Save Your Spot for Spring 2026
At this time, we are not collecting full registrations for Arqueros del Bosque. Instead, we’re asking families to complete a simple “Save Your Spot” form so we can gauge interest and commitment for the spring semester.
Because this is the first year launching the program, we will need at least 12 committed students before officially opening registration. Completing the form does not lock you into payment—it simply helps us determine whether we have enough youth to move forward.
Your early interest and response are incredibly helpful as we plan this new opportunity for teens!
About the Program
Arqueros del Bosque is a Nature Niños teen program centered on archery, land stewardship, outdoor skills, leadership development, and food sovereignty. Designed for ages 13-18, the program responds directly to community need by creating a pathway for older youth to remain engaged and build advanced skills through consistent outdoor experiences.
The name Arqueros del Bosque ("Archers of the Bosque") reflects both place-based identity and the guiding principle of the program: "Donde la tierra guía la flecha." Where the land guides the arrow.
Teens meet weekly for archery practice and gather monthly for extended outdoor workshops in the bosque and other local public lands. Consistency, community, and confidence-building are at the heart of this program. Youth learn advanced archery technique, navigation and tracking skills, ecological awareness, and foundational knowledge around food systems and ethical harvest — all through a culturally grounded, place-based curriculum.
This program was created directly in response to community need and provides a long-awaited bridge for older youth aging out of our younger classes. Arqueros del Bosque supports teens as they build identity, autonomy, leadership skills, and a deeper relationship to the land that surrounds them.
Program Highlights
- Weekly archery practice led by certified instructors
- Leadership development, journaling, teamwork & communication skills
- Navigation, tracking, wildlife observation, and outdoor preparedness
- Place-based stewardship projects in partnership with Open Space
- Food sovereignty education & cooking workshops
- Ethical, non-lethal hunting foundations
- Exposure to conservation career pathways, college access, and guest speakers
- Cohort size of 12-15 for depth, safety, and relationship building
Age Range: 13–18
Program Length: 15-week semester
Structure: Weekly archery sessions
Location: Primarily outdoors in the bosque and other public lands; indoor sessions only for extreme weather or specialized workshops. Some possible locations may include: Agri-Nature Center (Los Ranchos), 4-H off of Indian School & 12th, RFK Farm off of Blake & Isleta, Hit or Miss Archery,
Cohort Size: 12-15 participants to ensure safety, consistent coaching, and meaningful connection.
Lead Coach: Olivia "Liv" Martinez
Parent Presence & Independence
The first-class meeting will include a MANDATORY 30-min introductory session for parents/guardians to meet the instructors and discuss details for the semester.
For this age group, we encourage youth independence and confidence-building. Parents are welcome to stay nearby during the first session or two as teens get comfortable, but the program is designed to foster autonomy. After the transition period, we ask that families allow teens to participate independently so they can fully lean into their leadership experience.
Safety & Equipment
Safety is our top priority. All archery sessions follow national safety standards, and instructors are trained in youth development, outdoor skills, and trauma-informed practices. Equipment is provided unless youth choose to bring their own (must meet program safety requirements).
Weather & Outdoor Expectations
We spend as much time outdoors as possible. Please help your teen come prepared with layers, water, sunscreen, and weather-appropriate gear. Indoor backup locations will be used only when conditions are unsafe.
Skill Levels Welcome
No prior archery or outdoor experience is required. This is a supportive, progression-based program designed to meet teens where they are and help them grow.
Leadership Pathways
Teens who complete the program will have opportunities to support younger Nature Niños classes, participate in summer intensives, earn leadership documentation, and explore internships within our organization.
Schedule
Wednesdays 2hrs a week
4:00 PM -6:00 PM for Spring 2026
3:30 PM -5:30 PM for Fall 2026
Spring 2026 Dates
Start date February 11, 2026
End Date May 20, 2026
Archery showcases 2-3 weeks following the end of classes.
Tuition
As we begin the Spring 2026 semester, we want to share that tuition remains a flat rate of $275 per student. We understand that flexibility is important for many families, so we're offering a payment plan option this semester. Families may choose to pay half at registration and the remaining half at the midpoint of the semester.
We are so grateful for the continued support of our Nature Niños community. Your involvement makes it possible for us to offer meaningful, nature-based experiences that connect youth to land, community, and themselves. Thank you for helping us grow this mission together!
If you have any questions about tuition or the payment plan, please feel free to reach out to Sarah Candelaria at sarah@natureninos.org.
Restrooms in Outdoor Spaces
Many outdoor spaces include restroom facilities, but when you get off the beaten path, that situation changes a bit.
Most of our places include access to either a building facility or a port-a-potty with hand sanitizer or handwashing stations.
In locations that do not have restroom access, Nature Niños provides a sanitary and private portable toilet with a privacy tent, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer.
Cancellation and Inclement Weather Policy
Nature Niños is a small, dedicated team. As we work to provide and engage youth in the outdoors, unforeseen circumstances such as illness, emergencies, or other circumstances may affect our team. If our team is unable to coverage in these circumstances to meet our standard teacher-student ratio, a class may need to be cancelled.
Because we are a 100% outdoor program, we plan to have class in all kinds of weather. However, when conditions become hazardous like lightning storms, icy roads, and extremely high winds, this can create undo dangers in our outdoor spaces.
Nature Niños does our best within these factors to host every scheduled class. Refunds will not be distributed for these circumstances affecting class. Should a class need to be cancelled, an instructor will post the notification on the Band app, through email, and our social media pages. Thank you for your understanding.