http://www.northwindsinstitute.com/

North Winds Institute, Silver Springs, FL (2026)

10/09/2026

Learn the elements of stage fighting from a true master of stage combat, Justin Aldridge. As an actor and stage combat specialist at Walt Disney World, he taught and performed as a Jedi Master at the Jedi Training Academy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Justin has spent over a decade performing with Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and across stage, film, television, and commercials.

Justin specializes in choreographed combat, teaching safe, dynamic sword and stave techniques, blocking across multiple zones, and structured fight routines while remaining controlled and engaging, especially for young performers.

This program is for students who are registered for our November 6th Medieval Times program and comes with a foam shield and sword. Approved for Step Up direct pay (sword paid for separately by the parent).

If you have not already registered for our Nov. 6th Medieval Times program, visit: https://northwindsinstitute.com/educational-expeditions/

10/05/2026

Our November group has almost filled up the entire arena with over 800 homeschoolers for our second Medieval Times Middle Ages Unit Study Program that brings history to life! Because of immense interest, we have opened up an additional new date for the spring to accommodate the families who could not make it this year! We hope to have your family join us for one of these programs!

Dates: Friday November 6, 2026 or Friday, March 12, 2027

Time: 10:30 AM–1:00 PM

Location: Medieval Times Orlando (Educational Matinee)

What’s included:
-Live educational presentation on the Code of Chivalry including citizenship, justice, respect & forgiveness
-Real sword fighting, jousting, horsemanship, falconry and knight training
-Hall of Arms Museum with coats of arms, authentic weaponry, and medieval artifacts
-Immersive 1.5 hour tournament stage experience
-Each student will receive their own cheering banner in their knight’s color
-Period-style meal served during the tournament
-Complete pre and post study lesson plans

Tuition/Fees:
Ages 4-adult: $54
Ages 0–3: free (if sitting on a parent’s lap)

Step Up Tuition/Fees:
Students Age 4 and up: $49
Meal charge for students to be paid separately by parents (not included in Step Up): $5

This program is approved as direct pay for Step-Up for Students in Florida. Any food, transportation, and hotel costs are paid for by the parent and not with scholarship funds.

Note: this is not a drop off program. At least one parent must attend with their child.

Learn more:
https://northwindsinstitute.com/educational-expeditions/

10/02/2026

Join us for our 500 years of survey history with a three-day immersion in the oldest continually occupied city in the United States. All small-group tours with a fully developed, handwritten curriculum created by homeschool experts using primary sources and real books to encourage authentic learning through true education (no AI).

Course Description:
Relive the Age of Exploration through the Gilded Age in the city founded in 1565. We’ll delve into the historical, cultural, and architectural significance while examining its role in shaping early American history. Learn how these early events later fueled the Gilded Age’s industrial expansion while discovering the landscape of 16th- and 17th-century colonial life through the lens of Spanish settlers, French, Africans, Native Americans, British… and of course, pirates!

What’s included:
• Curriculum kit with handwritten, AI free study guide
• Adventure bag & materials for the students
• Membership in the Adventure Club
Educational Tours:
• Private-guided interactive visit to the Old Jail including hands-on fingerprinting activity
• The Oldest Store Museum Private Tour
• Florida Heritage History Museum
• Private-guided tour of Flagler College (Former Ponce de Leon hotel)
• Presentation and private tour at the Pirate and Treasure Museum, one of the largest collections of rare pirate artifacts in the world including Captain Thomas Tew’s Treasure Chest
• Visit Castillo de San Marcos Fort
• Fountain of Youth, featuring exhibits on Ponce de León and Native American history
• Trolley Tour Program
• Private educational tall ship sail in the historic St. Augustine Bayfront
• Private Tour of the St. Augustine Lighthouse (Must be 44” to climb the lighthouse)

Dates: January 25-27, 2027

Format: All ages for the whole family

Email [email protected] or visit: https://northwindsinstitute.com/educational-expeditions/

*This program is approved for Step-Up for Students in Florida as a direct pay service provider.

