The Living Earth School

★★★★★Christy Shingleton

My son has been in Red Arrow Boys for several years and absolutely loves it! He has learned so much, gained confidence, and grown as part of the program! So thankful for their mission and their team! Now…if only they’d come to Richmond so we don’t have to drive an hour;)

★★★★★Maggie Williams

I can't recommend LES enough. My children have been attending their homeschool program and summer camp since 2019 and it is one of the best investments I've made in them. One of my children has historically been more reserved and has had a hard time separating from me. At LES, he gained confidence in himself and now looks forward to attending. Both children are proud of the wilderness skills they've learned and frequently return home to build debris huts in our own woods and work on carvings. LES homeschool day is their favorite day of the week! I appreciate how positive and affirming all the staff have been. LES has been truly open to feedback and strives to make a safe, fun environment for both its campers and staff.

★★★★★kelly kjersgaard

We travel 7 hours every year from South Carolina to Virginia solely for the purpose of giving my kids the opportunity to attend LES' summer survival camps. It's one of their favorite camps, and they talk about it year-round! There are so many positives - outdoor time, tech-free camp from kids to counselors, survival skills, risk taking, natural consequences, independence and increasing autonomy and confidence in a "safe" setting. The training and professional development that LES invests in its staff is apparent - from registration and camp check in to the day long activities with campers. It's a phenomenal experience - I only wish we lived closer!

★★★★★Evie Frazier

As a not-so-outdoorsy person myself, but raising a son who could live outside 24/7, I feel so fortunate to have LES here in Charlottesville! Within just his first week, my son learned how to set up camp, cook in nature, and how to prepare for a week-long camping trip. Equally exciting to see is how our son learned to work in a group and carry his "share." Our son came back from camp with new friends, lasting connections, increased responsibility for taking care of our beautiful planet, and even more passion for learning to be self-sufficient in nature. As a parent, I felt our son was safe, the counselors knew what to do in an emergency, and I enjoyed the digital disconnect this camp allows. Our son is already excited about more times with LES, and maybe I'll sign up for one of their adult camps so I can keep up with him! :)

★★★★★Ashley Snow

I just returned for the 4 day “Mindfulness Retreat” event with Nature of Mind-Body. Wow! Steph and Jayme created a space that felt safe and exciting to explore the deeper parts of life, even beside perfect strangers (who quickly became friends). Mixed in with educational lessons on the nervous system, mindfulness practices, and many peaceful moments of yoga and meditation, were moments of laughter, tears, and self-discovery. My heart was constantly swelling with gratitude to be in the presence of this beautiful land, and the even more thoughtful, adventurous, and beautiful guides. We were well-fed and nourished in mind, body, and soul. This experience has forever touched my heart and I am already missing the smell of campfire smoke kisses and the sound of birds lulling me to sleep after 4 unforgettable and life-altering days.