Skill-Building Programs
Book Hands-On Group Experiences
Customize outdoor classes that teach practical nature skills while restoring energy, focus, and connection for your group.
Skill-Building Programs are hands-on, nature-based classes for groups who want to move, learn, and laugh together instead of sitting through another slideshow.
Your group steps outside (or brings nature inside), engages all their senses, and leaves with practical skills they can use at home, work, or school.
Good fit when your group wants to:
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Learn by Doing: Replace screen time with simple, active nature projects.
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Keep it Light and Meaningful: Offer something fun and social that clearly supports well-being.
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Reach Mixed Ages and Roles: Youth, adults, elders, staff, and mentors can participate together.
Formats and Pricing
Every experience can be customized to fit your budget and the needs of your group.
Group Size
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Ideal: 12–35 participants
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Extended: Up to 50 participants with format adjustments
Class Length
Focused Reset
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75–90 minutes
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$350–$425 per session
Extended Skill-Building
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2-hour session
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$500–$600 per session
Retreats for Deeper Connection
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Half-Day (4–5 hours): $950–$1,100
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Full Day (6–7 hours): $1,800–$1,950
Themed Series Discount
Groups often enjoy a series of 3–5 classes that focus on a particular theme, such as lowering landscape maintenance, foraging, wildlife interaction, or mindfulness. A discount of 10–20% can be offered for a series.
Travel
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Travel is included within 60 miles of Iowa City.
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Additional travel and lodging fees are added for statewide or nationwide programs.
Budget Support
When you invest in these classes, you support your group's well-being and healthier outdoor spaces. If cost feels like a barrier, mention it in your inquiry. Thanks to generous sponsors and partners, we can sometimes reduce—or nearly cover—the cost if you have a limited budget.
What Your Group Experiences
Our classes are interactive from the first few minutes. People gather, notice what’s around them, and move into fun, guided activities with just enough explanation.
Your group will enjoy:
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Experience-Based Learning: Try new skills through touch, movement, and direct interaction with plants and place.
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Reflection: Pause to notice stress levels, energy, and what feels surprisingly good.
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Social Connection: Share stories and observations that help people learn from one another and feel less alone in their challenges.
Settings
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Outdoor Spaces: Parks, trails, campuses, gardens, courtyards, and residences.
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Indoor Options: Classrooms, community rooms, or gyms with nature brought inside.
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Weather-Smart Design: Always includes a backup plan so classes stay engaging, even if we must stay indoors.
Evidence-Informed Approach
People learn best when they are active, curious, and having fun, not just listening. Research on active, experiential learning shows that we remember and use new skills more when we do and discuss, rather than just watch.
In every class, we:
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Keep Our Talking Brief: Short, clear explanations instead of long lectures.
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Make It Fun and Hands-On: Participants touch, taste, move, and try things for themselves.
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Spark Conversation: Simple prompts invite people to share, ask questions, and learn from each other.
The result: classes feel lively and memorable, and the skills are far more likely to stick once everyone goes home.
What Participants Take Home
Participants leave with more than a good memory.
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Practical Skills: A few nature-based skills they feel confident repeating.
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Personal Practices: Simple outdoor or window-side rituals for stress relief and focus.
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Shared Language: A way to talk about rest, energy, and nature with others.
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Next-Step Ideas: A small action they can take back to their workplace, home, or class.
Topics
Class topics can be integrated and customized to meet the needs of your group.
Plan Less. Enjoy More.
If your group is ready for something more alive than another indoor presentation, we would love to help.
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Share Your Goals: Schedule a free 15-minute phone or Zoom call so we can learn about your group, topic ideas, timing, and budget. If funds are limited, let us know and we can explore scholarship or sponsored options.
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Receive a Custom Plan: We send a clear proposal with session format, activities, pricing, and any add-on support you need.
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We Handle the Details: We manage materials, facilities guidance, weather backups, and simple registration options so everything runs smoothly.
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Show Up and Enjoy: We host the experience while you stay fully present with your group.
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Share the Story: Afterward, you receive ready-to-use photos and short blurbs for your email, newsletter, or social media.
Contact us to set up your free 15-minute call.
