Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bigfoot Wilderness School?
Bigfoot Wilderness School is a weekly outdoor enrichment program for homeschool students ages 7–12. Students attend one full day each week from September through May, spending their days hiking, exploring, learning, and playing outdoors.
Through hands-on experiences like fire building, whittling, fishing, shelter building, navigation, and basic camping skills, students build confidence, independence, and practical skills over time.
How does Bigfoot Wilderness School fit into our homeschool?
Bigfoot Wilderness School is an educational enrichment program designed to complement your homeschool curriculum through hands-on, real-world learning.
Students develop practical outdoor skills such as fire-building, navigation, first aid, and tool use, while also building confidence, responsibility, and teamwork. Families often count the program toward physical education, outdoor education, and life skills requirements.
Our goal is to support your homeschool by providing meaningful experiences that help students grow capable, independent, and connected to the natural world.
Is this a childcare program?
No. Bigfoot Wilderness School is an educational enrichment program, not childcare.
Students participate in structured skill instruction, group activities, and hands-on learning throughout the day. The program is designed to help students grow in independence, responsibility, and confidence.
Is this a drop-in program?
No. Bigfoot Wilderness School operates as a program-year enrollment from September through May.
Students build skills progressively over time, and each session is part of a larger learning experience. Enrollment reserves your child’s place in the full program.
Is enrollment for the full year?
Yes. Enrollment is intended as a full program-year commitment.
This allows students to develop skills safely and confidently while building trust with instructors and peers.
If space becomes available, mid-year enrollment may occasionally be offered.
What will my child learn?
Students learn a wide range of practical outdoor skills, including:
• Fire building and fire safety
• Knife safety and whittling
• Shelter building and basic camping skills
• Compass use and navigation
• Water safety and basic filtration concepts
• First aid and emergency preparedness
• Archery and fishing
• Outdoor problem-solving
Along the way, students also build confidence, independence, responsibility, and resilience.
What if my child has never done anything like this?
No prior experience is required.
Students are taught all skills step-by-step in a safe and supportive environment. Beginners are welcome.
Many students start with no experience and quickly grow in skill and confidence.
What level of independence is expected?
Students should be able to:
• Carry their own gear and backpack
• Manage their lunch and water
• Follow group safety instructions
• Participate respectfully in group activities
We support students in building independence, but they should be ready for a full outdoor day.
What gear does my child need?
Students need basic outdoor clothing appropriate for weather conditions, including:
• Closed-toe shoes or boots
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Backpack
• Water bottle
• Packed lunch
A full gear list is provided after enrollment.
Student skill tools and shared equipment are provided.
What happens in bad weather?
We operate in most weather conditions, including rain and cold.
Outdoor learning includes adapting to real-world conditions safely.
In the case of severe or dangerous weather, a cancellation may occur and a makeup day may be used if needed.
What happens if my child misses a class?
Because the program is structured as a full-year experience, individual absences are not made up.
Students simply rejoin the group at the next session.
Skills are revisited throughout the year, so students naturally continue building progress.
How do you handle safety?
Safety is our highest priority.
Students are taught safety procedures before using tools or participating in skill activities. All activities are supervised.
We maintain structured safety rules and clear expectations at all times.
What happens if a student cannot follow safety rules?
Students must follow safety instructions to participate.
If a student is unable to follow safety rules, we will work with the family to determine whether the program is an appropriate fit.
Student and group safety always comes first.
How do you prevent and respond to bullying?
We maintain a culture of respect, responsibility, and teamwork.
Conflict is addressed immediately and constructively.
We help students develop communication skills, emotional awareness, and conflict resolution.
What are your staff qualifications?
Bigfoot Wilderness School is led by trained instructors with experience working with children in outdoor and educational settings.
Staff are CPR and First Aid certified.
All instructors are trained in safety procedures and program protocols.
Do you carry insurance?
Yes. Bigfoot Wilderness School carries liability insurance.
All families are also required to sign a liability waiver before participation.
What is the Family Campout?
The Family Campout is a special end-of-year event where students demonstrate the skills they have learned.
Families attend together, and students participate in activities such as fire-building, shelter setup, and outdoor challenges.
Siblings are welcome to attend with their families.
Parents are responsible for supervising their children during the event outside of structured group activities.
How do I apply?
Visit our Admissions page and submit an application.
Space is limited, and enrollment is offered based on availability and program fit.
After acceptance, families complete registration and enrollment forms to secure their child’s place.