Arqueros del Bosque (ADB Archers)

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.

What is Arqueros del Bosque?

Arqueros del Bosque ("Archers of the Bosque") is Nature Niños' teen outdoor leadership program designed for youth ages 13–18 (Required grades 7th-12th). This cohort-based experience blends archery, land stewardship, food sovereignty, and outdoor skill-building into a powerful pathway for older youth who are ready for more challenge, responsibility, and leadership.

Rooted in the guiding principle:
"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

Notes for Parents

• Age Range: 13–18 (Required grades 7th-12th)

• 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.

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 launch the inaugural Spring 2026 semester of our Arqueros del Bosque teen archery program, we are excited to share that tuition has been set at a flat rate of $275 per student.

Because this is our very first semester offering this program, we also want to make it as accessible as possible for families. For this reason, we're introducing a new payment plan option: families may choose to pay half at registration and the remaining half at the midpoint of the semester.

Scholarship Opportunities for Partner Schools

If your teen attends one of our partner schools, there may be a scholarship option available to help reduce or fully cover the tuition cost. These opportunities vary by school and funding source, so please reach out directly for details. We are committed to ensuring that cost is not a barrier for youth who are eager to participate.

We are deeply grateful for the enthusiasm and support surrounding the launch of Arqueros del Bosque. Your trust in Nature Niños makes it possible for us to expand opportunities for teens to build connection, leadership, and outdoor skills rooted in the bosque. Thank you for helping us bring this new program to life!

If you have any questions about tuition, the payment plan, or scholarship eligibility, 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.