Student Growth Pathway at Cedarwood Outdoor School

At Cedarwood Outdoor School, our enrichment programs are designed to grow with your child. Each stage reflects both natural growth and spiritual development, grounded in the biblical call to grow in wisdom and stewardship.

“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith” (Colossians 2:6-7)

Sprigs (Ages 4–7) — The Wonder Years

Our youngest learners begin as Sprigs, representing new shoots of life and curiosity. At this stage, children are introduced to the sights, sounds, and textures of the outdoors through play, observation, and storytelling. They learn to notice the details of God’s creation — from bugs beneath logs to clouds above the hills — and to see nature as a place of safety, joy, and discovery (Ps. 104:24).

Focus: Sensory exploration, nature awareness, teamwork, and building early outdoor confidence.

Time Commitment: 2 Hours / One Day a Week

Pioneers (Ages 8–13) — The Discovery Years

As students grow in strength and curiosity, they become Pioneers — eager explorers learning to navigate and thrive in the natural world. Here they begin to develop practical outdoor skills: tracking, plant identification, firecraft, orienteering, shelter building, and journaling. The emphasis shifts from simply experiencing creation to understanding and interacting with it wisely (Ps. 111:2).

Focus: Foundational wilderness skills, curiosity-driven learning, and the development of practical judgment in the outdoors.

Time Commitment: 4 Hours / One Day a Week

Rangers (Ages 14–18) — The Stewardship Years

Our oldest students advance into Rangers — mature leaders and guardians of wilderness skills and Christian values. Rangers take on more responsibility through advanced skill-building, team leadership, and field application. They learn not only how to survive in the wilderness but how to serve, teach, and protect God’s creation — reflecting the biblical call to stewardship (Gen. 2:15).

Focus: Leadership, advanced survival skills, ecological responsibility, and mentoring younger students.

Time Commitment: 6 Hours / One Day a Week

The Cedarwood Philosophy: Growth with Purpose

From Sprig to Pioneer to Ranger, each stage builds upon the last. We are forming a progression of knowledge, capability, and godliness. Our goal is to teach wilderness skills and to cultivate character. By the time students complete the program, they have grown from curious observers into confident leaders who understand how to work wisely and responsibly within God’s creation.

*Please note: Participation does not require beginning at the first stage; students may enter the program at any point.