Black Oak Wilderness School

20/06/2026

That’s a wrap on Week 2!

One of the things I loved most about this group was how self-directed they became. As the week went on, they took more ownership of their learning, followed their curiosity, and helped shape the direction of our days. That's exactly what we hope to see.

Today we finally remembered to get some archery pictures! We spent the morning on the range before heading down to the creek for lunch and a lesson on natural camouflage. At first the kids were a little hesitant about smearing mud and plant material all over themselves, but once I put mine on, it was game on. They did an incredible job for their first time and quickly got into the spirit of it.
In the afternoon we returned to the lower creek where we worked on natural cordage, practiced carving skills, and tried our hand at flint knapping. It was a fitting end to a week full of exploration, creativity, and adventure.

Thank you to all the families who trusted us with your kids this week. We had a fantastic time, and we're already looking forward to next week’s adventures!

18/06/2026

For over a decade, Black Oak Wilderness School has helped young people build confidence, competence, and connection through hands-on experiences in the natural world.

One challenge we've faced from the beginning is transportation.

Many families want their children to participate, but getting to programs, camps, field experiences, and future expeditions isn't always easy. Transportation can become a barrier to opportunities that should be available to every child.

Today we're launching the BOWS Transportation Project with the goal of purchasing a passenger van that will allow us to safely transport students to camps, outdoor learning sites, service projects, and adventures throughout Lake and Mendocino counties.

This isn't just about a vehicle. It's about access.

It's about making sure a lack of transportation doesn't prevent a young person from learning to paddle a canoe, identify animal tracks, build a shelter, explore a tidepool, or discover what they're capable of.

If Black Oak Wilderness School has impacted your family, if you believe in the value of outdoor education, or if you simply want to help more kids experience the natural world, we'd be honored if you'd consider supporting the project or sharing it with others.

Every donation, no matter the size, helps move us closer to putting more kids in more wild places.

Thank you for believing in this work.

Black Oak Wilderness School (BOWS) is an outdoor education organization serving … Dane Nelson needs your support for Help BOWS Expand Outdoor Education Access

18/06/2026

Week 2, Day 3

The cooler weather this morning made it an easy decision: straight to the archery range.
Today we explored two different shooting styles and learned how the side of the bow where the arrow rests changes the technique. When the arrow sits opposite the draw hand, we practiced the Mediterranean draw. When the arrow sits on the same side as the draw hand, we learned the Asiatic thumb draw. It's always fun watching students realize there isn't just one "right" way to shoot a bow.

We also spent a little over an hour at the creek for lunch and some serious crawdad hunting. At this point, these kids are becoming surprisingly skilled at spotting and catching them.

The afternoon was supposed to be split between carving and our introduction to flint knapping. We started with knife safety and carving, and that was pretty much the end of the plan. The students became completely absorbed in their projects and showed an incredible amount of focus and patience. Before I knew it, the whole afternoon had disappeared into wood shavings.

Flint knapping will have to wait for another day. Sometimes the best lessons are the ones the students choose for themselves.

And yes, I know... somehow I forgot to take archery pictures. I promise I'll get some tomorrow. 🏹😅

17/06/2026

Week 3 of Black Oak Wilderness School Summer Camp starts June 22–26, and we still have a few spots available!

This week we'll be exploring the creek, practicing archery, learning wilderness skills, crafting with natural materials, playing awareness games, and following wherever curiosity leads us. Every week looks a little different because we let the season, the landscape, and the students help shape the adventure.

If your child loves being outside, getting their hands dirty, and learning through real experiences, we'd love to have them join us.

Ages 8–12 • Ukiah, CA

Register now before the remaining spots fill up!
www.blackoakwilderness.org

17/06/2026

Week 2, Day 2

Today was cooler, so we figured it was the perfect day to head to the archery range.

We arrived, unpacked our gear, and quickly discovered that arrows are a very important part of archery.

We had brought none.

Fortunately, the kids couldn't have cared less. The creek was calling again, and they were determined to answer.

So we made a deal: they could spend the day exploring the creek if they gave me one solid hour of knife safety in the afternoon.

To sweeten the deal, I offered a reward to the first student who could bring me a crawfish big enough to identify as either native or invasive. Not only did they succeed, they exceeded expectations. By the end of the day one student had caught at least six crawfish that I personally witnessed—and probably more when I wasn't looking.

Along the way we practiced stealth walking, learned a little bird language, explored the art of natural camouflage, and experimented with blending in using only materials on our arms.

The only problem is that the students have now informed me, quite explicitly, that they expect full-body camouflage later this week.

As always, I came with lesson plans. Nature had a few plans of its own. Fortunately, the kids seem to think nature's curriculum is pretty good.

16/06/2026

Week 2 is off to a great start.
In fact, our day was so full that I didn't take many pictures.

We started by wandering up the creek and stumbled upon a huge stand of wild peppermint. Before long, shoes were off and feet were in the water. We found fish fry darting through the shallows, crayfish hiding beneath rocks, and even a baby Pacific giant salamander. Also some kind of giant water nymph I couldn't identify.

We had plans to work on baskets and water bottle slings, and we did get started, but the kids were far more interested in exploring the creek.

And honestly, that's just fine by me.

One of the biggest lessons I've learned as an educator is that my job isn't to be the source of all knowledge. I'm a facilitator. I can create opportunities, ask good questions, and help guide the experience, but nature is the real teacher.

14/06/2026

OPEN SPOTS WEEK TWO! We have only 3 spots left to fill so tell your friends! Our last week was fantastic, and despite the hot weather, we accomplished some great projects. Sign up today!

12/06/2026

REISTER FOR CAMP! Here are some highlights from week one. We still have spots available in upcoming camps, but registration is filling steadily.

If your child loves being outside, making things with their hands, learning real skills, and coming home with stories to tell, we'd love to have them join us.

Register today at Black Oak Wilderness School and come spend a week with us in the woods.

www.blackoakwilderness.org

11/06/2026

Day 4... Today was one of those days where Mother Nature made the schedule.
With temperatures pushing 101°, we stayed close to the creek and focused on keeping cool. The morning was spent gathering wild grapevine and narrow-leaf willow for basket making. The grapevine was ready to work with right away, but the willow had other plans. We ended up bundling it together, tying it with strips of willow bark, and sinking it in the creek to soften overnight.

The kids also got some hands-on time with flintknapping, spent plenty of time splashing around in the water, and enjoyed a slower pace than usual. Not every day needs to be packed with activity. Sometimes a good day in the outdoors is finding a shady spot, learning something new, and letting the creek do most of the work.

We'll see what our willow thinks about being a basket tomorrow. :::