027
A Typical Day
Each program day follows a consistent rhythm designed to support learning, exploration, and independence:
Welcome Free Play – Students arrive and settle into the environment through open exploration
Morning Circle – Group welcome, safety review, and introduction to the day’s focus
Group Game or Challenge – Movement-based activities that build teamwork and focus
Exploration Hike – Observation, tracking, and seasonal awareness in the natural environment
Skill Block I – Hands-on instruction in outdoor skills and group activities
Lunch – Students bring a packed lunch and enjoy time to relax and socialize
Journaling & Sit Spot – Quiet reflection, observation, and personal journaling
Skill Block II – Extended projects, challenges, and opportunities to apply the day’s skill
Closing Circle & Free Exploration – Students reflect on the day and continue exploring until pickup
Family Campout
The program year concludes with a Spring Family Campout — a meaningful weekend where students demonstrate the skills they have developed throughout the year and celebrate their growth.
Students participate in tent setup, fire building, outdoor cooking, fishing, and group challenges while families observe and participate alongside them.
The campout must be attended by a parent or guardian. While Bigfoot instructors lead scheduled group activities, families are responsible for supervising their children outside of those times, including overnight.
Siblings are welcome to attend with their families. Parents or guardians are responsible for supervising siblings at all times, including during group activities and overnight.
This weekend provides a memorable and rewarding conclusion to a full year of outdoor learning, growth, and adventure.