10/02/2026

Who wants to join us for some big cat fun? Since our October and January programs filled up so quickly, we just opened up a new group for February 6, 2027! If you have kids who love animals or who are interested in zoology or wildlife careers, this is a perfect opportunity for them to learn hands-on!
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Step behind the scenes with us at the Central Florida Animal Reserve for Behind the Roar: Big Cat Keeper Training and VIP Tour, an exclusive, small-group big cat experience you won’t find anywhere else on February 6, 2027!

This special program has been created specifically for North Winds Institute and combines a private guided VIP tour of the big cat enclosures with a hands-on big cat keeper educational session led by wild animal experts. Participants will learn about big cat anatomy, natural behaviors, social structures, habitats in the wild versus sanctuary life, diets, enrichment, and the vital role these apex predators play in their ecosystems.
During the educational portion, students participate in interactive games and activities while discovering real-world topics in biology, zoology, ecology, conservation, animal welfare, and ethics. Then they will head out on the private tour to meet the cats up close, see backstage areas, and learn how keepers care for and feed these incredible animals every day.
Curriculum materials are included, and you’re welcome to bring your own lunch for a relaxed picnic after the program. Limited spots available in each small group.

More information and registration:
https://northwindsinstitute.com/educational-expeditions/

10/02/2026

Our November group is almost full with over 700 homeschoolers for our second Medieval Times Middle Ages Unit Study Program that brings history to life!

Because of immense interest, we have opened up an additional new date for the spring to accommodate the families who could not make it this year!

Date: Friday, March 12, 2027

Time: 10:30 AM–1:00 PM

Location: Medieval Times Orlando (Educational Matinee)

What’s included:
-Live educational presentation on the Code of Chivalry including citizenship, justice, respect & forgiveness
-Real sword fighting, jousting, horsemanship, falconry and knight training
-Hall of Arms Museum with coats of arms, authentic weaponry, and medieval artifacts
-Immersive 1.5 hour tournament stage experience
-Each student will receive their own cheering banner in their knight’s color
-Period-style meal served during the tournament
-Complete pre and post study lesson plans

Tuition/Fees:
Ages 4-adult: $54
Ages 0–3: free (if sitting on a parent’s lap)

Step Up Tuition/Fees:
Students Age 4 and up: $49
Meal charge for students to be paid separately by parents (not included in Step Up): $5

This program is approved as direct pay for Step-Up for Students in Florida and may qualify for other school voucher programs. Any food, transportation, and hotel costs are paid for by the parent and not with scholarship funds.

Note: this is not a drop off program. At least one parent must attend with their child.

Learn more:
https://northwindsinstitute.com/educational-expeditions/

10/01/2026

***Update: October date is full - We are excited to announce two more dates coming up:

November 18, 2026 - Ages 8 & up
January 19, 2027- Ages 13 & up - Teen only

Links to register are here:
https://northwindsinstitute.com/educational-expeditions/

As a reminder, these are limited to small group experiences so that the students have time with the instructor and the birds. These spots are on a first come, first served basis.

Once these are full, please comment below if to be added to the list for our next date!***

We invite you to a rare and exclusive opportunity reserved for students with a genuine interest in falconry! This privately crafted VIP small-group experience brings the 4,000-year-old art of falconry to life! Participants will learn from an expert falconer the species, rules, and rich history of this ancient tradition while working hands-on with one falcon, two hawks, and one owl. Following a brief training session, the group will take to the field as these magnificent birds of prey soar from the trees and respond to your call. Each participant will have an opportunity to wear the glove and have a bird fly to them. Additionally, students will get to witness the birds feeding as part of the live demonstrations.

Program Format: This small group, three hour program is for mature students with an interest in falconry who are able to stay calm around the birds. Parents must be present and may observe or choose to participate in the experience. There is a playground nearby for younger siblings.

Physical Consideration: This program is outside and involves walking in outdoor fields and wooded areas and handling live birds of prey.

