Youth Programs

Now Enrolling for Fall 2026

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 K–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 children’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!”

— 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!”

— 7th grader in B’naiture

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

— Shomrim Parent

Youth Programs Grades K-12

B’hootz
Sunday School in the Woods
Grades K–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 6–8

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

Teen Programs
Grades 8–12

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

Shomrim Leadership Program:

  • Monthly fire circles 
  • 3 Day backpacking trip in the fall
  • 7 Day backpacking trip in early summer
  • Learn to build and lead peer community
  • Receive support from mentors and peers as you navigate the challenges of high school

Neshama Quest:

  • 7 Day Backpacking adventure in the Sierras
  • Build Jewish community in the backcountry
  • Celebrate Shabbat in the Mountains 
  • Opportunity for a Solo experience in deep nature

Thank You to Our Youth Programs Supporters