Secrets of the Jedi
“Luminous beings are we… not this crude matter.” – Yoda
Enter the rich forested classroom of the Shope Creek Jedi Academy to connect with Nature and train in the ways of the Force. Combining the physical skills of wilderness survival with the philosophy and wisdom of the mystics, prospective Jedi will learn to live more closely with the earth and deepen their connection to the natural world.
On the long but rewarding road to becoming a full fledged Jedi Knight, the Younglings and Padawans will build self confidence through age appropriate challenges and grow in community with their fellow initiates. Activities may include making fire-by-friction, wood carving, animal tracking, guided sense meditations, blindfolded awareness games, harvesting wild edibles and cooking them over an open fire, storytelling (and other survival skills) and testing their abilities on the fabled Jedi Training Center.
Age Groups:
Ages 6-8, Wild Younglings
Ages 9-12 Forest Padowans
Location:
Shope Creek Wilderness
Pick-Up & Drop-Off Options:
Haw Creek Commons (with shuttle van)
Shope Creek Wilderness
Please see the info below in the Logistics section.
Time: 9:30 am - 4:15 pm
Inclusive of drop-off & pick-up window
Dates: Tuesdays, Sept. 10 - Dec. 17
Breaks for Earthskills Rendezvous 10/15
Breaks for Thanksgiving 11/26
13 program days total
Price: $795
- Monthly payment plan available
- $100 non-refundable deposit due at registration
- Limited Partial Scholarships available (see below)
Registration
Registration is now open for Fall 2024.
Please note: Shuttle van reservations are now separate "programs" to add to your order.
Why Choose Forest Floor?
We help children have fun, be healthy, and achieve their fullest potential with nature connection mentoring.
- Health benefits of nature connection
- Learn wilderness skills & traditional crafts
- Meet new friends and reunite with old ones
- Unforgettable adventures every day
- Skilled and caring mentors
- Exciting wilderness experiences
- Convenient in-town drop-off & pickup
- Boost long term cognitive & social development
Logistics
Drop-off/Pick-up Locations
This program takes place at Shope Creek Wilderness with shuttles available from Haw Creek Commons.
Parents may drop-off and pick-up at the program location or at Haw Creek Commons for van transportation. To reserve space on the shuttle vans, please add the shuttle van "program" for the appropriate day to your order.
Haw Creek Commons (with van shuttle)
315 Old Haw Creek Road, Asheville NC
Drop-off between 9:30 am - 9:45 am
Pick-up between 4:00 pm - 4:15 pm
Shope Creek Wilderness (program site no shuttle)
472 Shope Creek Road, Asheville, NC
Drop-off between 9:45 am - 10:00 am
Pick-up between 3:45 pm - 4:00 pm
Clothing and Gear
Our programs are all-outdoors, with rain shelters available as needed. Children must arrive each morning fully prepared with a backpack, packed lunch, and clothes appropriate for being out in the weather. Families new to Forest Floor may need to purchase additional gear to ensure their children will be fully equipped for wet and colder weather as the season progresses. For a full packing and clothing list see our FAQ.
Scholarship Information
Overview
We offer limited partial scholarships to individuals who otherwise could not afford our programs.
Donate
If you are a family with means, please consider donating to our scholarship fund. Donations of a 1/4, 1/2, or FULL scholarship can be made during the standard registration process. For more substantial donations please contact us to discuss details.
Apply
Limited partial scholarships are available. Scholarship funds are generated exclusively from generosity of donations toward the scholarship fund. Scholarships are limited to the sum of these funds and are awarded based on equitable distribution. Full scholarships will be considered for families in great need, but most scholarship applicants should expect to pay at least half of tuition.
To apply for a scholarship FIRST please register for the program/camp, choose the payment plan option, and only pay a $100 deposit at time of registration.
AFTER RESERVING A SPOT, please follow the link below to fill out the application.
If your scholarship request can't be approved or isn't the amount of discount that you need, we will provide a full refund of the deposit.