B’naiture
Grades 6–8
A one-of-a-kind outdoor Jewish rite-of-passage for middle schoolers to unplug, connect, and grow.
Begin in 6th or 7th Grade
B’naiture is our award-winning, two-year experiential program for youth entering 6th and 7th grade. B’naiture supports the transition from childhood to adolescence through mentorship, deep nature connection and Jewish wisdom.
This program both supplements traditional B’Mitzvah education and serves families who do not choose to undertake a traditional track. You can find more info about our B’naiture B’mitzvah program here.
Pedagogy
B’naiture is a coming-of-age journey from childhood into adolescence. Our program supports the physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual passage of youth into adolescence, where one opens to greater awareness of self and the world. Experienced adult and teen mentors guide each group using the B’naiture curriculum we’ve honed over fourteen years of programming curriculum. Learn more about our pedagogy here.
Approach to Diversity & Inclusivity
We welcome people of all backgrounds including those who identify as Jews, those who identify as something else, those whose Jewish identity feels complicated, interfaith families, gender expansive youth, LGBTQ families, and people of all racial and ethnic identities who want to join our vibrant, unique community!
Watch this video to learn about the power and meaning behind B’naiture
Applications for the next two-year cohort, October 2025–May 2027, are now open!
APPLY HEREB’naiture Parent Testimonials
Before B’naiture my kid felt disconnected from formal Jewish education and resented their participation in traditional Hebrew School. We took a leap of faith and let him find a different program of their choosing. He found B’naiture and we found peace. He is now connected to Judaism, nature, and his community. He even asked if he could have a Bar Mitzvah.
B’naiture ParentI am really proud of my child for engaging in this experience. As I learn to let them go, they are gaining great skills. They are gaining the skills of independence with making camp, learning how to hold council and problem solve in community. I am really grateful for the program. And my kid– after telling me 10 times they did not want to go on the last camping trip– came home saying “SIGN ME UP FOR NEXT YEAR!” It’s worth it!
B’naiture ParentThis groundbreaking program weaves Jewish teachings, story, and song with personal challenges, outdoor skills, individual mentorship, peer group community building, and nature awareness activities. We aim to provide a holistic coming-of-age experience to support youth in navigating and thriving within the complex world of Bay Area teenagehood.
Your child will form a tight-knit group of middle schoolers on a two-year journey into adolescence.
Along the way, they will gain insights about life, relationships, and Jewish identity, while developing a deep connection with the local ecology.
Parents are included in the experience, with scheduled check-ins and special programming to support the whole family through this rich and dynamic transitional time.
Every School Year Includes:
Schedule, Locations, and Times
Locations
B’naiture Sundays and Wednesdays are held in the East Bay hills and shoreline parks, as well as community families’ backyards. You will be updated in advance of each session. Exact locations shared after registering.
2025-26 Meeting Dates & Times
B’naiture meeting times are listed below. Exact dates appear in the list that follows.
- Sundays, 10:30 am – 4:30 pm unless otherwise noted
- Wednesdays, 5:00–8:00 pm
- Camping trips start between 12 and 3 pm on Thursdays or Fridays. Ending times vary.
- In case of a need to cancel due to weather, we have 2 make-up dates. Please hold these in your calendar.
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Applying for B’naiture
Tuition
The following price reflects the real cost to implement this program. This includes, but is not limited to: high quality mentorship with a 4:1 youth-to-mentor ratio, thoughtful and well-integrated curriculum, parent program, camping trips, and all infrastructure and supplies.
$3,490 per year
We can arrange payment plans and award some partial scholarships to families with financial need. You can indicate your interest in financial aid during the application process.
Questions about cancellations? Please read the Youth Programs Refund Policy.
Application Process
All youth and their parents must complete an application and join us for an interview to be accepted into B’naiture. We accept applications on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply as soon as you know you want to join, as we have limited spots available.
- When you are ready, Apply Here.
- Complete the application, including a section that youth are requested to fill out by themselves.
- After we receive your applications, we invite B’naiture applicants for a group interview with B’naiture staff. We schedule interviews from April through September.
- Once this process is complete, we will notify you about acceptance and registration.
- Once the program is full, additional applicants will be added to the waiting list.
Applications for the next two-year cohort, October 2025–May 2027, are now open!
APPLY HEREHands-on DIY 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.
Join One of Our Free Family Workshops
Oak Gall Ink and Feather Pens (Ages 8-12)
Thursday, March 20, 2025 | 4:00–5:00 pm
Learn to make a feather quill and ink from nature’s surroundings.
REGISTER HERE
Wild Foraging Adventure (Ages 6-12)
Thursday, April 24, 2025 | 4:00–5:00 pm
Discover the many wild snacks and treats of the Bay Area’s natural ecosystem!
REGISTER HERE
DIY Backyard Fire-making (Ages 8-12)
Tuesday, May 13, 2025 | 4:00–5:30 pm
Learn to build and safely tend a campfire with our seasoned B’naiture mentors.
REGISTER HERE
Awards & Press
B’naiture is a Multi Award-Winning Youth Program
2019 Winner of Helen Diller Family Award for Excellence in Jewish Education
2019 Winner of Helen Diller Family Award for Excellence in Jewish EducationDaniel Schindelman Schoen, former Wilderness Torah Youth Program Director, earned this prestigious award for his innovative mentorship work in B’naiture and the other Wilderness Torah youth programs.
2017 Winner of Prestigious Prize for Educators
2017 Winner of Prestigious Prize for EducatorsAya Baron, former Youth Program Director and B’naiture Lead Mentor, was honored with the Natalia Twersky Award for her creative use of Jewish women’s stories in her teaching at B’naiture.
“Finalist Aya Baron is passionate about cultivating a regenerative Jewish culture, developing rites of passage experiences for youth, and working with adolescent girls. Her lesson plan [is designed] … to help young girls find their footing in the face of popular culture in ways that ignite their confidence, creativity, and self-expression.” Jewish Women’s Archive
B’naiture Wins National Prize
B’naiture Wins National PrizeB’naiture was one of six national winners of the Lippman Kanfer Prize for Applied Jewish Wisdom, recognizing programs that help people apply Jewish wisdom to live better lives and shape a better world.
“Wilderness Torah’s B’naiture program connects participants to deep Jewish wisdom to help them navigate the real issues facing them in adolescence. Their two-year journey is an excellent beginning to, rather than culmination of, their Jewish education in a way that positions Judaism as a source of guidance and support throughout their lives.” Aaron Dorfman, President of Lippman Kanfer Foundation for Living Torah
