Programs in California & New Jersey
WEST:
California: CA Family & Teen Wilderness Experience - June 18-23
CA Art in Nature Family Camp & Survival Quest - June 25-30
Way of the Caretaker Family Camp - September 1-4
EAST (New Jersey):
Teen Earth Skills Training (Winter/Spring 2023)
Teen Scout Games - August 6-11
Spring Family Wilderness Skills Weekend #1 - May 19-21
Spring Family Wilderness Skills Weekend #2 - May 26-29
Family & Teen Wilderness Experience - July 23-28
Family & Teen Earth Living Skills - July 30-August 4
Fall Family Wilderness Skills Weekend - October 20-22
Family & Teen Wilderness Experience
June 18-23, 2023
(Sunday-Friday)
North of Mt Shasta, CA
This year we are collaborating with Earth People’s United at their site North of Mt. Shasta, CA. This week is for the entire Family, all ages welcome! Youth 4 years and younger are with Parents, Ages 5-7-will have morning and shorter afternoon sessions, youth Ages 8-12 will be together and Teen ages 13-17 will be on separate adventures. Everyone comes together for meals, councils, campfires, and ceremonies. The main focus is learning wilderness survival skills, the sacred order of Shelter, Water, Fire, Food.
We are delighted to join with Earth People’s United as they have similar values and a dedication to the Old Ways of our Ancestors –and that we are the human family that must unite to take care of our Earth Mother, so in return she may take care of us.
All meals will be provided; please include any dietary restrictions in your registration. We can't wait to gather with nature and each other around the fire and under the stars. Our Family Camps sell out fast! Sign up early!
We are delighted to join with Earth People’s United as they have similar values and a dedication to the Old Ways of our Ancestors –and that we are the human family that must unite to take care of our Earth Mother, so in return she may take care of us.
All meals will be provided; please include any dietary restrictions in your registration. We can't wait to gather with nature and each other around the fire and under the stars. Our Family Camps sell out fast! Sign up early!
Sunday, June 25 - Friday, June 30. This is the second CA Family Week of 2023 (see the first week above). This year we are offering a new ART in NATURE FAMILY CAMP along with Earth Peoples United.
For years Juan Villarreal and I have talked about an Art in Nature program, and it's finally happening! The week will include Nature Observation time, as the cornerstone of awareness and the doorway to the spirit world. Art? Yes! Drawing, painting, sculpting clay into vessels, making baskets out of willow, weaving fiber into cordage ropes and belts, making rattles out of rawhide, and more. We will join with Earth Peoples United in ceremonial spaces, campfires, councils, sharing of the Mayan Traditions with Tata Erick Gonzales, Maidu perspectives with Don Ryberg and Apache life-ways with Juan Villarreal. There will be time to wander the land, go for a swim, take a nap, relax and unwind from the hectic pace of the modern world. We will have activities for all age groups to engage every member of the family.
For years Juan Villarreal and I have talked about an Art in Nature program, and it's finally happening! The week will include Nature Observation time, as the cornerstone of awareness and the doorway to the spirit world. Art? Yes! Drawing, painting, sculpting clay into vessels, making baskets out of willow, weaving fiber into cordage ropes and belts, making rattles out of rawhide, and more. We will join with Earth Peoples United in ceremonial spaces, campfires, councils, sharing of the Mayan Traditions with Tata Erick Gonzales, Maidu perspectives with Don Ryberg and Apache life-ways with Juan Villarreal. There will be time to wander the land, go for a swim, take a nap, relax and unwind from the hectic pace of the modern world. We will have activities for all age groups to engage every member of the family.
Wilderness Survival Quest
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Wilderness Survival Quest for Teens (ages 14-17) June 25-30, 2023
This Quest is designed to challenge teens skills and mental well-being while wandering out in the remote backcountry with minimal gear. The Survival Quest is one way to discover who you are at the core. We require teens to apply for the program and they must have some experience with Earth Skills. Teens will begin at the same site as the Family Camp, having meals together and prepping for the Quest. Depending on the group, there will be up to 3 nights out in the bush, with minimal gear. There will be a ceremonial send off for the group from family camp and upon the return to main camp. The base camp is north of Mount Shasta and surrounded by thousands of acres of National Forest Lands and wilderness. If you're interested in taking a step into the wilderness and to test your skills -
Apply Here!
Pricing For All CA Family & Teen Camps: is based on a sliding scale, subsidized by donations from supporters of our mission. Please select a contribution level consistent with your means. Thank you!
- Level 1: $1,000 first person (family deposit) + $500/additional
- Level 2 (subsidized): $800 first person + $400/additional
- Level 3 (subsidized): $600 first person + $300/additional
- Rick Berry & the 4E Crew
4E is a 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit with a mission to deliver programs that guide children, families, and teens toward a pure connection to the Earth through direct experiences in nature. Donations to our scholarship fund by those who are able are hugely appreciated! Contact our office at info@4eee.org for more information.
