FreeSchool Year Open House
August 19, 2026 · Meet our team! Explore our After School, Preschool, Homeschool & Weekend Apprenticeships.
This is our Mariners Apprenticeship for Grades 2–8. Looking for a different age?
Grades 2–8 · One Weekend a Month
Mariners Apprenticeship
Through our apprenticeships, expert Trackers Guides act as mentors to youth and teens learning in a small team of fellow Trackers. Kids share epic adventures while learning real Mariners skills:
Fishing & Foraging
Master the art of angling with a variety of gear and tackle. Fish for trout in local lakes, rivers, and ponds. Hunt for crawdads in creeks and streams. Enhance your outdoor cooking skills to prepare a tasty Mariner's feast!
Boating & Outdoor Skills
Gain hands-on experience traveling by boat along our waterways. Practice essential paddling and water safety skills. Learn outdoor survival crafts such as fire building and foraging for wild foods—ensuring you're prepared for any adventure.
Wayfinding & Navigation
Sharpen your navigation skills to traverse both on the water and overland. Learn to accurately chart courses in your local backcountry—both on trail and off. Develop essential expeditionary skills, becoming an adept Tracker able to adventure anywhere.
Our Team
Experienced Trackers Mentors lead this program. Each day, they help students build deeper connections with each other, their community, and nature.
- Expertise in mentoring and Trackers skills.
- Low student-to-guide ratio facilitating personal, team-based learning.
- Background checked with First Aid & CPR certification.
- Trained in outdoor safety and the Trackers Earth curriculum.
Our Place
We journey from Trackers HQ to wilderness locations by buses and vans with trained drivers. Our destinations include Trackers' private 351-acre wildlife park, our 100-acre farm and forest, other wilderness sites. When the weather calls for it, we might choose to stay closer to home, learning hands-on folk crafts in our art studios and visiting nearby nature parks.
Mentoring Programs
Guides mentor Apprentices in Trackers skills that foster teamwork, independence, and connection to the natural world. Our curriculum is tailored to each age group and adapts creatively to the interests of each team. Teams usually include four to eight Apprentices who are closest in age. If you would like friends placed together within the same grade range, please send a friend request.
How It Works
Apprenticeships meet one weekend a month from fall to spring for a total of 9 field days plus Graduation. To offer flexibility, we provide multiple schedule options.
Returning Apprentices can rejoin their group by choosing the schedule with their Fellowship name, while new Apprentices may join any available group in their age range.
Day Schedule
- 9:00–9:15 AM Drop-off
- 9:15 AM Journey to the Forest
- Field Site Outdoor Adventures
- 3:30 PM Our Journey Returns
- 3:45–4:00 PM Pick-up
Tuition
Reserve your spot with a $45 deposit (non-refundable). Remaining tuition is split into ten monthly payments of $134 starting August 31.
Sibling Discount: Enroll two or more siblings for 5% off monthly payments.
Need Financial Help? We offer scholarships ranging from 5% – 15%. Learn More or Apply.
Schedule
9 Field Days · 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
+ Graduation · May 8, 2027
First Year: Join any available Fellowship schedule in your age range.
Returning: Choose your Fellowship schedule to rejoin your group.
Grades 9–12: Check out our Trackers Leader-in-Training (LIT).
Make-Up Days: We understand plans change! Each Apprenticeship includes one make-up day per year. When space allows, your child can join another Fellowship. We also offer make-up days for weather-related postponements.
Saturdays
Fellowship Salmon
Grades 3–5 / 6–8
- September 12, 2026
- October 3, 2026
- October 24, 2026
- November 21, 2026
- January 9, 2027
- February 6, 2027
- March 6, 2027
- April 10, 2027
- May 1, 2027
Graduation · May 8, 2027