Growing the Next Generation of Nature Mentors: The Three Pines Apprentice Program

Our Spring Apprentice Training participants celebrate completing the program and receiving their certificates

Many meaningful communities begin with people who are willing to learn, grow but also share their passion with others. At Three Pines Project, our Apprentice Program was created with that idea in mind: to invite teens behind the scenes of outdoor education and give them the opportunity to become leaders in nature.

The apprenticeship, led by co-director Christy Porter, offers a close look at what it takes to lead outdoor programs. The Apprentice Program begins with training in the spring, giving participants time to learn the foundations of Three Pines Project programs before stepping into an apprentice role. During this training, apprentices build skills in outdoor facilitation, communication, leadership and community building while becoming familiar with the routines and practices that guide our programs. They also get to practice the art of questioning, learning that sometimes the best way to teach is not by giving answers, but by asking the right questions. 

The first step of Apprentice Training is getting to know one another through games and team challenges

Just as important as learning new skills is learning how to lead. 

For Libby, our apprentice for the Tuesday Nature Explorers program, one of the biggest lessons was realizing that leadership isn’t about making everyone happy all the time. 

“It was sometimes hard not to want to please everyone”, she said. “But I learned that it’s part of being an apprentice and to do the best I can”. 

Eliot, who apprenticed with Three Pines Project for two years, found that one of the greatest challenges came when he had to step and redirect the participants. For Trent, our Wednesday program apprentice this past year, growth came from facing the uncomfortable. “Getting more comfortable with experiencing something challenging”, he said, became one of the biggest lessons of his apprenticeship.

Beyond leadership, our apprentices discover skills that often stay with them long after the program ends. 

Eliot believes that learning plant and animal identification is something that “can go a long way”. Trent’s favorite skill was learning how to safely use carving tools, which inspired him to create wood art. Libby carried her creativity home, continuing to practice embroidery, a skill she learnt during programs.

The apprenticeship also changes the way participants see themselves. 

“I can be a good leader”, Libby reflected. 

“I like being in a position to help those around me”, realized Trent.

Trent, Libby and Eliot (from left to right)- our 2025–2026 Nature Explorers apprentices - worked alongside facilitators, helping lead activities and support participants during programs

After spending a year exploring the natural world through Three Pines Project’s Year of the Tree, Libby now enjoys identifying trees and pointing them out to family and friends whenever they’re outdoors. Eliot says he simply pays much more attention to trees than he used to, while Trent found something different. “How peaceful and helpful nature can be if you are stressed, or worried about something”, he said.

Since transitioning from Nature Connect to Three Pines Project two years ago, we have created the tradition of ending each program year with a special celebration honoring our apprentices. These gatherings are a chance to recognize their growth, celebrate their contributions, and reflect on the connections and experiences they helped create throughout the year.

The first Three Pines Project apprentice celebration took place in 2025 with a day of kayaking

This year’s celebration was a little sweeter, with a trip for ice cream and.......

..... a fun challenge at an escape room to put their teamwork and problem-solving skills to the test

After completing the training, teens who are a good fit for the program may be invited to continue as apprentices with one of our programs. Depending on availability and program needs, apprentices may join Nature Explorers one day a week at one of our sites, participate in Nature Wanderers once a month or help with our Forest Families programs. 

Before the program year begins, apprentices come together again in September for additional training and preparation. This time allows apprentices to revisit important skills, connect with their assigned facilitators, and feel ready to support participants when programs begin in October. 

We are excited to step into our 6th year of apprenticeship, continuing to create opportunities for young people to discover their own strengths, learn from challenges, and experience the joy of helping others connect with nature.