TEEN EARTH SKILLS TRAINING (TEST)
Winter/Spring 2023: A Journey into Grandfather's Worlds
Winter/Spring 2023: A Journey into Grandfather's Worlds

Teen Earth Skills Training is a monthly program focusing on the Wilderness Passage skills for young and older teens.
Every human has four elemental needs: shelter, water, fire and food. The Wilderness Passage aspects are designed to offer teens the opportunity to develop a relationship with nature through earth skills, creating confidence, self-sufficiency and transformation.
Achieving the skills of making a friction fire and sleeping in a debris hut, will be at the heart of the weekends and will create a foundation for attending the Teen Scout Games Week in the Primitive Camp in August 2023 - see below - APPLY HERE!
Every human has four elemental needs: shelter, water, fire and food. The Wilderness Passage aspects are designed to offer teens the opportunity to develop a relationship with nature through earth skills, creating confidence, self-sufficiency and transformation.
Achieving the skills of making a friction fire and sleeping in a debris hut, will be at the heart of the weekends and will create a foundation for attending the Teen Scout Games Week in the Primitive Camp in August 2023 - see below - APPLY HERE!
Winter/Spring 2023 Program Dates:
Teens will be required to submit an application before registering.
APPLY HERE!
March 24-26 - Pine Barrens Primitive Camp
April 28-30 - Pine Barrens Primitive Camp
May 26-29 - Pine Barrens Primitive Camp
Teens will be required to submit an application before registering.
APPLY HERE!
March 24-26 - Pine Barrens Primitive Camp
April 28-30 - Pine Barrens Primitive Camp
May 26-29 - Pine Barrens Primitive Camp
Teen Scout Games – Pine Barrens NJ
August 6-11, 2023
This will be the first ever Teen Scout Games in the legendary Pine Barrens Primitive Camp.
Teens will need to apply before attending this week. There are prerequisites of having slept in a shelter, made friction fire and filled out application to be accepted. We are very excited to be able to offer this epic week to teens!
We encourage teens from other schools and organizations to apply and join with teens from across the country to the site where Grandfather Stalking Wolf taught Tom Brown Jr. as a youth. A warning however that this is not for the “teen that wants to hang out” and every teen that applies may not be accepted. To honor these high adventure games of the “Scout” each teen must have experience with the basic survival skills and high moral values for being a caretaker for Earth Mother.
What does “Scout” mean? - recommend teens to read the Way of the Scout, Tom Brown Jr.
**** APPLY HERE ****
Teens will need to apply before attending this week. There are prerequisites of having slept in a shelter, made friction fire and filled out application to be accepted. We are very excited to be able to offer this epic week to teens!
We encourage teens from other schools and organizations to apply and join with teens from across the country to the site where Grandfather Stalking Wolf taught Tom Brown Jr. as a youth. A warning however that this is not for the “teen that wants to hang out” and every teen that applies may not be accepted. To honor these high adventure games of the “Scout” each teen must have experience with the basic survival skills and high moral values for being a caretaker for Earth Mother.
What does “Scout” mean? - recommend teens to read the Way of the Scout, Tom Brown Jr.
**** APPLY HERE ****
Spring Family Wilderness Skills Weekend #1
May 19-21, 2023
(Friday-Sunday)
Pine Barrens Primitive Camp, NJ

We are pleased to announce the first Spring Family Weekend at the Pine Barrens Primitive Camp, May 19-21.
Now more than ever, our youth need to get outside and experience what nature is sharing through all the seasons! This 3 day weekend will inspire you and your family to get outdoors throughout the colder seasons to come. Late fall into winter is an amazing time to be in nature; as the skills of fire making and shelter building really come to life. We look forward to recalling the Old Ways, sitting around the campfire with friends and family, sharing stories, gratitude, and laughter!
All meals will be provided (dinner on Friday, breakfast/lunch/dinner on Saturday, and breakfast on Sunday). We can't wait to gather with nature and each other around the fire and under the stars. ❤
See you there!
- Rick Berry & the 4E Crew
Now more than ever, our youth need to get outside and experience what nature is sharing through all the seasons! This 3 day weekend will inspire you and your family to get outdoors throughout the colder seasons to come. Late fall into winter is an amazing time to be in nature; as the skills of fire making and shelter building really come to life. We look forward to recalling the Old Ways, sitting around the campfire with friends and family, sharing stories, gratitude, and laughter!
All meals will be provided (dinner on Friday, breakfast/lunch/dinner on Saturday, and breakfast on Sunday). We can't wait to gather with nature and each other around the fire and under the stars. ❤
See you there!
- Rick Berry & the 4E Crew
Spring Family Wilderness Skills Weekend #2
May 26-29, 2023
(Friday-Monday)
Pine Barrens Primitive Camp, NJ
We are pleased to announce our second Spring Family Weekend at the Pine Barrens Primitive Camp, May 26-29.
Now more than ever, our youth need to get outside and experience what nature is sharing through all the seasons! This 4 day weekend will inspire you and your family to get outdoors throughout the colder seasons to come. Late fall into winter is an amazing time to be in nature; as the skills of fire making and shelter building really come to life. We look forward to recalling the Old Ways, sitting around the campfire with friends and family, sharing stories, gratitude, and laughter!
