This NEW 2-week class at San Dieguito Park for students ages 10 - 13 is an adventurous mentorship and leadership experience for pre-teens ready to step into greater responsibility, purpose, and independence within our community.
Trailblazer participants serve as mentors-in-training alongside younger groups - assisting with activities, modeling leadership, and supporting team-building games. They’ll take part in challenge-based leadership goals, wilderness skill development, collaborative problem-solving, and guided reflection focused on communication, integrity, and resilience. They will have the opportunity to explore topics such as conflict resolution, group dynamics, environmental responsibility, and the ethics of leadership. This immersive experience helps pre-teens grow confidence not just as learners, but as leaders. It offers a powerful bridge between childhood and adolescence - honoring both growing independence and the joy and wonder of childhood.
The mentorship component may be counted toward community service hours and makes a meaningful addition to middle school or high school resumes and applications. Students leave with practical leadership experience, strong references, and tangible examples of responsibility and initiative.
Trailblazers can also complement independent homeschooling programs, and we gladly accept charter school funding for eligible families.
Please Note:
We are always open to adding more sessions. Even if the class is full please add yourself to the waitlist as we may add more classes to the session depending on interest!
Also check out our:
Seedling Classes for ages 2.5-4.
Wildling Classes for ages 5-7
Registration for this schedule starts on 02/02/2026 and ends on 07/02/2026
Participants must be 10 years to 13 years old when the program starts.
SD Wayfarers Daily Rhythm 9:10–9:45 | Arrival & Leadership Briefing 9:45–10:15 | Leadership Labs & Mentorship in Action On designated days, Wayfinders serve as mentors alongside younger groups—supporting activities, modeling positive communication, and practicing steady leadership under educator guidance. Adults act as coaches, offering real-time feedback and guidance as leadership skills develop. 10:15–11:00 | Council Circle & Strategic Reflection 11:00–12:15 | Extended Expeditions & Service Projects 12:15–12:45 | Lunch, Leadership Debrief & Documentation 12:45–1:10 | Closing Council & Forward Planning
Wayfinders arrive and settle into the day through independent preparation and connection. Students check in with peers and mentors, organize materials, and review the day’s goals. This opening window fosters initiative, responsibility, and readiness as they prepare to contribute meaningfully to the group.
Students engage in challenge-based leadership experiences such as wilderness skill development, navigation tasks, collaborative problem-solving missions, environmental stewardship projects, and team-building initiatives.
During snack and community council, students reflect on group dynamics, leadership choices, and personal growth. Discussions may include ethical decision-making, teamwork, conflict resolution, and planning for upcoming field challenges. A bathroom break supports continued independence and self-management.
Wayfinders head out for immersive field experiences, including ecosystem studies, trail-based challenges, habitat observations, navigation exercises, and community stewardship projects. Students may help assign team roles, guide parts of the expedition, and document findings through field journaling and mapping. This extended exploration time builds resilience, accountability, collaboration, and confidence in real-world settings.
Students share lunch followed by guided reflection, leadership debriefs, journaling, or service-hour tracking. Educators provide feedback and mentorship notes, supporting students who wish to apply their participation toward community service hours and resume-building experiences.
The day concludes with a leadership council circle where students recognize contributions, share growth moments, set goals, and preview upcoming challenges before reunifying with caregivers.
Please contact The Native School if you have any questions.