We offer internships, independent study and work study options for high school college students in the area interested in outdoor and nature education or looking for volunteer hours. Get in touch if interested!

    Program Registration Form

2019 Program Offerings:

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     Private Hide Tanning Classes
     Learn how to tan hides start to finish from buckskin to pelts!
     To sign up email leapfrogprograms@gmail.com
     $35/hr 
Hide Tanning Class
In this course, we'll explore the art and science of hide tanning in an in-depth and direct way. We will work together, to tan deer hides into velvety buckskin. You will leave having learned start to finish how tan a deer's skin, your own whole hide beautifully tanned and a "how to" booklet for future tanning.
Ages 17 and up. 
September 6-9, 2019
9:00 am-5 pm
Sliding scale $275-$375 
6 spots available 
Location: Amherst,MA
Instructor: Maggie Ranen
To sign up email Maggie: leapfrogprograms@gmail.com
The Sumac School - Year-long wild food intensive (Western MA)               
This program will take you deep into connection with the world we are a part of through the doorway of wild food and ecological design!

Penetrate the wallpaper that limits our relationships with the wide world of plants and animals and start participating with your nonhuman neighbors in a meaningful way. Through a year's cycle, we'll cover a wide range of survival, hands-on and awareness skills. With a strong focus on learning from and about eating and cultivating plants and animals, class time and homework will create an immediate, positive impact on your diet, budget, health and sense of belonging to the land.

Varied locations (Northampton, Greenfield, Montague, Southampton, Amherst, Hadley, Holyoke) in the Valley. Ages 15+.
One Sunday, most months, for a year, 9:30-2:30
Dates: 5/19, 6/23, 7/21, NO AUGUST, 9/15, 10/20, 11/17, NO DEC, 2020: NO JAN 2/16, 3/15, 4/12, 5/10
400-700$ Work trade available.
Sign up by emailing leapfrogprograms@gmail.com
The Sumac School - Year-long wild food intensive (Eastern MA)              
This program will take you deep into connection with the world we are a part of through the doorway of wild food and ecological design!

Penetrate the wallpaper that limits our relationships with the wide world of plants and animals and start participating with your nonhuman neighbors in a meaningful way. Through a year's cycle, we'll cover a wide range of survival, hands-on and awareness skills. With a strong focus on learning from and about eating and cultivating plants and animals, class time and homework will create an immediate, positive impact on your diet, budget, health and sense of belonging to the land.

Varied locations (Boston, Somerville, Concord, Sudbury, Lexington, Natick, and more) in the Boston area.  Ages 15+.
One Saturday, most months, for a year. 9:30-2:30
Dates: 5/18, 6/22, 7/20, NO AUGUST, 9/14, 10/19, 11/16, NO DEC 2020: NO JAN, 2/15, 3/14, 4/11, 5/9
550-900$ Work trade available
Sign up by emailing leapfrogprograms@gmail.com
Snowy Owls:            
Instructors: Jacquelynn Ward and assistants
Weekly after school program on Tuesdays for ages 7-11 at Amethyst Brook conservation land, Amherst. Explore the woods and streams, learn about native plants, play games, do crafts and engage in naturalist skills! A safe place for kids to be themselves and grow in the context of nature and community.

Cost: 450-900$ for 10 month program (25 sessions). Half or partial options possible by arrangement. 
Dates: 2019: 9/17, 9/24, 10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 12/3, 12/10. 2020: 3/3, 3/10, 3/17, 3/24, 3/31, 4/7, 4/21. 4/28, 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 5/26, 6/2.
Location: ​Amethyst Brook Conservation Land, Amherst
Registration: Sign up by emailing leapfrogprograms@gmail.com
Mentor Connection:
For students and teachers of all ages! Connect with knowledgeable members of the wider community to pursue learning of a topic that interests you. Connect with a mentor, tutor or study group by subject, and connect with skilled tradespeople to develop professional skills and experience at a frequency that works for you.

This year, we hope to populate a network of mentors/learners and tradespeople/apprentices to facilitate inter-generational learning in a variety of subjects and skills, including blacksmithing, leather work, pottery, gardening, anthropology, history, core academic subjects, and more! Please get in touch if you are interested in participating in any way!