Way of the Scout

Ages 8-14 | July 28-Aug 1
Registration Opens March 15

Learn the Way of the Scout and become a Protector of the Forest! Scouts are skilled naturalists with knowledge of edible and medicinal plants. Scouts are masters of camouflage and concealment; they can track and trail animals, all while moving unseen across the landscape. 

Learn old skills of stealth, tracking and plant ID as a way of becoming a part of the natural world around you. These old skills have allowed kids all over the world to thrive in nature. They allowed Aragorn to lead the hobbits to safety from the ring wraiths in the Lord of the Rings!

We will play camouflage and stealth games, go on wild tracking and trailing adventures, practice archery (a key skill of the Scout), and cultivate a deeper sense of our place in the natural world.  Through activities and challenges youth will discover greater self-confidence, learn cooperation and teamwork, and gain a sense of environmental care taking.

Over the week we will:

  • Learn about tracking and trailing animals

  • Increase awareness of our surroundings

  • Practice archery

  • Learn about plant identification and uses

  • Discover camouflage and concealment as a way to move unseen through the landscape

  • Use our innate intuition to become apart of our natural surroundings

  • Play fun games and make new friends!

  • Curriculum

    Take a more in-depth look at our forest school and wilderness awareness curriculum to see what skills and experiences your child can expect to learn.

    Learn more

  • Campus

    View our unique outdoor classroom. 50 acres of forest surrounded by park land. Seasonal creek, waterfall & yurt.

    Learn more

  • Mentors

    Get to know the team behind Thriving Roots Wilderness School and learn more about your child’s program mentors.

    Learn more

  • Way of the Scout Parent

    “My child absolutely LOVED the camp and every minute she spent with you all. It was by far the best camp she has ever attended and we look forward to spending more time with you all. She came home more grounded, inspired and with a renewed respect and connection to our beautiful land.”

  • Summer Camp Parent

    “Thank you for all the thought and care you put into making this week so special for the kiddos. You went over and above and the extra attention you gave the kids was phenomenal. What you offer is a truly unique experience and so valuable. You gave them boundaries to keep their bodies and minds safe, but freedom to explore and express themselves. I am so grateful!”

  • Thriving Roots parent

    “This program lets [my daughter] be her wild self, without school teachers or parents. I really value the style of mentoring and the guidance it gives while still maintaining each individual’s needs and ideas.”

  • July 28-Aug 1. Monday - Friday, 9:30am-3:30pm.

  • Fee: $575 +gst. Price includes camp t-shirt.

    Cancellation & Refund Policy: Please note that your camp fee includes a deposit and is non-refundable. Please familiarise yourself with our Registration Policies before registering.

  • TBA will be your Way of the Scout mentors. They may also be joined by an apprentice from our Tend the Fire Apprenticeship program.

    Read more about the Thriving Roots team here.

  • We are committed to offering needs-based Equity Fund Discounts to those who would not otherwise be able to attend our camps due to experiencing systemic barriers to wealth accumulation. Read more and apply here.

  • We have limited space available in our programs for students with high needs. (We define 'high needs' as any designation and/or behavioural or emotional need that would require extra support i.e. ADHD, Autism, physical disability, any need for 1:1 support.)

    To ensure our mentors have the relevant experience and capacity to provide the support your child needs, please fill out our Student Support – High Needs form before registering and make sure to familiarise yourself with our Registration Policies.

Camp Details