Golden Eagles Teen Nature Immersion Program
February–May 2025
Designed for teens aged 13–16, the Golden Eagles program offers a unique opportunity to deepen connections with self, community, and nature! 🌅
Participants will explore and enhance their abilities in wildlife tracking, fire-making, paddling, wild-crafting, knife skills, outdoor cooking, and working with edible and medicinal plants. Through these experiences, teens will build resilience, confidence, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
Rooted in the principles of nature connection, this 4-month program immerses youth in the beauty of the Petaluma Watershed and beyond, providing transformative experiences and lifelong skills.
Program Schedule
Day Excursions: Saturdays, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
- February 22nd: Steamer Landing Park
- March 22nd: Tolay Lake Regional Park
- April 26th: Sonoma Baylands
Coastal Campout: Saturday 8:00 AM- Sunday 4:00 PM
May 17th-18th: Pt. Reyes National Seashore
Closing Celebration (for youth and their families): Wednesday, 6:00-7:30 PM
May 28th: Steamer Landing Park
What’s special about Golden Eagles?
- All Food Provided: Enjoy delicious meals during every adventure, including campfire cooking on the overnight trip.
- Transportation Support: Transportation is provided for the campout, and support is available for field days if needed, just let us know.
- Monthly Gatherings: Saturday day trips exploring your local watershed featuring earth skills like fire-making, wildlife tracking, paddling, and more.
- Coastal Campout Adventure: A two-day, one-night camping trip at Point Reyes National Seashore with stargazing, campfire cooking, and peer bonding.
- Supportive Community: Build lasting friendships in an inclusive and welcoming environment.
Why Nature Immersion?
- Connecting with Nature: Participants described finding peace and joy through hiking, kayaking, fire-building, shelter-making, and learning survival skills. Many loved exploring unique environments like beaches, forests, and the Petaluma Watershed.
- Relaxation and Mental Health: Outdoor experiences provide a break from busy life, offering tranquility, mental clarity, and an opportunity to step away from everyday stressors.
- Learning and Growth: Teens value the chance to gain new skills, learn from mentors, and engage deeply with nature and water ecosystems.
- Social Connections: Making friends with like-minded peers and forming a supportive community was a common theme. Shared activities like cooking over the fire, camping, and group hikes create lasting memories.
- Adventure and Fun: The sheer joy of being outside, exploring new places, and trying unique activities draws teens in. Whether it's crashing waves, soaring birds, or the stars above, these experiences feel magical.
Contact:
Shelly Spriggs
[email protected]
(707) 763-7756
Friends of the Petaluma River