Teens Weekly


Japanese Town Park, Cumberland
Thursdays
10am-3pm
18 Sep, 2025 -
4 Jun, 2026
12*-19 years
*12 year olds must have prior experience
$1995 + GST
32 sessions
Payable by etransfer or credit card instalments.
* We accept funding from PIE, SelfDesign, NIDES, Christian Heritage Online and other Distance Learning organizations.
The Teen Program is designed to create a meaningful space for young people to deepen their connection to nature, themselves, and each other. Meeting as a small group of peers, teens have the opportunity to step away from the pressures of school, family, and societal expectations, finding solace and inspiration in the rhythms of the land.
Teens consistently tell us how much they value this space—a chance to relax, feel accepted, and connect in an environment free of judgment. On the land, they come alive, learning skills and knowledge that make sense in the context of their experiences and aspirations.
Guided by experienced mentors who approach them with mutual respect and genuine connection, teens find support and inspiration for navigating this dynamic time in their lives.
We are lucky to have an incredible programming site at Japanese Town in Cumberland with access to various dynamic biomes including the lush riparian forest of Perseverance Creek and Coal Beach, and the rocky bluffs ecosystem over Comox Lake.
Program Highlights:
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Nature Connection & Skills: Weekly sessions focus on core nature connection routines, naturalist knowledge, and earth-based skills. Teens will explore hands-on projects and deepen their understanding of natural materials, seasonal rhythms, and ecological relationships.
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Mentorship: Our mentors offer guidance through the challenges and growth of adolescence, creating a space where teens feel respected and supported while cultivating their curiosity, confidence, and sense of belonging.
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Community & Social Value: This program prioritizes social and emotional learning, helping teens build authentic connections within their group. Through shared experiences and collaborative projects, they develop a strong sense of community and mutual respect.
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Skill-Building & Creativity: With weekly sessions, teens can take on larger, more intricate projects and develop practical skills, such as bow and arrow building, carving and flint-knapping, hide tanning and leatherwork, ancestral firemaking, tracking, stalking, and navigation, plant medicine and foraging, bush construction and survival.
Guided by Danu Folk School founder Kes and core steward Dani, the Teen Weekly program provides an inspiring environment for teens to grow, explore, and thrive.
Join us for a year of discovery, connection, and skill-building as we walk together on this rich learning adventure.
*Optional overnight trips will be offered for an additional fee for the group to deepen their skills and honour their progress together through the year.
"I really enjoy the Teen program. It provides a space where you can get away from everything and just have fun. Kes is an incredible mentor with so much knowledge. The Teen group is welcoming and always ready to go on an adventure. Some activities that are often enjoyed are carving, tracking, hiking, fire building, learning about edible plants, birding, and hide tanning. This learning environment is an awesome way to learn how to be prepared on the land. This preparation leads to a new found knowledge that allows for a deeper appreciation for what is around us."
- Meadow, 16
Program Stewards
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Kes

Dani
“We have had a great experience with Kes over the past 3 years. He’s been a great mentor especially to my teenage daughter through the Comox Valley Teen program. He’s also led a few wilderness expeditions full of learning, crafting, games and mentorship. I highly recommend his programs connecting youth to the land and to each other through nature based education. And Dani has been a wonderful mentor to both of my daughters. She has a kind, caring and nurturing approach to working with youth in an outdoor setting. I would highly recommend any program she is running, or involved with. My girls always come home happy after a day out with Dani learning, crafting and playing games. Overall awesome human.”
- Ally, parent