Youth Programs

Wilderness Torah offers pluralistic Jewish, nature-based education and community for youth and their families, as well as mentorship for children and teens in grades 2โ€“12.

We nourish strong relationships between youth, Jewish life, and the natural world while building their resilience and capacity.

Top 4 Reasons to Join Youth Programs

Long-term Mentorship
Long-term Mentorship
We are committed to fostering long-lasting, positive mentorship for children from as early as Kindergarten, all the way through their teens. This ensures they have a rooted experience with Jewish identity, intergenerational community, and the natural world.
Earth-based Jewish Learning
Earth-based Jewish Learning
Guided by the cycles of the seasons and the Hebrew Calendar, we experience Jewish wisdom amongst the trees. Through songs, stories, holiday celebrations, blessings, and rituals, we build embodied connection with nature and Jewish tradition.
Resilience Building
Resilience Building
At Wilderness Torah, youth learn how to lean into community and connect with their own inherent wisdom. Through practices that nurture self-connection and authentic relationships, youth cultivate resilience in a rapidly-changing world that is in need of deep healing.
Nature-loving Families
Nature-loving Families
Fostering parent and family relationships is just as important as your childrenโ€™s learning. This is why we are building community among our families by providing opportunities such as potlucks and learning days so parents grow alongside their children.

Testimonials

“My favorite part of the day was making a dreidel out of clay!”

โ€” 5th Grader in B’hootz

“When I was at school, it would drain my energy but every time I went to B’naiture it was like a breath of fresh air!”

โ€” 7th grader in B’naiture

“I wish every teen could have a time like this to be free and challenged and supported.“

โ€” Shomrim Parent

Join One of Our Free Family Workshops

New this year! Please join one of our hands-on DIY workshops for youth and families. This is a great way to meet other nature-loving families while doing a fun activity with your kids outdoors. Sign up for one or for all.

Oak Gall Ink and Feather Pens (Ages 8-12)

Thursday, March 20, 2025ย  |ย  4:00โ€“5:00 pm

Learn to make a feather quill and ink from natureโ€™s surroundings.

REGISTER HERE

Wild Foraging Adventure (Ages 6-12)

Thursday, April 24, 2025 ย  |ย  4:00โ€“5:00 pm

Discover the many wild snacks and treats of the Bay Areaโ€™s natural ecosystem!

REGISTER HERE

DIY Backyard Fire-making (Ages 8-12)

Tuesday, May 13, 2025 ย  |ย  4:00โ€“5:30 pm

Learn to build and safely tend a campfire with our seasoned Bโ€™naiture mentors.

REGISTER HERE

B’hootz
Sunday School in the Woods
Grades 2โ€“5

For the 2025-2026 school year, weโ€™re offering the Bโ€™hootz Shoreshim program for grades 2-3, and the Bโ€™hootz Etzim program for grades 4-5.

  • Experience the magic of creation in nature
  • Adventure through Torah stories & learn Jewish tradition with imaginative play
  • Develop comfort and ease in the outdoors
  • Connect mind-heart-body with Jewish identity
  • Cultivate hands-on wilderness skills
  • Practice and build resilience

B’naiture
Wilderness Coming-of-Age Program
Grades 6โ€“8

Award-winning two-year program supporting youth and their families in the adolescent transition

  • Embodied coming-of-age experience
  • Integrating nature connection and Jewish life-cycle wisdom
  • Peer group community building
  • Nature awareness activities combined with personal challenge and exploration
  • Story, Song and Jewish text study

Shomrim Teen Leadership
Grades 8โ€“12

Teen backpacking adventures and leadership programs based on earth-based Jewish practices

  • Spend time deep in the wilderness
  • Strengthen decision making, communication, and conflict resolution skills
  • Learn to build and lead peer community
  • Receive support from mentors and peers as you navigate the challenges of high school

Thank You to Our Youth Programs Supporters