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Location
McKinney Falls State Park in Southeast Austin at 5808 McKinney Falls Parkway, Austin, TX 78744
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NOTE: First class each month will take place at the Earth Native Bastrop Campus: 921 Shiloh Rd.
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Days
Wednesday, Thursday or Friday program options are offered. Wild Outside meets one day a week between September and May.
Max 10:1 student-to-instructor ratio
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Times
This program meets from 9:30am-3:30pm.
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Ages
5-16 (Age by 9/30/2026)
Students are divided into groups by age.
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Price
See tuition options in the blue tuition box below
WILD OUTSIDE
Wild Outside is a weekly nature education course that runs during the school year for ages 5-16. Program days that are offered are Wednesday, Thursday or Friday.
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During Wild Outside, students and instructors work closely in a variety of settings to develop skills that will lead to a deeper knowledge of the natural world and authentic connections to nature, awaken sensory awareness and cultivate knowledge of place, as well as build self confidence and peaceful interpersonal relationships.
At Earth Native, our unique teaching methods center around the 8 Shields Mentoring Model, a method of teaching and learning that is based on inspiration, natural learning cycles, and education models used by ancestral human communities across the world for thousands of years. Our “invisible school” teaching approach uses your child’s passions and natural inspirations as the spark that drives their education in the outdoors.
Each week at Wild Outside, children will explore, hear inspiring stories, practice primitive and wilderness survival skills, play games and practice core routines to develop strong skills and knowledge in areas such as:
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Edible and Medicinal Plants
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Wildlife Tracking
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Bird Language
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Ecology
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Wilderness Survival
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Natural Navigation
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Primitive Arts and Crafts
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Knife Carving & Safety
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....and much more!
Enrollment for 2026-27 will open on March 30th
A Message from Earth Native Founder Dave Scott:
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Parents often ask what the outcomes of our ongoing programs are. It is a fair question, and it is also hard to answer, because the most important results are not always easy to measure or put into words.
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Lately, I have come to think of our work as foundation building. In partnership with caring parents, families, and community, Earth Native helps build the foundations of competent, confident, knowledgeable, and capable young people. Our programs provide the environment, opportunities, structure, experiences, community, and curriculum that support that long term growth.
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Yes, students learn a huge amount of knowledge and skills. They connect deeply with nature and learn plants, animals, tracking, ecology, and seasonal patterns. Depending on the program, they may also learn wilderness skills, tool use, farm animal care, gardening, and how to work with their hands.
But I have come to understand that it is the unquantifiable things that often matter even more. It was the cold day they pushed through that strengthened their confidence and resolve. It is the hard-earned lessons about their own limits and how to assess risk with good judgment. It is the self-reliance that grows when they learn to manage their own gear and responsibilities. Not every student stays long enough to experience all of these shifts, but over the last 15 years, I have watched the kids who return year after year grow into truly incredible young adults, and I believe Earth Native had a hand in helping build the foundation on which they stand.
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In an evolving world where AI is developing rapidly and knowledge is becoming increasingly accessible, what will set your child apart is not just what they know but who they become. At Earth Native, we help our students build strength, competence, character, and resilience, traits that are increasingly rare in today’s world and increasingly important for whatever comes next.
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I hope to see you soon.
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Best,
Dave Scott
Founder, Earth Native Wilderness School
2026-27 CALENDAR
First Week of class:
September 9, 10, 11
Last Week of class:
May 12, 13, 14
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Holiday Breaks - No Classes
Thanksgiving Break - November 23-27
Winter Break - December 21-Jan 1
Spring Break - March 8-19
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2025-26 CALENDAR
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Last Week of class:
May 6, 7, 8,​
Holiday Breaks - No Classes
Spring Break - March 9-20
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REGISTRATION FEE
A $300 registration fee per program spot is required at the time of enrollment. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable should you withdraw anytime after enrolling.
For more information about this program give us a call at
512-299-8870 or email us at info@earthnativeschool.com
For Current Students
Password will be emailed to you in your Program Details
$25
Buy an Earth Native Kleen Kanteen
Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Sport Cap (27 oz.)
$25
$45
Buy an Earth Native Kleen Kanteen
Insulated Wide Mouth Water Bottle with Chug Cap (32 oz.)
