Why This Summer Might Be the Perfect Time to Take Your Kids Outdoors

When school lets out and summer finally arrives, many parents start searching for meaningful ways to spend time together as a family. Between sports schedules, screens, and busy routines, it can be hard to find activities that create real connection — the kind kids remember years later.

This summer, instead of another day indoors, imagine your child learning how to build a shelter, safely start a fire, cook over a campfire, and gain confidence in the outdoors — right alongside you.

At the Appalachian Bushman School, the Coalcracker Kid Course was created to do exactly that.

More Than a Class — It’s a Shared Adventure

The Coalcracker Kid Course is a two-day overnight experience designed for kids ages 6–12 and their parent or guardian. Held at the Appalachian Bushman School near Ringtown, this course gives families the chance to unplug, work together, and learn practical outdoor skills in a fun and supportive environment.

Whether it’s a dad and son building their first tarp shelter together, a mom and daughter learning campfire cooking, or a family simply wanting more time outside, this course is about creating memories while building confidence.

Why Kids Love It

Kids don’t just sit and listen — they participate.

Throughout the weekend, students get hands-on experience with real bushcraft skills including:

• Fire making
• Knife safety
• Shelter building
• Basic fishing techniques
• Campfire cooking
• Outdoor safety
• Knots and rope skills
• What to do if you become lost

Every activity is designed to help children grow more capable, resilient, and comfortable outdoors.

Even better, each youth participant gets to:

• Make their own survival bracelet
• Take home a customizable knife

• Receive a signed copy of Dan Wowak’s Bushcraft Kid book

Why Parents Love It

Parents often tell us the best part isn’t just the skills — it’s the quality time.

In a world filled with distractions, this course gives families an opportunity to slow down and reconnect. There’s something powerful about sitting around a campfire together, building a shelter as a team, or watching your child gain confidence trying something completely new.

You don’t need prior outdoor experience to attend. The course is beginner-friendly and designed to make learning approachable and fun for both kids and adults.

A Summer Experience They’ll Never Forget

Many summer activities are over in a few hours. The Coalcracker Kid Course gives families an immersive overnight experience in the woods that children remember long after summer ends.

They leave with:

• New outdoor skills
• Greater confidence
• A stronger connection with family
• A growing appreciation for nature

• Memories that last far beyond summer break

Give Your Child the Gift of Adventure

Summer doesn’t last forever — but the memories you create during it can.

If you’ve been looking for something different to do with your child this summer, this is your opportunity to step outside, learn together, and experience the outdoors in a whole new way.

Spots are limited for the Coalcracker Kid Course. Join us at the Appalachian Bushman School this summer and start your family’s next adventure together.