Welcome To EverWild Hello Families,
Welcome to EverWild! There is much to be excited about in this journey of connecting to nature. First and foremost we extend our gratitude to you for advocating for your child and their right to play, spend time outdoors, and direct their own adventures. We pride ourselves on EverWild’s experienced nature-based mentors who support your child during their adventures. EverWild mentors have a unique background of working with children and a passion for nature-based education. Read about their journey to EverWild here. Our program is designed to engage your child with the natural world so that they can develop a meaningful connection with the Earth. In the process of doing so there are many other areas in which your child is growing and developing. We encourage you to explore the research behind the many benefits your child will receive from spending time in nature: ● ● ● ● ● ●
Nature Improves Your Health and Wellbeing Nature Improves Academic Outcomes Nature Play Can Encourage Care for the Planet The Benefits of a Nature Based Education Physical Health Benefits of Nature Contact Mental and Emotional Health Benefits of Connecting with Nature
Our mentors are providing this connection on a deeper level. They completely embody the Coyote’s Way of connecting to nature and the methods that Jon Young spoke to in the 8 shields method of mentoring (a training that all mentors have completed). Our mentors are a role model for your child, a trusted leader, and often looked up to as magical wizards that know how to capture your child’s curiosity and engage them with their natural gifts. EverWild mentors will challenge your child as they take the long way through Los Angeles’ wild spaces to experience a journey all their own. Your child will reach the end of their comfort zone, the edge of their awareness, and expand their understanding of the world around them. They will go deeper into their experiences, over and over again developing a deeper and deeper relationship with themselves, others, and the natural world. Your child will develop layers of attachment to our many nature based locations by revisiting them during the changing seasons and the many stages of their lives. We hope you will become inspired by your adventurer and will return to these locations outside of EverWild. Your child will be excited to lead the way and share their knowledge and experiences with you. Thank you for joining the EverWild community. We look forward to the many adventures ahead.
See you in the Wild,
Amanda Caloia Executive Director
Parent Handbook pg. 3
