Wild Deer 1

Due to ongoing COVID-19 challenges, we are not offering our typical Wild Deer program in 2022. But we hope to be able to welcome adults to new opportunities come spring 2022. Please sign up for our newsletter for more news as soon as we have it!

Wild Deer 1 is a great opportunity for educators, parents, and outdoor enthusiasts to deepen their connection to nature. Through a mix of active instruction and experiential learning, participants learn in-depth naturalist knowledge, wilderness skills, and mentoring techniques. Participants gain a wealth of new knowledge, a heightened awareness of nature, and a personal drive to continue learning.

Program content highlights:

Wildlife tracking
Hazards in nature
Edible and medicinal plant harvesting and preparations
Tuning your senses and awareness to nature’s baseline
Making containers and baskets from natural materials
Making basic tools from forest resources
Bird language
Learning survival skills of the ancient and modern hunter-gatherer
Making fire by friction (bow and hand drill) in various weather conditions
Tarps, knots, and practical bushcraft
Wilderness navigation
Growing your naturalist skills around trees, birds, plants, etc.
Introduction to basic survival, hunting, and trapping skills
And much more!

Click here to learn more about our curriculum and learning outcomes.

2020 Details:

This is a weekend-based program with six weekend sessions occurring monthly between January and June. Exact times may vary slightly. Participants are required to bring their own food. Pricing includes all six weekends and lodging during January and June weekends.

Weekend 1: Baysville (Muskoka)

January 24 - 26

Full weekend excursion

Weekend 2: Toronto

February 21

7:00pm – 9:00pm

Weekend 2: Norval Outdoor School

February 22

10:00am – 5:00pm

February 23

10:30am – 4:00pm

Weekend 3: Toronto City Parks

March 13

7:00pm – 9:00pm

March 14

10:00am – 5:00pm

March 15

10:30am – 4:00pm

Weekend 4: Toronto City Parks

April 17

7:00pm – 9:00pm

April 18

10:00am – 5:00pm

April 19

10:30am – 4:00pm

Weekend 5: Toronto

May 22

7:00pm – 9:00pm

Weekend 5: Norval Outdoor School

May 23

10:00am – 5:00pm

May 24

10:30am – 4:00pm

Weekend 6: Norval Outdoor School

July 11 - 14

Full weekend excursion

Price: $1,650

A payment plan is available. Bursaries are available through our Bursary Fund.

Registration

Registration for 2020 is now closed, but check back in the fall to register for 2021!

Click here for registration policies.