The Immersion is the core training experience of our adult programs. It is a nine month, intensive immersion into the full breadth of Wilderness Awareness School's naturalist and mentoring curriculum and provides the foundation for further Adult Nature Instructor Training or Youth Nature Instructor Training studies. It is appropriate for individuals who have a strong desire to learn the skills and knowledge of a naturalist, while cultivating a deep connection to the natural world, a strong sense of belonging to a community, and a well-developed sense of self. The Immersion begins in early September and ends in late May/early June. The program is divided into two registration sessions - Fall session and Winter/Spring session. The class averages 34 students, with a maximum class size of 38, and an average student/teacher ratio of 12:1. The normal weekly routine generally involves classes on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. There will also be a few Friday class days throughout the year. Most days are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with any exceptions noted on seasonal schedules distributed in class. Office hours are 8am to 4pm weekdays.