Administrators

a. Mentor Experience & Training

Mentors receive background checks, Red Cross Pediatric/Child/Adult First Aid & CPR certifications and complete the Jon Young's Connecting Children to Nature course through the 8 Shields Institute. Mentors also receive training in EverWild policies and procedures, and have a background in as well as receive additional training in early childhood development. Mentors receive ongoing training from EverWild and are given opportunities to further their practice as Nature-Based Mentors.

b. Meet the Team

Visit our Meet the Team page to learn more about our Nature-Based Mentors, founders, and administrators, and their journey to EverWild.

“The very skilled educator knows when to offer an insight, a question or materials to support a child’s learning, but more importantly knows when to get out of the way. ” — Jon Cree, UK Forest School Association

a. Rhythm of the Day

Take a look at our rhythm of the day. (Times may vary based on class) 10am-1030 Drop off & Sign In 1030am Hike to Basecamp 1040 Welcome Circle & Snack Children bring their own snacks. The group creates boundaries near base camp. The project of the day will be introduced and materials will be provided (this project will reflect the group’s interest in past classes. Materials and projects are open-ended). 1050am Exploration & Project We believe in the power of nature to provide the environment for deep place-based exploration. Children build relationships with their peers, mentors, and environment. Project ideas organically surface through unencumbered play and experimenting with new tools and materials. Mentors observe and document strong group interests while providing supporting questions, materials, and tools to encourage deeper learning. Projects organically surface and mentors support the depth of the project by revisiting the same location and providing tools and materials. 12pm Lunch 1230pm Expedition Choice The group has the option to explore outside of the boundaries to a further destination or to continue to explore and discover projects close to basecamp. 145pm Nature Journaling Students find a quiet space or “sit spot” in nature for reflection and creative expression. This may take the form of written word, sketches, paintings, videography, photography, or group discussions. Nature journaling is organically incorporated and is never forced. Nature journaling may happen at any time of the day but we typically find that children are looking for more down time toward the end of the day and our mentors use this as an opportunity to incorporate journaling with prompts and reflection. 2pm Gratitude Circle The group honors the work done for the day and gives gratitude and thanks to the Earth, animals, and one another. 210pm Pack up & Hike Out 230pm Pick Up & Sign Out

b. What to Pack

Children must be able to carry all of their items on their own for up to 10 minutes. It is required that all required items fit into your child’s backpack (the backpack must have two over the shoulder straps). Our list below has everything we require and everything we recommend adding to your child’s adventure pack. Looking for some tried and true items and brands? Take a look at this blog post by EverWild Board Member, Emily Hart Roth. Looking for some adventure gear? Take a look at the Lil Bellies shop for little explorers.