Portland Cabin Homesteading and Ranching School

Trackers CabinBecome a Wilder Rancher

Wilder's hold a deep connection to the natural world. They feed, clothe and shelter their family while taking care of the land they live. Wilders create a world where the needs of people and the needs of what is natural peacefully coexist.

The Trackers Cabin is located in one of the most epic landscapes on Earth. Adjacent to a 200 acre wildlife refuge on the south end of the Bull Run campers have a chance explore and play in a private forest seemingly untouched by time. This is free and ultimate play and exploration of the woods and wild. They can train archery, learn to rope, mend fences and much more. They can play stealth games in the woods and sit quietly by the edge beneath the bows of a cedar.

This program offers both freedom and accountability. Here, adults ask for help with chores on the homestead while kids also find independence in play and peer groups. We foster responsibility by giving opportunities to feel truly useful. To tend to chickens, care for gardens, milk goats (in the spring), gather firewood and bake delicious foods to bring back to the family. This program is a gateway back to a childhood we all must to rediscover.

All transportation to the cabin is provided from our convenient location in Sellwood in SE Portland.

Collaboration

This program is a collaboration between instructors and campers. In the spirit of a free range childhood the goals shift and grow as the personal stories of children are woven into the program.

Taster Day Sign up for our taster day, held 2-weeks before the seasonal term begins. Experience the program with no commitment, then decide to sign up for the full session. Please note For families registering for the full season before the taster day, the taster day is included free.

Returning Cabin Homesteader? Please contact Molly about our special discount for returning families from the Cabin Homesteading Home School.

Register for Cabin Homesteading School

Add to cart
Ages 8-13 $335
Spring Mondays April 19-May 31, 2010 every Monday 9am-4:30am
Transport from TrackersHQ to Trackers Cabin in Sandy, OR
Add to cart
Ages 8-13 $40
Monday Taster Day March 29, 2010 9am-4:30am
Transport from TrackersHQ to Trackers Cabin in Sandy, OR

A Sample Day includes

Morning
Journey to the cabin
Exploration, free play and quest in the Wilds of the Sanctuary

Afternoon
Hand craft, homestead, or kitchen project
Personal time in your sit spot
Stories of the day: from children and instructors
Journey back home

The cabin features

Located only 9 miles outside of Sandy, Oregon, The Nature of the Village Family Camp takes place at the Trackers Cabin. On 3 acres of land set for permaculture design and homesteading and adjacent to Audubon Society of Portland's 200 acre wildlife refuge we have room to wander the wilderness and work on homesteading projects.

• Chickens, rabbits and sometimes goats
• Gardens
• A campfire ring
• An awesome meadow to play in
• A portal into the past and outside the modern world
• Room for children to roam safely
• An archery range
• Natural building projects
• A country kitchen
• Big awesome trees in a big awesome forest
• A creek
• Tracks of deer, elk, bobcat, coyote and more!
• 130 year old heritage apple tree

Updates from articles & classes

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Our Philosophy for Learning & Living

A SmileWe help children to feel like that group of kids wandering country backyards 50 years ago: independent, tired, muddy, wet and happy from the woods and wild. We are acutely aware of full and real hazards of the out of doors after years of working in environmental education. We try to move away from the highly structured and limiting tolerances of conventional environmental education while keeping kids truly safe but not encapsulated from, or phobic of nature. We are deep patriots to the value of offering guided yet very free and transparent experiences for kids. We believe it is okay to be thirsty at times, cold at times, and wet at times. It builds empathy and care for the gifts of life. It fosters adventure and sincere accomplishment. We also believe it is critical to feel supported and cared for as they truly explore their passion and responsibility. And through a healthy life immersed in nature, they test the limits and great potential of the often untapped physical and emotional resiliency they possess.