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.
🌲 Forest Cradle Youth Adventure Enrichment Program
Weekly Outdoor Meetups for Homeschool Youth (Ages 11–18)
The Forest Cradle Youth Adventure Enrichment Program invites homeschool youth to step into the wild beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains for hands-on, adventure-based learning. Designed for ages 11–18, this program offers a rich blend of outdoor skills, personal growth, and social development in a safe, small-group setting.
Each week, students engage in new challenges and adventures—from hiking and wilderness navigation to kayaking, ropes courses, and homesteading skills. Along the way, they practice teamwork, build confidence, and deepen their connection to nature. Every semester culminates in a 3-day, 2-night backpacking trip, where students put their skills into practice and experience the joy of carrying everything they need into the backcountry.
Our groups are intentionally small (4–8 students), with mentorship provided by two experienced outdoor educators, both certified Wilderness First Responders. This creates an environment where every student is supported, encouraged, and empowered to grow.
Program Details
Who: Homeschool youth ages 11–18
Group Size: 4–8 students per group
When: Weekly on Saturdays (semester schedules released 2 weeks in advance)
Commitment: Minimum of 2 consecutive semesters (discount available for 3-semester sign-ups)
2026 Semesters:
Spring: February – May
Summer: June – August
Fall: September – December
Sign-Up Deadline: 1 week before semester start (exceptions possible)
Weekly Activities
Students rotate through a variety of adventure and enrichment experiences, including:
Hiking & wilderness navigation
Rock climbing (currently indoors)
High ropes & challenge courses
Kayaking & paddleboarding
Team-building games & social skill activities
Nature connection practices
Homesteading skill days
Outdoor survival skills (fire building, shelter making, wild edibles, etc.)
Capstone Experience:
A 3-day, 2-night backpacking trip at the end of each semester
Locations within driving distance of Madison County, NC
Group gear and backpacking equipment provided
Tuition & Sliding Scale Options
We believe every young person deserves access to outdoor adventure and connection. To make this possible, we offer a three-tier sliding scale:
Community Supporter (Pay-It-Forward Tier): For families able to give above the base cost. Extra funds support gear, transportation, and scholarships.
Sustainer (True Cost Tier): Covers the actual cost of running the program, including staff, gear, and logistics.
Assisted (Supported Tier): A discounted option for families who need financial support, made possible by our scholarship fund.
💲 Estimated tuition: ~$1,200 per semester (includes weekly programming, gear rentals, facility fees, and the end-of-semester backpacking trip).
📉 Discount: Families who commit to 3 semesters at sign-up receive a reduced rate.
Expectations
Transportation: Parents provide drop-off/pick-up until group transportation is secured
Gear: Students bring personal day-outing gear (list provided); backpacking gear supplied by Forest Cradle
Commitment: At least 2 consecutive semesters
Backpacking Readiness: Parents approve participation in the final trip
Program Benefits
🌿 Adventure-based learning that supports homeschool curriculum with real-world enrichment
🌿 Safe, small-group setting with experienced, certified guides
🌿 Focus on confidence, resilience, teamwork, and self-sufficiency skills
🌿 Opportunities for social connection, leadership, and personal growth
🌿 Capstone backpacking trips that bring skills together in a meaningful way
Sign Up
Ready to join the adventure?
📧 Email alisha.forestcradle@gmail.com to register.
🌐 Visit Outdoor Education — Forest Cradle for more information.
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!