Call of the Wild
Strengthening the Impulse of Outdoor Education in the Waldorf Movement
July 28th – August 4th, 2027 | Mancos, CO
Housatonic Waldorf School’s 8th grade class in Monument Valley, Diné Nation, AZ
Join fellow Waldorf educators for an immersive wilderness conference designed to examine the relationship between Waldorf education and outdoor learning. Through a series of presentations, practical workshops, and an experiential backcountry river trip on the Upper San Juan River, participants will develop practical skills and gain a deeper understanding of the transformative potential of wilderness education. Together, we will explore how challenge, community, and engagement with the natural world contribute to healthy youth development. This conference is intended for educators seeking inspiration, effective strategies, and meaningful professional connections with colleagues committed to experiential education. Participants will leave with a renewed sense of purpose, enhanced confidence, and actionable ideas to integrate wilderness experiences into their schools and classrooms.
Meet Your Facilitators
Karl Johnson, M.A.
In addition to being a Waldorf Educator since 1986, Karl Johnson is an experienced Outdoor Educator and Wilderness Guide, having led dozens of wilderness courses of up to 32 days in length backpacking, mountaineering, canyoneering, and river running in Alaska and throughout the American West. Director of several Outdoor Education programs and a certified instructor for the National Outdoor Leadership School (N.O.L.S.), Karl also founded and directed the Santa Fe Waldorf High School Wilderness Experience Program – including the creation of the annual Senior Solo trip. Karl has also presented workshops at several conferences on the importance of Wilderness Education for today’s youth – including at AWSNA Regional and Continental conferences – and has consulted faculty groups on the development of outdoor education programs for their schools.
Currently serving the Waldorf Movement as a school consultant, mentor, teacher, and teacher trainer, Karl Johnson has mentored and trained hundreds of teachers at over 70 Waldorf schools in Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, the Hawaiian Islands, China, Nepal, and in the U.S. www.karljohnsoneducator.com
Craig Rubens
Craig Rubens has been a Waldorf class teacher and educator for 30 years, including 24 years at Shining Mountain Waldorf School in Boulder, Colorado, where he was the Physical and Outdoor Education (POE) instructor. Craig started numerous programs at the school, including SM’s Circus Troupe, MS Outdoor Education program, and MS Athletics. He also coordinated the Rocky Mountain Regional Pentathlon and Medieval Games along with other teaching responsibilities.
Craig is a proud graduate of the Spatial Dynamics Institute and earned his teaching degree at Prescott College in Arizona. He spent many years leading 4-season backcountry expeditions and class trips into the canyons, rivers, and mountains of the Southwest and the Sierras. Craig previously took classes in backpacking, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, snow camping, and canoeing in the Rockies. He enjoys teaching primitive skills classes and is an avid gardener.
Itinerary
Arrive at Basecamp
Days 1-3
Gathering at Deer Hill Expeditions Base Camp, in Southwest Colorado, we begin with a day and a half of presentations investigating the impulse of Outdoor Education programs within the Waldorf Movement and the vital role it plays in the development of young people. We will also use this time to pack and prepare for our river expedition, ensuring all participants are set up for success on the program.
Upper San Juan Rafting Expedition
Days 3-7
All prepped and packed, the group departs Deer Hill Basecamp on Day 3 for the river launch at Sand Island, Utah. We engage in the practical aspects of leading a wilderness trip while deepening our understanding of the importance of wilderness as creating transformative experiences for all people. Exploring the aspects of program development, we share Anthroposophical insights, while learning how to teach the necessary backcountry skills and principles of Leave No Trace (LNT), logistics, safety and risk management, and leadership.
Return to Basecamp
Days 7-8
Returning to Deer Hill, we conclude with a ceremonial sweat lodge, outdoor banquet, and closing plenum.
Exclusively for Waldorf Educators
July 28 – August 4, 2027
8 Days
$795.00
Gear provided by Deer Hill
This wilderness conference requires a specialized packing list to embark on our backcountry river expedition. Deer Hill Expeditions will be providing much of the group and personal gear for the trip, so there’s no need to rack up a big bill at REI or your local gear co-op! Tents, sleeping bags, dry bags, and other specialized equipment will be made available to participants. You are more than welcome to bring your own as well!
Arrival and Departure:
Durango Airport (DRO) or
Deer Hill Basecamp, Mancos, Colorado.
Arrive July 28, 11-3pm; Depart August 4, 1-6pm