Teen group June 5th: Forest school, New Trails, and the Start of Long-Term Projects
- Jun 7
- 5 min read
Parent Resources
Topics We Explored
Team building and community games
Juniper tree identification and uses
Primitive fire starting with a bow drill
Watercolor nature journaling
Long-term bushcraft projects
Western racer snakes
Questions to Ask Your Teen
What was your favorite variation of the name game with the tarp?
What did you learn about juniper trees? What did Mr. Kyle eat?
What project did you choose for the month?
How did your group solve the log challenge?
What was the most interesting thing you saw on the hike?
Resources
Juniper Trees
Bow Drill Fire Starting
Western Racer Snakes
Utah Reptile Guide:https://wildlife.utah.gov
Information About Western Racers:https://animaldiversity.org
A new term!
The first week of every month always has a different energy to it.
New students, new families, new friendships, and a fresh start for everyone. There's always a little uncertainty when new people join a group, but one thing I've noticed over the years is that teenagers tend to make things easier on each other than they often get credit for.
As usual, the day started with soccer while we waited for everyone to arrive.
One family regularly brings a soccer ball, and before long teams were forming and a game was underway. What I love most about playing something while we wait is how naturally it helps new students become part of the group. There isn't any pressure. Nobody is put on the spot. The game is simply there, and every new arrival has an immediate opportunity to jump in and participate.
Some families let us know they were running a little behind, which is pretty normal on the first day when people are still figuring out where exactly we meet. We always try to build in a little extra grace during the first week of the month because finding our remote locations can sometimes be an adventure of its own.
By the time everyone arrived, completed introductions, received whistles, and reviewed our most important guideline—staying within sight and sound—it was a little after ten before we finally hit the trail.
And what a trail it was.
Almost immediately after crossing the river, we began climbing straight up the mountainside. It's one of those hikes that feels much bigger than it actually is. The trail is steep, but the reward at the top is worth every step.
At the ridge, we stopped beneath a massive juniper tree and spent some time talking about its unique characteristics. The students learned about the tree's berries, its traditional uses, and some of the antimicrobial properties that have made juniper valuable to people for generations.
Then things got a little silly.
We split into two groups separated by a giant tarp and began playing a name game. The goal was simple: when the tarp dropped, students had to identify the person standing across from them before the other team could.
But before we even started, one student introduced himself in a funny voice, which somehow led to everyone singing their names instead of saying them.
From that point on, the game only got more ridiculous.
Every round seemed funnier than the last. Between the singing, the laughter, and the friendly competition, names were learned quickly and barriers between new and returning students disappeared almost immediately.
After a quick discussion about bathroom procedures and backcountry expectations, we headed off the established trail and began exploring a new route toward one of our familiar destinations.
One of my favorite things about working with teenagers is that they are old enough to appreciate the adventure of not always knowing exactly where the path leads. We followed the ridge, made our own trail in places, stopped in shady spots to enjoy the views, and eventually dropped back down into the valley. Along the way we crossed paths with the younger group and exchanged quick greetings before continuing on.
When we reached our campsite for the day, the students immediately launched into one of their favorite challenges.
The objective sounds simple enough: stand on a log and reverse the order of everyone on it without anyone stepping off.
Simple in theory.
Not simple in practice.
The group became completely invested in solving the challenge. They experimented with different strategies, encouraged each other through failed attempts, and celebrated every small success. Watching them collaborate, communicate, and problem-solve was every bit as valuable as any formal lesson.
Shortly afterward, we experienced something we have thankfully never had to navigate before.
A situation arose in the younger group that required us to activate one of our emergency response protocols.
While I won't go into details, I will say that I was incredibly grateful for the systems we have in place. Through radio and texting communication between staff, coordination with our support team in the valley, and clear communication with the family involved, everything proceeded smoothly and professionally.
One of the things we do regularly as a staff team is review emergency procedures long before we ever need them. This was the first time in years that we had to put one of those plans into action, and it was reassuring to see everyone respond calmly and effectively. We are also grateful for the support staff who were able to assist and help coordinate with the family.
Once everything was resolved, we returned to what had already been shaping up to be a wonderful day.
Miss Kaitlyn led a watercolor lesson where students selected a plant, object, or feature of the landscape and practiced slowing down long enough to truly observe it. As always, some students spent just a few minutes painting while others became completely absorbed in the process.
Afterward, she demonstrated one of the most challenging primitive fire skills we teach: starting a fire with a bow drill.
A bow drill is one of those skills that looks simple until you try it yourself. Success requires proper technique, patience, and a surprising amount of endurance. Several students became fascinated by the process and spent a large portion of the afternoon experimenting with different materials and refining their technique.
While that was happening, we introduced another favorite part of the teen program: long-term projects.
Each student selected a bushcraft project that they will continue working on throughout the month. Unlike many activities that begin and end in a single day, these projects require commitment, persistence, and long-range thinking.
The ideas students chose were creative, ambitious, and exciting. I can't wait to see how they evolve over the coming weeks.
As we packed up and headed back toward the trailhead, we encountered one final surprise.
Western racer snakes.
Not one.
Not two.
Probably four or five.
The students were fascinated, and it felt like the perfect ending to a day filled with discovery.
One thing I've noticed about the teen group is that they somehow become more energetic on the hike out than they were at the beginning of the day. Every week I find myself wondering if maybe we need to hike farther because by the end they seem to have endless energy.
Eventually we made it back to the trailhead, gathered in a circle with arms around each other's shoulders, shared gratitude for the day, and ended the way we always do.
"One, two, three..."
"BE A BUFFALO!"
It was an incredible start to a new month.
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