Shared Experiences In Nature
We believe that access to nature is essential for all humans. Our programs for youth are designed to provide engaging learning experiences that encourage advocacy & appreciation for the environment, build self-confidence & resilience, and reduce depression & anxiety.
Our mission is to create shared outdoor experiences that awaken curiosity, build personal resilience, and cultivate caring relationships with self, community, and the natural world.
Youth Programs 2024/2025
Acorn Weevils Forest Kindergarten & Preschool (Ages 4-6)
Our Forest Kindergarten & Preschool offers 4 to 6-year-olds a unique, play-based learning experience. Held entirely outdoors, the program runs from October through May on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM to 3 PM. Families can choose to enroll their child in one or both days.
In today’s digital age, our kids are more connected than ever—but not always in ways that support their mental health. One of the most powerful, yet often overlooked, remedies for childhood anxiety is spending time in nature. Research shows that when children engage with the natural world, they experience reduced stress levels, improved mood, and enhanced focus. The simple act of being outdoors helps them disconnect from the pressures of screen-based living and reconnect with themselves. But the benefits don’t stop there! Time in nature fosters creativity, builds resilience, and encourages physical activity, all of which contribute to healthier, happier lives. These experiences can leave lasting, positive imprints on their mental well-being, providing them with tools to manage anxiety throughout their lives.
Ages: 4-6 (must be age 4 by October 15, 2024)
Time: 9am – 3pm
Dates:
Tuesdays: Oct 1, 2024 – May 20, 2025
Thursdays: Oct 3, 2024 – May 22, 2025
*Make up days are May 27 & 29
Location: Zacharias Farm, located at 7 Colby Turner Lane in York, Maine. This historic, scenic property has abundant woodlands, fields and frontage on the Smelt Brook & York River.
Fee:
Tuesday Full Year: $2,970
Thursday Full Year: $2,970
*$100 application fee
Learn More & Register Here!
Ways of the Wild – Weekly Youth Forest School (Ages 7-14)
Ways of the Wild (aka/WoW) is a full-day, all outdoor forest school program for children ages 7-14 designed to support their growth and development through immersion in nature. While the curricular focus includes wilderness survival skills, naturalist knowledge and self-care, the days are centered on learning about what it means to be honest, compassionate, respectful and responsible humans. Mentors set clear conduct expectations and support the development of positive interpersonal relationships between individuals, within small groups and among the larger WoW community.
The program is outdoors, all day no matter the weather, developing in the children personal strength and resilience. Cancellations occur only when travel is deemed unsafe or if high wind conditions exist. Spending full days on the same patch of woodlands and fields throughout three seasons, fosters a deep connection to and respect for the land. Structured, experiential learning opportunities are blended with free play to honor children’s need to feel a sense of personal agency while introducing curricular components that encourage experimentation with new skills in a safe, supportive environment. Key curricular components include fire-making, navigation, wildlife tracking, birding and shelter-building.
Ages: 7-14 (must be age 4 by October 15, 2024)
Time: 9am – 3pm
Dates:
Tuesdays: Oct 1, 2024 – May 20, 2025
Thursdays: Oct 3, 2024 – May 22, 2025
*Make up days are May 27 & 29
Location: Zacharias Farm, located at 7 Colby Turner Lane in York, Maine. This historic, scenic property has abundant woodlands, fields and frontage on the Smelt Brook & York River.
Fee:
Tuesday Full Year: $2,750
Thursday Full Year: $2,750
Learn More & Register Here!
Forest Adventure Club – 1 Saturday a Month (Ages 7-14)
One Saturday a month from 9am -3pm, kids ages 7-14 explore the woods and fields of Zach’s farm in York, Maine. Look forward to fun and challenging times in wild places with White Pine mentors! Each Saturday will be a little different, based on weather, seasonal change and group interests. Participants of Forest Adventure Club will have the chance to play games, explore the vast landscape and trail systems, and gain new naturalist skills. Learning and experimenting under the supervision of experienced, caring mentors allows for children to grow their confidence, something they will take with them long beyond the days of Forest Adventure Club.
Ages: 7-14 (must be age 4 by October 15, 2024)
Time: 9am – 3pm
Dates: 1st Saturday of each month. October 2024 – May 2025
*Overnight May 4 – 5 (pickup at 9 am)
Location: Zach’s Farm York, Maine
Fee:
Full Year: $756 (10% off for the whole year)
Fall: $365
Winter & Spring: $575
Learn More & Register Here!
White Pine Nature Club (Ages K thru 5th grade)
York and Portsmouth After School Programs
Join us for an after school adventure with White Pine Programs! Your child will have the opportunity to explore, play games, try skills such as fort building, wild edible safety and ID – and more – all under the care of our experienced and passionate teaching staff. Children build their self-confidence through trying new things and expanding their senses. They connect more deeply with nature, often resulting in a greater understanding of what it means to be good stewards of the Earth.
