Nature Journeys (Nature Exploration Programs for Youth)
Starting soon in 100 Mile House area
An experiential program that introduces youth (age 6-16) to the many wonders and mysteries of the natural world. It employs a "mentoring" approach to teaching, where the child is gently guided into the world of nature through the use of inspiration, games, stories and questioning techniques. Key elements of the program are enhancing students' sensory awareness of nature, developing their observation skills and creating a solid knowledge base about their local natural community. This approach to learning is often indirect (it's called The Invisible School) and it takes time. It is based on a model developed by the Wilderness Awareness School near Seattle, Washington.

• Three age groups
• Small group sizes (maximum 6 students)
• Each group meets once a week for 2 to 2½ hours

For more information, contact us.

"My children still talk about the animal print casts they made and the wonderful crisp day of walking in Kal Park where they took turns 'hiding' from the group and thus learned about how animals camouflage themselves. Patricia has a very calm, gentle and creative way about her." Therese Weber

Coyote Mentoring (A new approach for naturalists, youth leaders, teachers, interpreters)
Coyote Mentoring is an experiential and holistic approach to teaching, where the child is gently guided into the world of nature through the use of inspiration, games, stories, questioning techniques and humour. Key elements of the program are enhancing students' sensory awareness of nature, developing their observation skills and creating a sold knowledge base about their local natural community. In this workshop participants will learn techniques to discover each child's uniqueness and build upon his/her natural curiosity, thereby creating a powerful need to know! Participants will also be introduced to some of the main techniques, strategies and core routines of Coyote Mentoring.

Coyote Mentoring is based on a model developed by the Wilderness Awareness School near Seattle, Washington.

"Patricia is a spirited teacher dedicated to guiding learners of all ages to develop a deeper connection with the natural world and to understand the knowledge that comes from this relationship." - Renel Mitchell, Chuntoh (Forest) Education Society

Introduction to Survival Skills
Knowledge of survival skills gives you the confidence to feel comfortable outdoors in any situation. Survival skills also serve as a "doorway" into nature, to experiencing nature at a deeper level. Some of the skills/ topics introduced are:

• Sacred order of survival
• Shelter building (personal survival shelter)
• Tracking: learning to read the story of the tracks, compression releases
• Firemaking

Transformational Dance and Movement (for adults)
Exploring the Inner and Outer Landscape
This workshop is based on the transformational dance work of Anna Halprin. We will embark on a short movement journey, where we will raise our perceptual awareness of ourselves, others and the natural world. We will move from our own impulses and respond to others. Simple movement activities and "scores" lead us to deeper understandings, a sense of renewal, freedom and playful fun!

"Patricia is a brilliant guide through the sensory realm. I never knew how much wisdom a tree, a blade of grass, a flower blossom has to impart. Patricia creates a container so we can develop our inner listening." Cindy Wickingstad

Wild BC Workshops

Patricia Spencer is a workshop facilitator for Wild BC, which offers a variety of environmental workshops and programs for teachers, youth group leaders, nature centres and community groups. Some popular workshops are: Project WILD Project WET Forests in Focus Below Zero Water Stewardship: A Guide for Teachers, Students and Community Groups Backyard Biodiversity Climate Change/ One Tonne Challenge

We can design a program tailed to your needs. For more information, contact us or visit the Wild BC web site.

• Contact us for information about upcoming workshops.
• Custom-designed workshops for youth and adults also available.
• Bookings are arranged on a demand basis.
• Arrangements can be made to bring a workshop to your school or community group (within BC). Contact us for more information.

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Upcoming Workshops and Events

Contact: patricia@earthwisetours.com or (250) 791-1901

• Check back soon for information about upcoming workshops
• Contact us if you would like to arrange a workshop

Earthwise Ventures offers informative presentations and consulting services for community groups/agencies and high schools on several environmental topics such as:

• Global climate change and its potential impacts for communities
• Watershed stewardship conservation

Contact us for more information.

Your Facilitator Patricia Spencer MA, is a teacher, naturalist and consultant, and she is the primary facilitator for Earthwise Ventures. She has studied with Tom Brown, Jr. (in tracking, nature awareness, survival and philosophy) and engages in ongoing naturalist training studies from the Wilderness Awareness School. Patricia has led nature workshops for a variety of participants including students, teachers and community groups. She possesses a deep respect and love for the mystery and beauty of the natural world, which she enjoys sharing with others. Patricia has received specialized training in Climate Change, which is a frequent topic for her presentations. She is also a Wild BC facilitator and past president of the Lower Bridge Creek Watershed Stewardship Society.

Some Previous Clients for Workshops/Presentations Chuntoh Education Society, Fort St. James, BC (Survival Skills and Coyote Mentoring workshops) 2005 North Okanagan Community Challenge research and project assistant. 2005. Global Environmental and Outdoor Education Council Conference, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005. Environmental Educators' Provincial Specialist Association of British Columbia Conference, Oct. 2001 British Columbia Farm Women's Institute, Oct. 2001 Various workshops through Wild BC District of 100 Mile House Council and Staff (Climate Change 2002, Water Conservation 2005) Pole to Pole 2000 team, Feb. 2000

Box 10135 108 Mile Ranch BC V0K 2Z0 Phone: (250) 791-1901 E-mail: patricia@earthwisetours.com

Member of: Environmental Educators Provincial Specialist Association Williams Lake Field Naturalists Society Environmental Educators of British Columbia