Wilderness School

Welcome to The Wild!

Gayle Gone Feral's Wilderness School focuses on teaching outdoor survival skills, nature-based learning, and environmental stewardship. Through hands-on experiences, students learn wilderness survival techniques, natural sciences, and outdoor ethics, developing self-reliance, teamwork, and a deep respect for nature.

Wilderness School activities include tracking, shelter building, foraging, and orienteering, while fostering resilience and a sense of connection to the natural world.

2025 Wilderness School Class Schedule

Wilderness School Classes

In these engaging, hands-on classes, students explore essential wilderness skills while connecting deeply with the natural world. Activities include learning safe fire-building, identifying local plants and animals, building simple shelters, and practicing navigation using maps and compasses. Through these experiences, students develop outdoor survival skills, teamwork, and a respect for nature. With each class set in a beautiful outdoor environment, students immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and challenges of the wild, gaining confidence and a sense of stewardship for the environment.

Please dress in proper outerwear as we will be spending most (if not all) of our time outside in all weather conditions. No other supplies is required to attend. There is a minimum class size of 6 participants. Should the minimum not be met, the class will be canceled and you will be eligible for a credit towards another class or a refund. All classes take place on rented property located on North 10th Street, Kalamazoo, MI, off US 131 exit 38.

Purchase Tuition for Wilderness School!

Purchase a gift certificate for tuition in a 6-week session of Wilderness School! This gift will go directly to the recipient's tuition in one of our 2025 Wilderness School Sessions. All they need to do is register and show up! See terms for more details.

Purchase Gift Certificate

Wilderness School for ages 8-12 - Mar 12 to Apr 16 @ 4:30 pm - $97.00

Wilderness School Classes designed for ages 8-12 with little-to-no-experience. These introduction level classes are perfect for the nature lover!

This 6-week class will take place on Wednesdays, from March 12 through April 16, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Kalamazoo, MI. Parents are welcome to stay with their child.

Wilderness School for ages 5-7 - May 7 to Jun 11 - @ 4:00 pm - $97.00

This Intro to Wilderness Skills Session is perfect for your little nature adventurer! Discover how to stay safe while exploring outdoors.

This 6-week class will take place on Wednesdays, from May 7 through June 11, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Kalamazoo, MI. Parents are welcome to stay with their child.

Wilderness School for ages 13+ - May 7 to Jun 11 - @ 5:15 pm - $97.00

The 6-week Teen & Adult Wilderness School Session is a great opportunity to get outside and learn beginner wilderness survival skills.

This class will take place on Wednesdays, from May 7 through June 11, from 5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. in Kalamazoo, MI.