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Wilderness Day Programs for children and youth in the Quw'utsun Valley.Forest Fridays, 7 - 15 yrs, begins Sept 13th
Monthly Sundays, 7 - 15 yrs, begins Sept 15th
Parent & Child Music & Nature, under 7 and caregiver Coming Soon for 6 weeks blocks.
https://cariburdett.com/wilderness-day-program/
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN HERE:
Friday Forest Days
A monthly program for youth 7 – 15 years and a Parent/Child Music & Nature Program are also being created – please leave interest in registration form below.
An Immersive Outdoor Learning Experience for Children
Program Overview
Friday Forest Days offers a unique nature-based educational program designed for children ages 7 to 15. This program complements traditional schooling by providing one day a week of outdoor learning in a community-supported environment. Children engage with nature as their primary teacher, guided by skilled mentors, embracing a holistic education that integrates nature, community, and personal growth.
Educational Approach
Our curriculum incorporates the 8-Shields model and project-based learning, focusing on:
Literacy & Numeracy: Fundamental skills reinforced through nature-related activities.
Arts & Physical Education: Creative expressions and physical agility fostered in natural settings.
Social Studies & Music: Understanding societal structures and musical exploration through environmental interaction.
Core Values
Nature-Connected Learning: Engaging with the outdoor environment in meaningful ways.
Community and Respect: Building a culture of reciprocity and communal support.
Hands-On and Child-Led Learning: Encouraging self-directed exploration.
Academic Support: Guidance provided by certified teachers to support educational goals.
Course Information
Program Details
Location: Quw'utsun' (Duncan), Nature, location/s to be shared upon registration.
Schedule: Fridays, 10 AM – 3 PM (32 sessions from September
2024 to June 2025, excluding some cold weeks in January)
Cost: $60 per day. Total for 32 sessions: $1920. A $300 deposit is required to secure a place.
Suggested Offering: We are honoured to have two Quw’utsun Elders guest teaching throughout the year. We suggest a minimum donation of $100 per family for Quw’utsun Elder Honorariums to help pay for their time and contribution to the Wilderness program. Thank you for your support.
Monthly Program: Dates 2024 - 2025:
9 sessions: $540
Sept 15, Oct 13, Nov 10th, Dec 15th, (no class in Jan) , Feb 9th , March 9th, April 13th, My 18th, June 8th
Typical Day Structure
Morning: Nature-themed games, morning circle with songs and gratitude sharing.
Midday: Skill-focused guild activities like tracking, weaving, or bow making.
Afternoon: Free time in nature followed by group games and reflective sit-spot time.
Closing: Reflection and sharing of daily highlights and gratitude.
Activities Include:
Exploring Animals in the Wild
Identification of animal tracks and signs.
Locating wildlife based on track and sign.
Deciphering stories left by wildlife.
Deepening connection to animals.
Identifying bird calls and understanding their meanings.
Animal processing, respectful trapping, archery, and hide tanning.
Our Forest Ecosystem
Identification of flora and fauna in our ecosystem.
Land stewardship and caretaking.
Nature journaling and direct observation.
Natural intuition and awareness training.
Fostering ongoing relationships with place.
Experiencing nature as a friend and teacher.
Identification and sustainable harvest of wild foods and medicines.
Observation and communication with plants.
Wild Crafting Skills
Forest shelter building, friction fire, and natural cordage.
Traditional cooking and food preservation.
Natural crafting: weaving, pottery, and jewelry.
Developing Interpersonal Skills
Tools for positively working through challenges.
Interpersonal skills for group work.
Strengthening community and culture through music, storytelling, and council.
Practicing gratitude.
Celebrating unique gifts.
Honoring experiences as opportunities for growth.
Expanding comfort zones and embracing challenging experiences.
Participating in Rites of Competence and Rites of Passage.
Developing resilience, personal growth, and self-knowledge.
Communication skills, deep listening, and speaking from the heart.
Cultural Studies
Respecting First Nations culture, traditions, and history.
Exploring our role in decolonization and reconciliation.
Utilitarian and cultural uses of plants.
Join us for a transformative educational experience that nurtures lifelong learning and a deep connection to the natural world!
Deposit of $300 to secure space is required at final registration.
Scholarships are available on a financial need basis only. Please contact Cari directly to request a scholarship at [email protected]. Scholarships depend on initially having full enrolment in the program.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Lila Music & Nature Community Centre, 3225 Gibbins Rd, North Cowichan, BC V9L 1G7, Canada,Duncan, British Columbia
