Wilderness Academy logo featuring crown and triangle infinity mirror design
Wilderness Academy

Hi, I’m Nolan Samples

Outdoor educator, lifelong learner, and former public school teacher. Now in year 3 of life in Avon, Colorado after 15+ years coaching youth, leading camps, and teaching in schools.

Because the wild is your teacher. And the journey is your lesson.

🌲 About Wilderness Academy

Forge. Explore. Belong.

Wilderness Academy was born from long trail runs and late-night talks with fellow educators who felt the same frustration: the system wasn’t reaching every learner. We imagined something better—where nature meets learning.

Blending outdoor education, traditional academics, and experiential learning, we serve students not thriving in conventional schools.

Rooted in nature. Driven by purpose.

  • Academic Foundations: State standards via project-based, place-based learning.
  • Life & Community Skills: Cooking, finance, gardening, music, SEL, and more.
  • Adventure Education: Backpacking, climbing, paddling, survival and confidence-building.

🌄 Vision

We envision a future where education means movement, connection, and growth—not confinement. Wilderness Academy is for the kids who are meant to build, explore, and thrive.

Our goal is to become a full-time, accredited alternative outdoor school. For now, we run enrichment programs, camps, and custom youth adventures.

🌀 Rewild learning. Redefine what’s possible.

🍂 Fall 2025 Pricing Overview

Core Age Range:

  • After-School Wildtime: Built for ages 7–12 — older adventurers welcome if the fit feels right
  • Weekend Outdoor Enrichment: Ages 10+

Location: Nottingham Park + nearby natural areas

Program Option Sept: Founding Family Rate Oct–Nov: Standard Rate
After-School Wildtime
(3:30–6:00 PM)		 Drop-In $35/session $50/session
Weekly (5 Days) $150/week ($30/day) $225/week ($45/day)
Extended Care (6–8 PM) +$15/hour +$20/hour
Weekend Outdoor Enrichment
(Saturdays, Ages 10+)		 Half-Day (10–2) $65/session $75/session
Full-Day (10–4) $90/session $110/session
Extended Care (4–6 PM) +$15/hour +$20/hour
Sibling Discount 15% off 2nd+ child 10% off 2nd+ child

💫 Founding Family September Special: First session FREE for Drop-In After-School Wildtime (as space allows)

👣 Teen Leader-in-Training (LIT) Program:
Launching Spring 2026 — for ages 13–17 ready to support, grow, and lead in the wild. Applications open this winter.

📸 Instagram: @WildernessAcademyEducation

📺 YouTube Channel launching Fall 2025

📬 Contact

🧭 Join the movement. Rewild education. Belong to something greater.

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