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The Place Where Real World Survival & Success Happens!
Preparing for the "real" world of tomorrow...not the world of yesterday or even today, but the world that our youth will be facing in five and ten years from now
VS.
Preparing for the world where we aspire to be the best we can be. A world where folks respect themselves, each other, and the environment. A sustainable world where we can thrive without hurting each other and without destroying our environments...a world where we feel whole, secure, and "right" with the Universe.
ENGYVER is the intersection of both of these worlds. Where our students, no matter where you "drop" them -- in an arboreal forest, a Fortune 500 company, a deserted island, or an innovative start-up company -- they will not only survive, they will THRIVE!
Though we offer families the opportunity to pick shorter-term experiences, our premier program is a 36-week, four-day (per week) structured calendar and curricula. Each week, your youngster will spend three (3) days and two (2) nights living in the ecovillage they will build! The other day is spent experiencing one (or more) of Northeast Ohio's amazing resources - Zoos, Science Centers, Museums, etc.)
if you cannot find an answer to your question below, you can reach us at nature@organicconnects.org.
Each week, your child will spend three days and two nights at the Engyver Village. All meals and lodging are provided and incorporated into the program fee. The fourth day is spent on a training field-trip of northeast Ohio's amazing educational and experiential resources like the Cleveland Zoo, the Natural History Museum, the Metroparks, etc.
Yes, our curriculum exceeds Ohio academic standards and is aligned with national education benchmarks.
Engyver's core program runs for 36 weeks, aligned with a traditional school year. Optional summer programs or intensives may also be offered.
There is a saying attributed to George Bernard Shaw that goes, "Those who can, do; those who can't, teach". Whether you believe this or not, Engyver instructors, teachers, and facilitators are fully qualified and experienced in the REAL world. And, more often than not, are cross-trained in a variety of other skills and knowledge, thus bringing an interdisciplinary approach to every subject and experience.
Students study math, science, language arts, and social studies, integrated with specialized tracks including wilderness survival, equestrian (horse) training, first responder training, permaculture, water stewardship, and filmmaking.
We do not promote or discourage any faith or spiritual practices. HOWEVER, we do provide each and every student the opportunity to practice their faith in a safe and respected environment.
Standard tuition, room, and board is $150 per week. A four (4) week deposit is required. We do offer scholarships, but this is based on real need and availability.
Families are responsible for transportation to and from our Success Site (located on Fairmount road, thirty minutes east of Cleveland). We offer a very reasonably-priced transportation shuttle, or you may rideshare with other families.
Yes. Students may earn recognized certifications in areas like CPR/first aid, permaculture design, water quality monitoring, filmmaking, and equestrian safety.
Yes. We do provide programming for schools, homeschoolers, community centers, and families. We provide and customize these experiences on a case-by-case basis.
Student progress is evaluated through a combination of project-based learning, portfolio reviews, field demonstrations, peer feedback, and academic assessments.
Students sleep in secure, weather-appropriate yurts, canvas tents, or eco-cabins, grouped by age and gender.
Staff-to-student ratios are low, overnight supervision is constant, and staff are trained in emergency response. Security protocols include check-ins, radio communication, and wilderness emergency drills.
We have contingency plans including indoor shelters and academic activities. Safety is the top priority and overnights may be modified as needed.
To encourage engagement with nature and peers, personal electronics are generally not allowed, except under special circumstances.
Meals are healthy, locally sourced (usually grown by the students themselves) when possible, and accommodate dietary restrictions. Students help prepare meals as part of life skills training.
Yes, composting toilets and solar or propane-heated showers are available and maintained regularly for cleanliness and hygiene.
Yes. We host open houses, family weekends, and welcome parent volunteers in many parts of the program. Student parents/guardians/caregivers are required to provide a total of eight (8) hours of service every eight (8) weeks.
A detailed gear list is provided upon enrollment. It includes sleeping bags, appropriate outdoor clothing, water bottles, and other essentials. We do provide equipment or supplies for students who may have difficulty accessing said equipment.
We use a restorative justice model that encourages accountability, dialogue, and reintegration rather than punishment.
Yes, composting toilets and solar or propane-heated showers are available and maintained regularly for cleanliness and hygiene.
Yes, composting toilets and solar or propane-heated showers are available and maintained regularly for cleanliness and hygiene.
Yes, composting toilets and solar or propane-heated showers are available and maintained regularly for cleanliness and hygiene.
Students will:
Slots are filling up for 6th-12th grade-age youth! Need-based scholarships are available.
Whether as a sponsor, funder, volunteer, or intern, we have plenty of opportunities to be on the team!
Peter Bode (President/CEO, Nature Center at Shaker Lakes)
Mera Cardenas (Canalway Partners)
Bill Donohoe (Founder, First Level Rowing)
Dr. Laura Hammel (Board President, LUCK)
Erika Hood (Co-founder, SYATT)
Me’lani Joseph (Principal, Transformative Innovations LLC)
Cherise Kent (Holden Forests and Gardens)
Dr. Terry Wade-Lyles (Cleveland Metropolitan School District)
Malikah Adu Niasse (Founder, Camp Journey)
Shelli Reeves (Founder/CEO, Reframe History)
Jim Ridge (Founder/Executive Director, Share the River)
Scott Kraynak (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)
Vince Robinson (Larchmere Arts)
Scott Sanders (Past Executive Director of Earth Day Coalition)
Michael Walton (Owner, NEO Solutions Network)
Veronica Walton (Owner, Food Depot to Health)
Bill Wendt (Cleveland Film Commission)
Carol White (Owner, Shynebright, LLC)
Kim Woodford (Founder/CEO, Journey on Yonder)
Bike Cleveland
Camp Journey
CWRU - think[box]
Cleveland Tree Coalition
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Department of Public Health (City of Cleveland)
Food Depot to Health
Free Spirit Farm
Holden Forest & Garden
Ingenuity Cleveland
Lake Erie Ink
Leg Up for Cleveland's Kids (LUCK)
MyCom Cleveland
Organic Connects, Inc.
Reframe History
Shyne Bright, LLC
Union Miles Development Corporation
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