Earthworks
Our Programs
Forest School
Wilderness Classroom
7 & 14 Week Sessions
With nature as our classroom, we guide students in the practice of appreciating the natural world and developing specific wilderness skills. Our daily focus consists of intentional work, cooperative play, careful observation, and wilderness exploration. Our work involves splitting wood, sustaining warmth and fire, building survival shelters, and cooking over the flame!
​
We hope to encourage children to carefully understand what they experience through the senses, and promote the natural curiosity of observing nature. We plan unstructured free play times, where children can climb, run, jump and talk. Ultimately, we hope children enjoy working together and experience the important bond that we all share with nature.
​
Our Forest School programs meet once a week during the traditional school day. We offer sessions for students between the ages of 4-5 (with parental guidance) and a session for students 5-15. Read more below for information on locations and times.
​
For more details, please refer to our 2025-2026 Forest School Parent Handbook below:
​
Penfield
Our Penfield Forest School occurs in the beautiful Veteran’s Memorial Park off Atlantic Avenue. It is held on Tuesdays from 9:30 -11 am (4-5 YO with parental guidance) and12-3 pm (5-15 YO). Registration opens via the Penfield Recreation website. Registration is open now for Fall Session. Click on the link below to register your nature-loving student!
School-Based Programming
Nature-Based Learning
Curriculum Aligned Outdoor Learning
With small school green spaces, local parks, and school gardens, we understand the need to support children’s natural curiosity and developmental need to move, play and interact. Our enrichment includes sensory exploration, acute observation, deliberate skill practice, and nature-based play. We aim to provide holistic, and enriching experiences that promote the development of wilderness skills, sustainable attitudes, and appreciation of the natural world.
​
Once a partnership has been made with either an individual teacher or the entire school, our learning guides work with both the teachers and students to create an experience that best suits their needs. Whether this includes a standards-aligned local field experience, team-building through the practice of hands-on wilderness skills, creating a community garden, or an in-classroom nature-based exploration the possibilities are endless!
​
To learn more about our work with local schools, please read below. If you would like to learn how to partner with Earthworks in your school, fill out the form below.
Alongside other members of the Center for Youth School-Based team, Earthworks helps conduct an after-school program based around nature crafts, gardening and play.
We offer six-week sessions designed to enhance students' leadership skills, self-awareness, and confidence. Our engaging program focuses on personal development, empowering participants to and thrive in various aspects of their lives.
Summer Camp
Summer Camp
An immersive character-building experience
Committed to immersing children in nature, our summer camp encompasses The American Camp Association pillars for a valuable and educational summer experience. Our nature guides encourage children to creatively explore the natural world, nurturing the development of resiliency and self-confidence through consistent hands-on skill practice. Each program is age-appropriate, with specialized outdoor skill practice aimed at improving self-confidence and developing positive social relationships.
​
Our summer camps provide a safe and structured space for children to dictate their learning while becoming aware of the natural world. Children are encouraged to embrace their curiosity, appreciate the natural world and explore the landscape. Expect your child to jump, crawl, run, hide and play in this fun-filled camp experience!
​
Summer adventure sessions are held at Helmer Nature Center in Irondequoit and are available for ages 5 to 16. All class days run from 8:30–2:30 pm M-F. Each age group runs for two weeks during the months of July and August. Parents have the option to sign their child up for one week, or both! Please note, each section is designed for that specific age group. In order to make sure everyone gets the best experience, we will not allow students into a section outside of their age range.
​
For more details, please refer to our 2026 Summer Camp Parent Handbook:
Neat Nature
5-7 years old
Neat Nature provides a safe space for children to enjoy both structured and unstructured wilderness play, where they can run free and explore the natural world. Children participate in activities that promote environmental awareness, mindfulness, and respect for nature. Designed to increase children’s awareness, Neat Nature encourages hands-on skill development through small-group experiences, while allowing children the freedom to explore at their own pace.
​
Neat Nature Camp will run for two weeks: Monday, July 6th to Friday, July 10th and Monday, July 13th to Friday, July 17th. It is $320 per week per child. Parents can choose to register their child for a single week or for both weeks.
​
Camp is from 8:30-2:30 every day.
​
​To register for this please click on the link below:
​
​Please email us at earthworkscfy@gmail.com for any questions.
​
Running Wild
8-10 years old
Running Wild is designed to balance curiosity, adventure, and hands-on skill development. The program taps into children’s natural need to experience the outdoors through meaningful, immersive activities. Participants will build shelters, learn safe fire practices, cook outdoors, take part in daily navigation hikes, and engage in group play—most of all, they’ll have the freedom to explore and get dirty.
Running Wild focuses on building a strong foundation of character while allowing children to experience the wilderness naturally and at their own comfort level.
​
Running Wild Camp will run for two weeks: Monday, July 20th to Friday, July 24th and Monday, July 27th to Friday, July 31st. It is $320 per week per child. Parents can choose to register their child for a single week or for both weeks.
​
Camp is from 8:30-2:30 every day. ​
​To register for this please follow the link below:
Please email us at earthworkscfy@gmail.com for any questions.
​
​
Nature Leaders
11-14 years old
Nature Leaders are challenged to reach beyond what is comfortable and typical allowing them the opportunity for leadership, team building, and specialized skill practice. Expect your child to be taught and practice knife techniques, learn practical fire skills and understand our relationship within the natural world.
Nature Leaders Camp will run for two weeks: Monday, August 3rd to Friday, August 7th. It is $320 per week per child.
​
Camp is from 8:30-2:30 every day.
​
To register for please click on the link below:
​
​​Please email us at earthworkscfy@gmail.com for any questions.
​
Counselor in Training
15-16 years old
(By interview)
The CIT Program is designed to train and inspire future camp counselors and team leaders. Through focused instruction in leadership and team-building, participants develop essential life skills that help them navigate challenges with confidence and success.
CIT Camp is an opportunity for returning campers who have spent several seasons with us and demonstrate the mindset and maturity to step into a leadership role. Selected participants may register for one Neat Nature or Running Wild session and will attend an additional final week dedicated to CIT Leadership training.
Monday, August 10th to Friday, August 14th $320 per child. .
​
CIT Camp will run from 9-1 Monday thru Friday.
​
To register for this please click on the link below:
​
​​Please email us at earthworkscfy@gmail.com for any questions.
​
Get in Touch
If you would like to see how Earthworks can partner with your school, community organization or local parks department, please fill out the form to the right in order to reach out to our Program Manager, Brad Rickman (brickman@centerforyouth.net) for more information!