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Apprentice Program

Nature Connection for Adults

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2017 – 2018 Apprentice Program: 

The Wilderness Youth Project (WYP) Apprentice Program will train you in nature connection and mentoring to provide a foundation for working at WYP or a similar organization.  You will be steeped in our core routines of mentoring while having the opportunity to use these routines on a WYP school-year program. In addition, you will be mentored by WYP staff in naturalist and primitive skills such as fire by friction, tracking, bird language and wilderness survival.

The apprentice program meets every Friday, from 9-1 and combines solo experiences, group adventures and program time facilitated by WYP staff. We ask that you commit to volunteering for one of our weekly programs to put mentoring skills and WYP culture into practice.

Consistent meeting in nature, results in a level of self exploration which can propel you to discover your natural gifts and lead you to a life with more purpose.

Structure: The Apprentice Program runs September through May, with 3 components:

  1. Apprenticing in one (or more) of WYP’s weekly morning or after-school programs throughout the school year (see schedule here)
  2. Attending the Friday apprentice training from 9-1. Each month this includes:
    First Friday- Part experiental and part discussion of nature connection, culture and mentoring with WYP’s directors.
    Second Friday- Group adventure. As a group you are sent out on a mission designed to further your mentoring, skill or comfort in nature.
    Third Friday- Primitive skills with WYP staff.
    Fourth Friday- Long sit spot. While you will be going to your sit spot every week for at least 30 minutes, once a month you have a longer sit. 
  3. Finding a spot in nature to sit for 30 minutes-1 hour a week, followed by journaling and mapping.

The Apprentice Program will:

  • Help you deepen your own connection with the natural world by:
    • Introducing you to beautiful areas of Santa Barbara county
    • Introducing you to the rich natural history of our area
    • Introducing you to the core routines of nature awareness and connection
  • Provide a foundation for the broad skills of nature-based mentoring:
    • Basics of Group Facilitation:  People skills are the most crucial aspect of our work.  Rapport building, games, talking circles, participant engagement, group unity, peacemaking, and many more.
    • Risk Management:  Participants will be introduced to all the relevant outdoor hazards in our area and how they are managed.
    • Mentoring Tools:  WYP is an affiliate of 8 Shields, a network with a long and rich lineage of creating culture that connects people to nature, self and others.  This lineage comprises routines, strategy, assessment, activities, and cultural elements to foster these connections.

Who is the Apprentice Program for?

  • Environmental & outdoor education enthusiasts and professionals
  • After-school & camp counselors
  • Teachers
  • Grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles 
  • Naturalists & docents
  • Anyone in service to the next generation’s relationship with the natural world
  • For adults age 18 and over

Cost: The cost of the nine month program is $480 per semester for two semesters. Email Sharon@wyp.org to discuss a payment plan if needed.

 

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To be added to the Horizon email list or for more info

send an email to horizon@wyp.org

 


Testimonials

  • "The outstanding staff at the Wilderness Youth Project have been able to connect with our students and provide meaningful learning experiences. The Wilderness Youth Project is a very important part of our program here at La Cuesta. Our students look forward to meeting with them every week. It is my personal opinion that this program should be a part of the regular curriculum at every high school.

    High School Teacher

  • "He came back glowing and for the next several days told us some of his experiences... he said he never even thought of TV. He commented many times how the worries of life drop away and just him, the wind, and the water are THERE. It was good to be in a group that cares and listens and is REAL."

    Mother of a TV Watcher

  • "He voluntarily went on a night hike without either of us. He often approached the counselors to ask for what he needed without coaching or coaxing. He climbed rocks fearlessly and swam in a river with us for the first time. He spoke at the circle and participated in almost every activity. He went for hikes without us, played with the counselors, and other children, and shared his knowledge and curiosity with them as well. He laughed a great deal. The program is phenomenal!"

    Mother of an introverted child

  • "...one young boy, seen at CALM because of abuse, reported that he had had a wonderful time at the Project. When this statement was explored by his therapist, it became clear that this isolated and depressed child had been able to form ties with peers, get along in a group, and actually enjoy himself. This is the best possible outcome we could have ever hoped for. Thank you for the work you do."

    CALM - Child Abuse Listening & Mediation

  • "In my entire life, I have never seen such dedication, kindness, and unconditional love from these human beings [Wilderness Youth Project Staff]. My son has grown so much in the areas of responsibility, compassion, respect and discipline in these short weeks. This experience through the "WYP" program has been life-changing to say the least.

    Parents of a 6 year-old

  • "...he not only had the time of his life, but he experienced so many new wonderful things, and learned so much more about nature and indigenous cultures. Something else seems to have "affected" him (don't know another word to use) - he absorbed values that are inherent in such good people as yourselves, and that, as you know, is priceless.

    Mother of a Teenager

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Wilderness Youth Project, 5386 Hollister, Ste D, Santa Barbara, CA 93111
Phone: (805) 964-8096 Fax: (805) 456-3838 Email: info@wyp.org Tax Id: 77-0526117
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