Vision
The vision of WildSpirit is to shift global consciousness to be in harmony with the wildness of the Natural world.
Mission Our mission is to provide educational opportunities that guide
children, youth and adults to love, care and respect the Earth and all
her children through Nature-based Mentoring.
Background Philosophy For millennia, humans have lived as a strand in the web of life.
The concepts of "Nature" and "Wilderness" did not exist. There was
simply a community of beings - a continuum of existence. At WildSpirit,
we recognize that there is still "wildness" in every being, that there
is a hunger for connectedness and thirst for understanding of one's
place in the web of life. At WildSpirit we offer connections. We
reawaken wildness.
Our Educational Approach - Nature-based Mentoring Our mentoring approach respects individuality, encourages
self-reliance in learning, and reawakens meaningful relationships with
Nature. People, especially children, have natural interests and
curiosity. We facilitate experiences to find out what students are
interested in and allow them the opportunity of pursuing their
passions. We offer guidance in their interests expanding the edge of
their experience. Questions are answered with further questions leading
to deeper mysteries and expanded awareness. Students become
self-reliant learners, drawing on the experience of mentors, knowledge
in books and the wisdom of the Earth. Through games, skills and
challenges connections grow and meaningful relationships develop -
within themselves, with each other, and with all of Nature.
Some Core values
Thankfulness
Meaningful relationships
Empathy
Respect
Fun
Care
Non-violence
Safety
Learning
Awareness
Some Core routines
Thanksgiving circle - sharing appreciation
Hazard hunt - awareness and preparedness
Sensory Development - nourishing the senses
Awareness Games - stealth, camouflage, bird language, expanded awareness
Wandering - exploring our Natural areas
Storytelling - journaling, drama, stories
Art of questioning - questions lead to deeper mysteries
Tracking - questioning, observing
Sit Spot - knowledge of and connection to place
Traditional Earth Skills - firemaking, shelter, tools, cordage, plants, animals
Community - communication, friendship, respect
Challenges - physical, mental, emotional & spiritual growth
8 Shields Curriculum
Naturalist Skills and Hazards
Mammal Studies and Tracking
Plant Studies and Aidless Navigation
Ecology and Community
Traditional Earth Skills and Tree Studies
Bird Language and Awareness
Traditional Ecological Wisdom
Preparing for Future Generations
