for ages 13-17

Home school students will take part in a semester-long, project-based learning class where we will practice nature-inspired writing, learning DIY skills like zine making, and self-publishing. We will hone our skills of observation over the course of the spring and let nature be our muse as we compile poetry, stories, and reflections. We value the voices of our students and cannot wait to give them the platform to put their thoughts and voices to print. 

schedule & pricing

Three Wednesdays a month in January, February, March, April, and May
1:30 – 3:30 pm
$350 member / $365 nonmember*

Inspiration/Reflective Writing/Journaling
January 8, *15, 27

We will meet and spend time writing in nature, translating our thoughts to paper. We will study the work of poets and writers who drew their inspiration from the great outdoors and use our observations as creative fuel.

Making a Zine/Blog & More!
February 5, 12*, 26

We will learn about the process of making a zine with the goal of creating an Arboretum zine during the spring. We will also create a blog, updated and run by the class!

ARB Poets Society
March 5, 19*, 26

This month we will spend time perfecting our poetry skills, learning to use language to its fullest and ultimately compiling the best of our writing and preparing it for publication. We’ll learn about different styles and voices, explore various techniques, and read the works of other poets inspired by nature. 

Nature Stories
April 9, 16*, 30

We will work on writing a short story inspired by some aspect of nature we have been observing. We will practice telling these stories together and learn to weave compelling stories out of our experiences in nature. 

Art & Words
May 7, 14*, 21

We will devote our last month to creating nature-inspired art, getting into elements of design and style. We’ll learn to use useful tools and methods to really make our work stand out and place the finishing touches on our self-published masterpiece!

*Family Tree Membership or above required for Member pricing.
**One Zoom writing sharing session per month

Arboretum Member registration opens Tuesday, August 6. Nonmember registration opens Tuesday, August 13. Become a Family Tree Member or above to access early registration and receive the Member rate.

register online

Registration closes January 7, 2025 at noon.