Mid-winter gathering for nature connectors

Imagine taking time to nurture yourself and share nature connection techniques with like-minded wildsters, over 2 chilly outside days and cosy indoor nights, all near the home of the Kokako.  Whether you choose to lead a session, or just join in, you will not regret dedicating midwinter 2018 to re-wilding yourself.

Who it is for

This gathering is for 12 or so people who are keen to share their nature connection skills with each other while celebrating mid-winter.  You will already be practising or developing your nature connection style and have an open approach to learning and sharing in this growing practice. The “open space” format means that anyone can lead a session and choose which sessions to participate in.  Liana Stupples will be your host, weaving the weekend together.  Get in touch with Liana to apply for the limited spaces for this event.

The Venue

We will on the edge of Pureora Forest Park and near the Timber Trail off road cycle route between te Kuiti and Taumaranui.  This area has been described as “one of the most significant sites of natural and cultural history interest in New Zealand”.

Our base will be the rustic self-catering Forge at Black Fern Lodge situated on 5 acres, surrounded by the Ongarue River and a majestic waterfall.  The Forge has bunk style accommodation, but separate rooms are available for extra, if you get in early.

Ideas for things to do

  • Get up before dawn to listen for the haunting call of the Kokako
  • Bike some of the Timber Trail to find a solo spot
  • Soak in the wildwater portable hot tub beneath the stars
  • Learn body percussion and gospel chants around the campfire
  • Spend some time up the 12m high forest tower
  • Gather plants to make teas and massage balms
  • Make a snow (I hope) cave

That is just a few ideas for a start.  What ideas will you bring?

Travel

You will make your own way there, but we will endeavour to arrange car sharing offers.  Arrive sometime Friday, leave Sunday or Monday (tbc).

Once there, there is a minibus to transport us.  You may want to bring a mountain bike.

Cost

For two days and two nights the cost is only $250

This covers:

  • 2 nights in Forge (with linen) or
  • Most food: Hot drinks, Porridge, Dinner, Soup for Lunch and Cake (bring your own breakfast and lunch supplements, trail food, whiskey etc)
  • Shared equipment (minibus, tipi, tub, tarps etc)
  • Hosting and organising and safety plans

How to apply

Get in touch with Liana.  A 50% (*) deposit secures your place.  Once you are accepted she will host an online discussion to help us create a mutually awesome weekend.  There will be a detailed gear list.

*Deposits are non-refundable, but can be transferred to another person.

** You are recommended to have your own insurance

What Happened on the Nature Connection Guide Course?

Late September and 12 brave souls keen to find out more about being a nature connection Guide, gathered by the sea in Paekakariki.

Over two days they explored with all their senses, shared skills, told stories in a teepee, soaked in wild water hot tub while watching the sunrise, ate too much cake, tried out their new techniques on each other and laughed, cried and learned about themselves, each other, this place and how to guide.

Here is some of what participants had to say:

“The balance [of Liana’s facilitation] was beautiful; humorous, relaxed, aware of the group, organised, GENEROUS, and such valuable personal anecdotes and stories.  It’s wonderful to learn from someone who walks the talk”

“Inspirational, motivational, and completely affirming of passion for and importance of Nature Connection for ALL”

More information about the course here

Learn to be an extraordinary nature connection guide

An introduction to nature connection ideas and skills that you can use to guide extraordinary and memorable nature experiences for your people.

 

10 am-10 pm Thursday 21 to 6.10 am to 6.16 pm Friday 22. Paekakariki, Kapiti, Wellington

WHO IS IT FOR?

Are you looking to really engage your clients and provide more value to them? Do you want to more clearly differentiate yourself in the market place? Are you keen to develop your skill set in a new and exciting area?  The course is suitable for people who work in a range of settings who are curious to see if nature connection is the “x” factor they are looking for:

 

  • Tour guides
  • Eco tourism operators
  • Outdoor instructors
  • Therapists
  • Youth leaders and teachers
  • Social service providers
  • Facilitators
  • Science Communicators
  • Conservation professionals
  • Nature-preneurs
  • Facilitators
  • Coaches and mentors

 

You will already have a good understanding of your people and their needs as well as basic health and safety.

The course is suitable for people of most abilities – if you can walk slowly for an hour with a small daypack you can do it (or if you have special needs please contact the organiser as we can almost certainly design-in a way for you to participate).

The course is limited to a maximum of 12 people so you will need to book in quick.

WHAT WILL IT COVER?

  • The course is very experiential and you will be outside for most of the time, learning by doing
  • The course is designed to build on your strengths and for you to share skills and knowledge with people from a range of backgrounds
  • We will explore some powerful ideas and principles for nature connection that can be applied to almost any situation
  • You will get a chance to develop key personal qualities and nature connection routines for yourself
  • You will learn about more than 20 nature connection activities
  • You will learn how to structure a nature connection experience; sequencing activities for maximum effect
  • A taster of expressive and arts activities
  • You will cover top tips on the practicalities such as choosing the venue, equipment, and Health and Safety considerations particular to nature connection
  • You will get a chance to adapt what we cover to your particular circumstances, give it a try and receive feedback
  • Follow up access to a peer community of support and a free 1 hour coaching session to fine tune your future plans
  • Advanced courses or one on one coaching will be available if you want to further your practice.

Download more detailed information

Download full course information: nature connection guiding course info

Download the booking form now: Booking and Disclaimer Form – nature connection guide

Contact Liana directly: liana.stupples@gmail.com