About
Back to Earth Nature Connection offers workshops, overnight retreats, wilderness programs, and backpacking trips for teens. The program also includes backpacking and an Online Info Session for families who want to learn more about what is offered.
• Ages: 13–18 years old
Back to Earth Nature Connection describes its mission as guiding young people into deeper relationship with nature, self, and community through wilderness programs, retreats, and mentorship. The mission statement says the program teaches practical skills and fosters critical awareness, with a focus on belonging, resilience, and sense of purpose. It also states a commitment to expanding equity and access in outdoor education so that transformative experiences in nature are available to young people regardless of background.
The program includes a wilderness-based adventure learning and rites of passage program for teenage boys called WILD, and a wraparound mentoring and scholarship program called the WILD Scholars Program. Its listed pillars of practice are gratitude, joy, honesty, and awareness. Back to Earth Nature Connection describes a community of adult mentors and guides dedicated to uplifting and supporting young people.
The leadership team includes Co-Founder and Director Eli Marienthal and Co-Founder Jesse Sachs. The WILD Scholars Program is described as a wraparound mentoring and scholarship program for Bay Area high school students from communities historically underrepresented in wilderness education.
Parent and participant testimonials describe experiences such as learning “the source of truest strength – the courage to be open and to connect,” feeling more comfortable in their own skin, and feeling less stressed while hearing “the birds, the water, the wind, and yourself.” WILD alumni quotes describe noticing how peaceful and quiet nature can be, feeling able to be themselves, having “amazing talks by the fire,” and experiencing both physical and emotional or spiritual impact. One testimonial states that a participant “came away with a belief in himself that he hadn’t felt before,” and another highlights daily Council as a time for connection, vulnerability, and a non-judgmental environment.
Last updated May 11, 2026.
• Ages: 13–18 years old
Back to Earth Nature Connection describes its mission as guiding young people into deeper relationship with nature, self, and community through wilderness programs, retreats, and mentorship. The mission statement says the program teaches practical skills and fosters critical awareness, with a focus on belonging, resilience, and sense of purpose. It also states a commitment to expanding equity and access in outdoor education so that transformative experiences in nature are available to young people regardless of background.
The program includes a wilderness-based adventure learning and rites of passage program for teenage boys called WILD, and a wraparound mentoring and scholarship program called the WILD Scholars Program. Its listed pillars of practice are gratitude, joy, honesty, and awareness. Back to Earth Nature Connection describes a community of adult mentors and guides dedicated to uplifting and supporting young people.
The leadership team includes Co-Founder and Director Eli Marienthal and Co-Founder Jesse Sachs. The WILD Scholars Program is described as a wraparound mentoring and scholarship program for Bay Area high school students from communities historically underrepresented in wilderness education.
Parent and participant testimonials describe experiences such as learning “the source of truest strength – the courage to be open and to connect,” feeling more comfortable in their own skin, and feeling less stressed while hearing “the birds, the water, the wind, and yourself.” WILD alumni quotes describe noticing how peaceful and quiet nature can be, feeling able to be themselves, having “amazing talks by the fire,” and experiencing both physical and emotional or spiritual impact. One testimonial states that a participant “came away with a belief in himself that he hadn’t felt before,” and another highlights daily Council as a time for connection, vulnerability, and a non-judgmental environment.
Last updated May 11, 2026.
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