Learning Outcomes:
Recognize and distinguish the different types of birds in the program, along with their unique characteristics and roles in falconry.
Understand the history, rules, regulations, and traditions of the 4,000-year-old art of falconry.
Learn proper handling, calling, and field techniques for interacting with these trained raptors.
Identify traditional and modern falconry equipment.
Appreciate the conservation and educational value of this unique certified Florida falconry experience.

Tuition and Fees Schedule:
Non-participating siblings and parents: Free
Students Ages 8 and up: $95 (November 18th)
Students Ages 13 and up: $95 (January 19th)
Adults: $95

For more info, email [email protected] or visit: https://northwindsinstitute.com/educational-expeditions/

09/18/2026

The North Winds Adventure Club invites you to join the Dinosaur Dig Expedition: Field Paleontology, Fossil Excavation & Badlands Geology educational program August 18-22, 2027 in Glendive, Montana!

We will venture into the Badlands of Montana, one of the best places in the world to study Tyrannosaurus rex, Hadrosaurs, and Triceratops. This creation based hands-on program includes several days of field excavations, a lab program to learn fossil preservation techniques, fossil museum tours, a presentation from a museum director, and trail hikes to study petroglyphs, Native American sites, and cultural landmarks.

Program Format: Family - open to all ages! This expedition is limited to 27 people.

What’s included: Curriculum pack with study guide, fossil kit, books, and educational materials

Educators: Local paleontologists, scientists, and expert guides.

Learning Outcomes:
•⁠ ⁠Recognize common fossils (bones, teeth & remains of T. Rex, Triceratops & Hadrosaurs)
•⁠ ⁠Distinguish fossils from rock or modern debris
•⁠ ⁠Learn proper field excavation techniques & documentation
•⁠ ⁠Identify Badlands landforms and erosion processes
•⁠ ⁠Perform basic lab procedures for cleaning, consolidating & preparing fossils
•⁠ ⁠Study local petroglyphs, archaeological & cultural sites

Physical Consideration: This program includes up to 3 miles of hiking in high desert heat and may not be suitable for everyone. All participants under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Direct pay approved for SUFS. At least one parent must attend with the students. All lodging, meal, and transportation costs are paid for by the parents not covered with scholarship funds.

For more info, email [email protected] or visit: https://northwindsinstitute.com/educational-expeditions/

09/17/2026

The North Winds Adventure Club calls once more… Join us for the Captain of the Seas Nautical Archeology, Maritime History & Marine Ecology educational program June 13-16, 2027 in Key West, Florida!

Some of the activities included are:
• Private lighthouse tour & educational presentation
• Shipwreck Museum experience
• San Carlos Institute educational program
• Tall Ship educational cruise on an 80’ Schooner to learn seafaring and navigation
• Private narrated educational trolley tour
• Fort Zachary State Park ranger program
• Coast Guard Tour of the USCGC INGHAM
• Key West Aquarium
• Mel Fisher Museum private marine archaeology lab tour
• Full day at Dry Tortugas National Park with Fort Jefferson ranger tour
• Mallory Square, Eco Discovery Center & more

Direct pay approved for SUFS. At least one parent must attend with the students. All lodging, meal, and transportation costs are paid for in the parents not covered with scholarship funds.

For more info, email [email protected] or visit: https://northwindsinstitute.com/educational-expeditions/

09/15/2026

We have just had a spot open up for one family for our Appalachian Trail program next month! Step back in time, learn authentic living, relax and immerse in nature with us at the Len Foote Hike Inn Outside School on the Appalachian Trail this October 6-8th in Georgia! This light hiking program is for families of all ages:

-Register at the State Park for your own AT hiker tag.
-Recieve training from a naturalist in the mountains.
-Learn sustainability practices such as solar energy, composting toilets, native gardens, rain water catchment, reducing food waste, and composting with vermiculture.
-Take a tech break and be refreshed by the mountain air and beautiful fall foliage.

Join us on the wild side! For more info, email [email protected] or visit: https://northwindsinstitute.com/educational-expeditions/

North Winds Institute

10/09/2026

10/05/2026

10/02/2026

10/02/2026

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10/01/2026

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