All meals will be provided (dinner on Friday, breakfast/lunch/dinner on Saturday and Sunday, and breakfast on Monday). We can't wait to gather with nature and each other around the fire and under the stars. ❤
See you there!
- Rick Berry & the 4E Crew
Now more than ever, our youth need to get outside and experience what nature is sharing through all the seasons! This 4 day weekend will inspire you and your family to get outdoors throughout the colder seasons to come. Late fall into winter is an amazing time to be in nature; as the skills of fire making and shelter building really come to life. We look forward to recalling the Old Ways, sitting around the campfire with friends and family, sharing stories, gratitude, and laughter!
All meals will be provided (dinner on Friday, breakfast/lunch/dinner on Saturday and Sunday, and breakfast on Monday). We can't wait to gather with nature and each other around the fire and under the stars. ❤
See you there!
- Rick Berry & the 4E Crew
Family & Teen Wilderness Experience
July 23-28, 2023
(Sunday-Friday)
Mohican Outdoor Center, NJ
This year's Family Camp will take place at the beautiful Mohican Outdoor Center, located in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Join us Sunday, July 23 - Friday, July 28.
We are excited to return to the Mohican Center after 20 years! This week is for the entire Family, all ages welcome! Youth aged 4 and younger are with Parents, ages 5-7-will have morning and shorter afternoon sessions, ages 8-12 will be together, and Teens aged 13-17 will be on separate adventures. Everyone comes together for meals, councils, campfires, and ceremonies. The main focus is learning wilderness survival skills, the sacred order of Shelter, Water, Fire, and Food. Teens aged 13-17 are welcome to sign up and join us with/without their parents!
All meals will be provided; please include any dietary restrictions in your registration. We can't wait to gather with nature and each other around the fire and under the stars. Our Family Camps sell out fast! Sign up early!
- Rick Berry & the 4E Crew
We are excited to return to the Mohican Center after 20 years! This week is for the entire Family, all ages welcome! Youth aged 4 and younger are with Parents, ages 5-7-will have morning and shorter afternoon sessions, ages 8-12 will be together, and Teens aged 13-17 will be on separate adventures. Everyone comes together for meals, councils, campfires, and ceremonies. The main focus is learning wilderness survival skills, the sacred order of Shelter, Water, Fire, and Food. Teens aged 13-17 are welcome to sign up and join us with/without their parents!
All meals will be provided; please include any dietary restrictions in your registration. We can't wait to gather with nature and each other around the fire and under the stars. Our Family Camps sell out fast! Sign up early!
- Rick Berry & the 4E Crew
Family & Teen Earth Living Skills
For Returning Families
July 30-August 4, 2023
(Sunday-Friday)
Mohican Outdoor Center, NJ
Returning Families and Teens Earth Living Skills week - taking place at the beautiful Mohican Outdoor Center, located in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Join us Sunday, July 30 - Friday, August 4.
This is the second Family Week happening in 2023, for returning Families - ages 8 and up! (The week-long program for first-time participants takes place the week before and can be found HERE.) We will go into more skills of wilderness survival, stone tools, leather work, vessels, weaving, and much more. Optional survival treks for older youth and Parents and of course woven in with story, councils, ceremony, lessons from the Coyote, and how we can be caretakers of Earth Mother. Teens aged 13-17 are welcome to sign up and join us with/without their parents!
We can't wait to gather with nature and each other around the fire and under the stars. Our Family Camps sell out fast! Sign up early!
This is the second Family Week happening in 2023, for returning Families - ages 8 and up! (The week-long program for first-time participants takes place the week before and can be found HERE.) We will go into more skills of wilderness survival, stone tools, leather work, vessels, weaving, and much more. Optional survival treks for older youth and Parents and of course woven in with story, councils, ceremony, lessons from the Coyote, and how we can be caretakers of Earth Mother. Teens aged 13-17 are welcome to sign up and join us with/without their parents!
We can't wait to gather with nature and each other around the fire and under the stars. Our Family Camps sell out fast! Sign up early!
Fall Family Wilderness Skills Weekend
Oct 20-22, 2023
(Friday-Sunday)
Pine Barrens Primitive Camp, NJ
Welcome to our 2023 Fall Family Wilderness Skills Weekend in the Pine Barrens Primitive Camp! This weekend will inspire you and your family to get outdoors through the colder seasons to come. We look forward to recalling the Old Ways, sitting around the campfire with friends and family, sharing stories, gratitude, and laughter!
All meals will be provided (dinner on Friday, breakfast/lunch/dinner on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday); please include any dietary restrictions in your registration. We can't wait to gather with nature and each other around the fire and under the stars.
Sign up early to join us for a fun-filled Weekend in the Pine Barrens!
All meals will be provided (dinner on Friday, breakfast/lunch/dinner on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday); please include any dietary restrictions in your registration. We can't wait to gather with nature and each other around the fire and under the stars.
Sign up early to join us for a fun-filled Weekend in the Pine Barrens!