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

Hi, Iโ€™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.

๐ŸŒฒ 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 wasnโ€™t reaching every learner. We imagined something betterโ€”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.

๐ŸŒ„ Vision

We envision a future where education means movement, connection, and growthโ€”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.

๐ŸŒ€ Rewild learning. Redefine whatโ€™s possible.

๐Ÿ‚ Fall 2025 Pricing Overview

Core Age Range:

  • After-School Wildtime: Built for ages 7โ€“12 โ€” 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 Octโ€“Nov: Standard Rate
After-School Wildtime
(3:30โ€“6:00 PM)
Drop-In $35/session $50/session
Weekly (5 Days) $150/week ($30/day) $225/week ($45/day)
Extended Care (6โ€“8 PM) +$15/hour +$20/hour

Weekend Outdoor Enrichment
(Saturdays, Ages 10+)
Half-Day (10โ€“2) $65/session $75/session
Full-Day (10โ€“4) $90/session $110/session
Extended Care (4โ€“6 PM) +$15/hour +$20/hour

Sibling Discount 15% off 2nd+ child 10% off 2nd+ child

๐Ÿ’ซ Founding Family September Special: First session FREE for Drop-In After-School Wildtime (as space allows)

๐Ÿ‘ฃ Teen Leader-in-Training (LIT) Program:
Launching Spring 2026 โ€” for ages 13โ€“17 ready to support, grow, and lead in the wild. Applications open this winter.

๐Ÿ“ธ Instagram: @WildernessAcademyEducation

๐Ÿ“บ YouTube Channel launching Fall 2025

๐Ÿ“ฌ Contact

๐Ÿงญ Join the movement. Rewild education. Belong to something greater.

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