The organization began as an outgrowth of Ukeles' earlier program Teva Adventure and was incubated by SPNI (Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel) for its first years.
Derech Hateva is modeled after environmental programs in the United States like National Outdoor Leadership School and Outward Bound.
[3] Elements of the program include hiking and biking in areas mentioned in the Bible along with development of outdoor living and leadership skills.
Participants are taught map-reading, setting up camp and preparing meals, combined with swimming, rock-climbing and other outdoor pursuits.
The Derech Hateva program goals are to integrate teaching of outdoor skills, ecology, Leave No Trace ethics and Jewish learning.