🌿 Teen Apprenticeship Program
Ages 14–20 | Leadership · Mentorship · Growth in Nature

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At Crystal’s Nature School, we believe teens deserve more than busywork or pressure to “figure it all out.” They deserve real opportunities to grow in meaningful ways—while staying connected to themselves, to nature, and to their communities.

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Our Teen Apprenticeship Program is a leadership and mentoring opportunity for young people ages 14–20 who want to step into a purposeful role within our multi-age nature school. It's a space where teens are seen, supported, and empowered to explore who they are and who they’re becoming.

 

🌱 What Apprentices Do

Teen Apprentices serve as role models and co-learners during our weekly sessions, assisting younger children through hands-on exploration, nature journaling, group games, storytelling, and outdoor skills.

They work closely with our adult mentors to:

• Support small group learning and nature-based activities

• Lead nature walks, read stories aloud, or set up play invitations

• Help younger students with tools like scissors, binoculars, and journaling

• Step into responsibility—setting up, modeling safety, and supporting transitions

• Reflect on their role as leaders through ongoing check-ins and guided feedback

They also have time for peer connection, outdoor exploration, and personal growth.

 

✨ Why It Matters

This program isn’t just a service project. It’s a transformational leadership journey.

 

Apprentices:

🌿 Gain confidence in themselves and their voice
🌿 Learn how to lead with kindness, clarity, and calm
🌿 Build real-world skills in education, communication, and outdoor facilitation
🌿 Form deep relationships with younger kids, mentors, and fellow apprentices
🌿 Connect with nature in a hands-on, purposeful way

Many of our apprentices walk away changed—more sure of themselves, more grounded, and more connected to the world around them.

 

📚 Program Structure & Expectations

• Commitment: 4 sessions/month (typically 1x per week for a full season)

• Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (includes optional picnic lunch)

• Location: Rotating outdoor sites by region within your chosen day/ location (Central Wisconsin)

• Support: Ongoing mentorship from Crystal and other elder mentors.

• Training: Orientation provided with leadership tools and clear expectations

• Reflection: Optional check-ins or journal prompts to deepen growth

 

🧭 Who This Is For

• Nature-loving teens who want to grow as leaders

• Teens exploring education, childcare, environmental science, or outdoor careers

• Homeschoolers needing volunteer hours, mentorship, or community

• Anyone ready for a challenge that’s equal parts fun and meaningful

 

No prior experience required—just a willingness to learn, show up, and be part of something bigger.

 

📧 Ready to Apply?

We keep our apprentice spots small so each teen receives meaningful mentorship and room to shine.

 

If you (or your teen) are interested in joining the program, email crystalsnatureschool@gmail.com with the subject line “Teen Apprentice Inquiry” and tell us a little about yourself. We'll follow up with more details and next steps.

 

Let’s grow leaders who love the earth, care for others, and believe in themselves. 🌿