Youth Birder Program

Equipping young naturalists to confidently identify, understand, and enjoy the birds of our region.

Youth Birder Program

Birdwatching is one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities in America, and for good reason. Students who learn to observe birds gain sharper attention, deeper curiosity, stronger scientific thinking, and a healthier relationship with God’s creation.

The Youth Birding Program for middle school and high school age students (ages 11-18) taps into that momentum. This four-month, hands-on course immerses students in the world of ornithology: identifying birds by sight and sound, interpreting behavior, understanding anatomy and ecology, and documenting observations like real field naturalists. Students will learn to use professional tools, such as binoculars, field guides, and data logs, and gain confidence in scientific observation and field documentation.

By the end of the program, students will be able to confidently identify dozens of local bird species by both sight and sound. Moreover, they will leave with the tools, confidence, and framework needed to continue building their Life List, participating in events like local bird counts, and exploring new regions with competence. This is a program that no aspiring birder should miss.

When and Where?

The Birder program has both a Fall and Spring session. The Fall 2026 session meets on the second Saturday of each month from 8:00am-12:00pm, and runs from September through December.

Classes take place at a variety of local outdoor sites in and around the greater Coeur d’Alene area. Each location is carefully chosen for accessibility, safety, and hands-on learning opportunities. Meeting sites are announced upon registration, and families are always welcome to revisit their child’s favorite spots outside of class.

In addition to the monthly field sessions, enrolled students receive access to occasional live online workshops at no additional cost. These webinars expand on key birding skills such as using eBird effectively, building and organizing a Life List, understanding banding codes, sharpening bird-language interpretation, and other focused topics that support field mastery. These sessions can be attended from any computer and are designed to reinforce learning between outdoor classes.

Time Commitment: 4 Hours / once a month

Fall 2026 Schedule (4 sessions):

Saturday, September 12 (Opening Session)
Saturday, October 10
Saturday, November 14
Saturday, December 12

Investment:

The cost of this program is $375 per student for the 4 fall sessions and any live webinars. Payment is due in full at the time of registration.

Required Gear

One of the great strengths of birdwatching is its simplicity. Unlike many outdoor pursuits, it requires very little equipment to begin. With a quality pair of binoculars and a reliable field guide, a student is fully equipped to engage the world of birds.

The most important piece of gear is a good set of binoculars. Because optical quality makes a significant difference in a student’s experience—especially when identifying subtle field marks at distance—Cedarwood Outdoor School has invested in durable, high-quality binoculars specifically selected for birdwatching. These are available to rent for $10 per day, allowing families to participate without the upfront expense of purchasing their own pair.

Students are welcome to bring their own binoculars; however, not all models are equally suited for bird study. Many general-use or older binoculars lack the magnification, brightness, or field of view necessary for effective identification. If you are unsure whether your binoculars are appropriate for the program, we are happy to help. Please contact us prior to your class day, and we will gladly advise you.

The following items should be acquired prior to the opening session: