The Art of Mentoring is an intense, week-long immersion into the sophisticated mentoring culture developed by Jon Young and Wilderness Awareness School. Participants experience first-hand our powerful educational model that invisibly stretches the awareness of students and builds their knowledge of the natural world. As the week progresses, participants gain tools for recreating this dynamic learning environment in any classroom, outdoor setting or home.
The Art of Mentoring developed out of our efforts to train youth program instructors, using a synthesis of the naturalist's approach to studying nature (in the tradition of John Muir, Rachel Carson, Aldo Leopold and Olaus Murie) and the understandings of indigenous cultures worldwide. This workshop has grown to include storytelling, lectures, group activities and solo reflection time. Most recently, we have added concurrent youth programs and the participation of elders, which has resulted in a connected, supportive and vibrant intergenerational community experience. Woven together, these varied formats expose students to cultural elements similar to those found in native societies across the globe, and form a remarkable context for reconnecting ourselves, our children, and our communities to the natural world.
In The Art of Mentoring II, participants return to The Art of Mentoring workshop at a deeper level, in the role of a cultural facilitator. Ring II participants gain hands-on experience with the curriculum and mentoring skills presented at The Art of Mentoring I, while receiving unique support and additional mentoring from program staff. The Ring II experience is a superb way to practice our educational techniques in an environment that provides opportunity for valuable insights and direct feedback.
Participants in The Art of Mentoring workshops receive a copy of our comprehensive Youth Curriculum guide, which contains dozens of activities you can share with children that have been proven effective at our youth programs.
We are pleased to offer concurrent youth programs (available for youth up through age 15) during The Art of Mentoring where children can participate in age appropriate activities in a holistic learning environment, and interact with peers from around the country who are sharing similar experiences. For youth ages 12-15 who are part of an intensive mentoring program, we have designed an advanced program that incorporates elements of authentic rite of passage ceremonies. Where else can youth experience the full cultural power of an ancient village to support and honor them during this important time of transition in their lives? Prices and schedule vary with age, call for more details.