Ages: K thru 5th graders (location dependent)
Times:
York – Mondays 3:00 – 5pm
Portsmouth – Wednesdays 2:30 – 4:30pm, 12 pm – 3:00 pm on early release Wednesdays
Dates: October 2024 – May 2025
Locations:
Coastal Ridge Elementary School, 1 Coastal Ridge Dr, York, ME
Dondero School, 32 Van Buren Ave, Portsmouth, NH
Fee:
York Nature Club
Fall: $280
Winter: $280
Spring: $315
Full YEAR: $788 – Save 10%
Learn More & Register Here!
Portsmouth Nature Club
Fall: $365
Winter: $290
Spring: $320
Full YEAR – $878 – Save 10%
Learn More & Register Here!
February Winter Break Day Camp (Ages 5 – 11)
Looking for something non-screen-related to do during February break? We are so excited to be bringing back Winter Break Camp, an alumni favorite! Active games, wildlife tracking, snow forts, fire-making, storytelling- this three day camp will immerse children in fun outdoors while making some new friends and trying out some new skills.
Ages: 5-11
Time: 9am – 3pm
Dates: Feb 18, 19 & 20, 2025
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday (Friday, February 21 makeup day)
Location: York, Maine
Fee:
Full Year: $756 (10% off for the whole year)
Fall: $365
Winter & Spring: $575
Learn More Here – Registration Opens January 2025!
Teen Programs 2024/2025
Forest Adventure Club – 1 Saturday a Month (Ages 7-14)
Look forward to fun and challenging times in wild places with White Pine mentors! Each Saturday will be a little different, based on weather, seasonal change and group interests. Participants of Forest Adventure Club will have the chance to play games, explore the vast landscape and trail systems, and gain new naturalist skills. Learning and experimenting under the supervision of experienced, caring mentors allows for children to grow their confidence, something they will take with them long beyond the days of Forest Adventure Club.
Ages: 7-14 (must be age 4 by October 15, 2024)
Time: 9am – 3pm
Dates: 1st Saturday of each month. October 2024 – May 2025
*Overnight May 4 – 5 (pickup at 9 am)
Location: Zach’s Farm York, Maine
Fee:
Full Year: $756 (10% off for the whole year)
Fall: $365
Winter & Spring: $575
Learn More & Register Here!
Ways of the Wild (Ages 7-14)
A full-day, all outdoor forest school program for children ages 7-14 designed to support their growth and development through immersion in nature. While the curricular focus includes wilderness survival skills, naturalist knowledge and self-care, the days are centered on learning about what it means to be honest, compassionate, respectful and responsible humans. Mentors set clear conduct expectations and support the development of positive interpersonal relationships between individuals, within small groups and among the larger WoW community.
Ages: 7-14 (must be age 7 by October 15, 2024)
Time: 9am – 3pm
Dates:
Tuesdays: Oct 1 – May 20
Thursdays: Oct 3 – May 22
*Make up days are May 27 & 29
Location: Zach’s Farm, 7 Colby Turner Lane, York, Maine. This historic, scenic property has abundant woodlands, fields and frontage on the Smelt Brook & York River
Fee:
Tuesday Full Year: $2750
Thursday Full Year: $2750
Learn More & Register Here!
White Mountain New Year’s: A Teen Retreat (Ages 13 – 17)
Three-day winter camping trip for Teens in The White Mountains – Jackson, NH. This Epic and long running program takes teens into the depths of winter, unplugged & climbing the mountains to access the power and beauty of winter wilderness that few ever get to experience. With rustic Forest Service cabins to call home, we spend three days & two nights in the crisp mountain air – exploring, tracking, and playing games by day; warming ourselves close to the fire and telling stories by night. We’ll ring in 2025 like no one else!
Ages: 13-17
Dates: Dec 30 – Jan 1, 2024-2025
Location: Zach’s Farm, 7 Colby Turner Lane, York, Maine. This historic, scenic property has abundant woodlands, fields and frontage on the Smelt Brook & York River
Fee: $550 (If you’re a CIT – Call for a 10% coupon!)
Learn More & Register Here!
Counselor in Training (CIT) (Ages 13-17)
Love nature and spending time with children? Join our team of mentors in providing awesome nature experiences for others- and yourself! Develop and strengthen leadership skills, share your own wilderness skills and be part of a strong community-minded team. Counselors in Training (CIT’s) will directly support the Piney Staff by assisting with adventures, playing games, singing songs, telling stories and tackling chores and projects with a positive, helpful attitude.
Ages: 13 -17
Fee: There is no cost to being a CIT!
Location: York, Kittery & Portsmouth
Learn More & Register Here!
The Fine Print
More information on Deposits, Age Requirements, Parent Handbook, Cancellation Policy, Financial Aid and more can all be found here!
White Pine Programs | 207-361-1911 | PO Box 802 York, Maine 03909
