B’hootz
Grades K–5
Bringing Judaism’s Earth-Based Rhythms & Teachings to Life Through the Seasons
Kindergarten—5th Grade
B’hootz integrates caring mentorship and nature-based exploration with Jewish spirituality, tradition, and wisdom.
Small groups are led by passionate mentors who create experiences that guide children through the nature-based rhythm of the Hebrew calendar.
B’hootz will meet in local parks on 12 Sundays throughout the school year, which includes an opening camping trip for all participants and their families. Etzim will also culminate with an overnight camping trip. Refer to the Schedule & Locations section for details.
Learn more about our educational approach to B’hootz.
Our Approach to Diversity and Inclusivity:
Our B’hootz program welcomes youth and families from a diverse and beautiful spectrum of identities. Through exploring the connection between Judaism and the natural world, we honor both the common threads and unique facets of our lives.
Watch this video featuring B’hootz, created by the Jewish Education Project.
Applications for the 2026-27 Year Are Now Open
APPLY HEREB’hootz Parent Testimonials
“My daughter never drags her feet to head out to B’hootz, rain or shine. She absolutely loves everything about it; the learning, the playing, the creative projects, the team building, the nature connection and the Jewish connection. We are grateful to have such a wholesome educational element in her life.”
“When I picked up my daughter after B’hootz and asked her, ‘How was Wilderness Torah?’ she responded with, ‘It was the best ever! Can I go again next week?”
“The B’hootz experience has been a magical part of our family’s connection to Judaism and nature. It has taught our kids to feel confident in the forest and they come home excited to share about their adventures, full of joy, and more knowledgeable about being Jewish and the woods we are blessed to live in proximity to.”
Experience and learn about Jewish tradition in the forest!
Shorashim: Roots (grades K–3)
Nourish the roots of Jewish nature connection.
Celebrate the wonders of creation and engage Jewish tradition through hands-on learning.
Grow comfort and ease in the outdoors and experience the vitality of Jewish wisdom through Torah storytelling, imaginative play, nature connection activities, and adventure.
Etzim: Trees (grades 4–5)
Grow the branches and leaves of Jewish nature connection.
Etzim bring Jewish concepts to life by connecting to their minds, hearts, bodies and Jewish identities through adventure and challenge.
Cultivate hands-on skills like fire making, wild food processing, basketry, and whittling. Deepen relationships to the forest by developing tracking and nature connection skills.
Family Program
Join our family program and connect to your child’s B’hootz journey!
We invite parents to join at several points throughout the season, both for learning and celebrations. We open the year with an overnight family camping trip for everyone to meet each other and build community!
Schedule & Location
Location: East Bay B’hootz meets in the redwood forests of the Oakland hills. Here you’ll find abundant meadows, creeks, woodsy nooks, climbing trees, and mysteries for exploring. We love operating B’hootz in our backyard nature wonderlands. Exact location will be shared upon registration.
Meeting time:
Shorashim: 10:00 am – 2:00pm
Etzim: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
note: If you have a child in both programs and will need childcare, please contact us.
Meeting Dates:
B’hootz meets on 12 Sundays throughout the academic year (October–May). At the beginning of the year, in the fall, we have our family camping trip. Etzim has an additional camping trip in the spring, for the youth only. In case of a need to cancel due to weather, we include two make-up dates.
B’hootz 2026-27 Calendar
Sunday Sessions
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Make-up Days:
Camping Trips:
Fall Family Camping Trip, for all participants and their families
Spring Camping trip, families join for closing (Etzim Only) |
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Remaining dates for 2025-26 Cohorts
Sunday Sessions
Spring Camping trip, parents join for closing (Etzim Only)
2 Make-up Days:
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Youth Programs Discovery Nights
Are you curious about B’hootz or B’naiture, and want to find out more?
Join an upcoming Discovery Night to get a taste of Wilderness Torah Youth Programs.
Youth Program Discovery Nights
You are invited to join our hands-on nature 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!
Application Information
Applications for the 2026-27 Year Are Now Open
APPLY HERE2026-27 Tuition for B’hootz
| Regular Price Shorashim | $1890 (includes one overnight camping trip) |
| Regular Price Etzim | $2100 (includes two overnight camping trips) |
We price B’hootz based on the true cost it takes to provide this program.
Cancellations
For questions about cancellations, please read the Youth Programs Refund policy.
Financial Aid
We strive to make our program accessible to all families. If you are unable to pay the full tuition, you will be prompted on your child’s B’hootz application to apply for financial aid. Scholarships are based on need and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. You will be notified at the same time we invite you to register.
We also offer installment plans for families unable to pay their tuition upon registration.
Other questions?
Visit our FAQ page here.
