Meet Your Outdoor Education Specialist

Alisha Blair is an outdoor educator and program leader with nearly a decade of experience guiding groups through the wilderness. She graduated cum laude from a nationally recognized Outdoor Leadership program, one of only two Outdoor Leadership degrees in the United States and the only one offered in North Carolina. The program’s director—her mentor and teacher—was honored as a Mountain Legend at Lees-McRae College, a testament to the program’s excellence and legacy.

Alisha is highly skilled in flatwater paddling on multi-day trips, extended group backpacking expeditions, challenge course facilitation, rock climbing, and primitive survival skills. She has worked as a Wilderness Therapy Guide, Head Adventure Leader for a nonprofit youth program serving teens, and as a trip leader for a variety of outdoor organizations.

Certifications:

  • Wilderness First Responder

  • Leave No Trace Trainer

Now, Alisha is bringing her experience and passion together to create her own programs, designed to help others build confidence, resilience, and leadership in the outdoors. And although she trained for whitewater paddling and earned her Swiftwater Rescue Technician certification, she jokes that she’d still rather climb rocks than paddle Class V rapids.

Outdoor Education Services

Youth Centered Classes

At Forest Cradle, we’re passionate about raising a new generation of healthy, knowledgeable kids. We believe it’s essential for young people to develop skills that foster self-sufficiency, resilience, and a deep connection to the natural world.

Our approach emphasizes "challenge by choice," encouraging participants to step outside their comfort zones while respecting individual boundaries. Safety is always our top priority, and every activity is thoughtfully planned to create a secure and enriching experience.

We’re excited to announce a year-long Outdoor Leadership Course for Teens (ages 14–18). This program is designed to prepare the next generation of leaders with the skills, confidence, and certifications they need to thrive in outdoor settings.

Over the course of the semester, participants will:

  • Build outdoor leadership skills through hands-on adventure experiences

  • Earn their Wilderness First Aid certification

  • Gain their Leave No Trace Awareness certificate

  • Develop teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills essential for leadership roles

By the end of the course, teens will be ready to pursue employment opportunities such as camp counseling and other outdoor leadership positions; as well as pursue additional education in the field. More importantly, they’ll carry forward a deep respect for the land, stronger self-confidence, and the ability to guide others safely in outdoor spaces.

Details will be released later this year. For more information—or to express interest in reserving a spot—please reach out to Alisha.

Women Centered Classes

At the heart of our mission is creating a supportive and safe environment for women to build confidence in outdoor adventure. We offer experiences such as backpacking, flatwater paddling, and rock climbing, along with women-only homesteading classes focused on self-sufficiency skills like growing food and herbs, making herbal medicine, preserving harvests, plant identification, and more.

Currently, we are developing a semester-long Women’s Backpacking Course designed to take you far beyond the basics. In this small-group experience, you’ll gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to embark on multi-day backpacking trips—whether on your own or with friends. Along the way, you’ll earn your Wilderness First Aid certification, and most importantly, you’ll walk away with a stronger sense of resilience, community, and self-reliance.

If you’re interested in joining this course, keep an eye out for details later this year—or reach out to Alisha to learn how to reserve your spot.

Customized Adventures

If a semester-long commitment isn’t the right fit, we also offer customized outdoor adventure trips and classes tailored to your group’s needs. These trips are designed for a wide range of ages, skill levels, and fitness levels, making them accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Currently, our adventures run as day trips lasting 2 to 6 hours, with options that include hiking, paddling, climbing, and more. Whether your group is looking for skill-building, team bonding, or simply a fun day in nature, we’ll create an experience that’s safe, supportive, and memorable.

Outdoor Leadership Trips

  • Flat Water Paddling

  • Backpacking

  • Rock Climbing (coming soon)

  • Discovery Hikes

Homestead Classes

Customizable day trips to a chosen location, featuring one or more of the following:

  • Homestead Discovery Day

  • Exploring Food Forests

  • Plant Medicine Making

  • Caring for Farm Animals

  • Natural Crafts

  • Cobb Building

  • Plant Identification

  • Food Harvesting and Processing

  • Plus more!

All homestead activities are offered seasonally, based on what’s happening on our farm and the availability of space at other locations.

What to Expect:

Every trip includes engaging games to build group camaraderie and ensure a fun, inclusive atmosphere. Activities are tailored to meet your group’s goals and needs.

Currently, outdoor gear is not provided. A gear list will be sent before the trip, tailored to the group’s age and skill level. Lunch can be included with an additional fee.

We’re excited to help you with your outdoor goals! Contact us today for a discovery call!