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Headwaters Outdoor School

Earth Caretaker School

April 19, 2012 By Jenai May

Looking Forward to Headwaters

I first went to Headwaters with my 5th grade Waldorf class. As soon as I stepped out of the car, I was almost knocked over by all the dogs. They were so exuberant and joyful, and immediately I was on the ground, petting them and all the awkwardness was forgotten.

Now, about 3 years later, I smile at the memories of my “headwaters family” and of the summer’s adventures. Again, in the 6th grade this time, I traveled the 5 hours up there with my class. When the week was over and we were leaving, I told Tim that I would be back for a few of the summer classes.

Back home, I asked my mom about it and soon I was back at the land, this time on my own for 6 weeks. My first class was the Marble Mountains class and it was a totally new experience for me. I had never gone backpacking before.

That summer was one of the most fun summers that I can remember. The time I spent there really prepared me for the year to come. 7th grade was a dark year for me; I was depressed for most of the year. I felt really alone. When times got real tough for me and I felt like I couldn’t face another day, I would look back on the summer and remember the entire new things I had done. I would look forward to the upcoming summer and the promise that I could go back for about the same amount of time.

The summer after 7th grade, Tim helped me go deeper and my time spent there again helped me prepare for the fall and the return to school. 8th grade was academically challenging for me. The entire year I was looking forward to the 8th grade trip. Our trip was a 9 day retreat in Kauai, Hawaii with Tim and Julie. That May we boarded the plane and flew to Kauai. We spent our last class trip together on the picturesque island. That trip heralded the start of summer and another 6 weeks at Headwaters.

The summer between 8th grade and freshman year I spent at the land was amazing in every way. I love the land and all of its hidden secrets, I find new places every time I go back. I consider the people there my family and Tim as the father I never had.

Filed Under: Testimonials

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PEOPLE ARE SAYING

“With the Headwaters Outdoor School I’ve seen more and done more in the wilderness than I’d ever do on my own! From these many wonderful experiences I find my life richer, deeper and stronger for it.”

- Judy Grant, Grant and Associates
Headwaters Outdoor School
2018-05-23T18:27:50+00:00
- Judy Grant, Grant and Associates
https://hwos.com/testimonials/with-the-headwaters-outdoor-school-ive-seen-more-and-done-more-in-the-wilderness-than-id-ever-do-on-my-own-from-these-many-wonderful-experiences-i-find-my-life-richer-deeper-and-stronger-for-i/

“My first winter class back in ’93 was a monumental event in my life, as my journal reveals. My connection to the Earth was so powerful (right then). I owe much of that to Tim and his presence with Nature.”

- Steve Bollock, River Guide
Headwaters Outdoor School
2018-05-23T18:30:02+00:00
- Steve Bollock, River Guide
https://hwos.com/testimonials/my-first-winter-class-back-in-93-was-a-monumental-event-in-my-life-as-my-journal-reveals-my-connection-to-the-earth-was-so-powerful-right-then-i-owe-much-of-that-to-tim-and-his-presence-with/

“Between the strokes of the bow drill and reading tracks in the snow, I received gifts unexpected: family, community, inspiration, laughter and the relationship with nature beyond belief.”

- Kelly Callahan, Teacher
Headwaters Outdoor School
2018-05-23T18:30:28+00:00
- Kelly Callahan, Teacher
https://hwos.com/testimonials/between-the-strokes-of-the-bow-drill-and-reading-tracks-in-the-snow-i-received-gifts-unexpected-family-community-inspiration-laughter-and-the-relationship-with-nature-beyond-belief/

“As a teacher and a counselor—and simply as a human being—my life is still enhanced daily by things I learned over 20 years ago with Tim and the Headwaters family. I happily carry nature awareness and earth philosophy in my bones, even decades later. Whether it’s a long hike, or a quick walk around the block, my experience is so much deeper because of this good medicine. I am forever grateful and wholeheartedly wish the same for you.”

-Rich Mertes
Headwaters Outdoor School
2022-02-18T20:27:38+00:00
-Rich Mertes
https://hwos.com/testimonials/as-a-teacher-and-a-counselor-and-simply-as-a-human-being-my-life-is-still-enhanced-daily-by-things-i-learned-over-20-years-ago-with-tim-and-the-headwaters-family-i-happily-carry-na/

“I’ve been making a pilgrimage to Headwaters at least once a year for 15 years, and bringing people to this land for nearly as long. The space that Tim, Julie & the staff create is powerful & sacred, and no person is not better for having spent time here. Both of my children have been coming to this land their whole lives. There is nowhere I would rather they be, and there is no one I trust more with the lives & spirits of my children than Tim & Julie. If there is any way to get yourself and/or your children here, you should definitely do it – you won’t regret it!”

-Kendra Cunov
Headwaters Outdoor School
2022-02-18T20:28:22+00:00
-Kendra Cunov
https://hwos.com/testimonials/ive-been-making-a-pilgrimage-to-headwaters-at-least-once-a-year-for-15-years-and-bringing-people-to-this-land-for-nearly-as-long-the-space-that-tim-julie-the-staff-create-is-powerful-sacre/
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Headwaters Outdoor School

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Headwaters Outdoor School
PO Box 1210
Mount Shasta, CA 96067
 
(530) 938-1304

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The Walker/Hupp Fund is a non-profit organization that helps young men and women whose families do not have the financial resources to attend Headwaters Outdoor School, either through the Boys Rites of Passage or the Apprenticeship Program.
 
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