Cultural Mentoring Series
with Jon Young, Mark Morey and the 8 Shields Team

C O U R S E   I S   F U L L

In response to many requests from you, the people who make this work happen, we have decided to consolidate Mind of Mentoring and Mentoring Nature Connection into one.

It has become clear that the information from both these weeks is valuable and that many people were having a hard time deciding which program to attend. We also were feeling the need to bring these two programs together as they weave so beautifully with one another.

We will still offer all the nuts and bolts behind the 8 shields model. In addition, for those of you who are wanting more depth of experience in actually mentoring nature connection with young people, there will be break out sessions offering just that with experienced nature mentors.

Thank you to everyone who shared their needs whether financial, energetic, or timely. We hope to see you August 29-September 4.

Read more about Mind of Mentoring and Nature Connection!

View a photo show of previous cultural mentoring villages.

The Mind of Mentoring & Nature Connection

Offered:  August 29 - Sept 4
Location:  Venture Retreat, Pescadero, CA
Instructors:  Jon Young, Mark Morey, RDNA team and 8 Shields Staff

C O U R S E   I S   F U L L

The Mind of Mentoring and Nature Connection is a week-long intensive focused on the theory, practice and didactic exploration of 8 Shields Cultural Mentoring coupled with hands on experience of how to mentor in the field. We will explore what it takes to build a healthy mentoring culture and why it is so important. As a participant, you will leave the week with a tool set to help you create a healthy mentoring culture in your own community. This mentoring approach is detailed in Jon Young's book, Coyote’s Guide to Nature Connection.

What Will We Be Doing?

The intention of this week is to share the art and science behind the 8 Shields model. What is Coyote Mentoring? How is it done well? How can you become a better mentor? How can Coyote's Guide help us to learn this powerful art of facilitating nature connection? What is Cultural Mentoring? How does it work? Where do we get resources to work with to better understand this? How can we adapt this to our programs and our regions?

During the course, the instructors will dissect the cultural mentoring map and present a detailed breakdown of the strands that build a healthy mentoring culture. Then you will have the opportunity to bring this theory into the field and apply it. With the help and guidance of Jon Young's 25 years of mentoring experience, you will engage in the creation of the weekly culture, taking the theories you learn in the classroom and bringing them to life.

You will explore the layers and techniques of mentoring, and see how these strategies apply to all age ranges and competence levels. Whether working with a beginner, child, teenager, adult, parent, grandparent, someone with minimal nature connection or someone with strong relationships to the natural world, you will be able to help.

The week will be a balance between didactic learning and experiential mentoring. You will be immersed in the core routines of awareness, and then have opportunities to reflect on these experiences through the lens of the cultural engineer, discovering why and how those routines are effective mentoring techniques and how they can be applied to your own communities and goals. You will leave the week with a deep appreciation for the vital role that a healthy mentoring culture plays in regenerative communities and the tools you need to make it happen.

The Mind of Mentoring and Nature Connection is included for all participants of the RDNA Cultural Mentoring and RDNA Native Eyes programs.

Participants should be prepared for ANY weather condition, and should be in adequate physical shape for hiking and observational sits on the land.

The course will take place at Venture Retreat Center in Pescadero, CA. A beautiful lodge close to the redwoods and the ocean. Camping space provided. A limited number of indoor shared rooms are available upon request.

Course Fees - Mind of Mentoring & Nature Connection

Includes camping accommodations and delicious organic meals.

$850 Tuition, paid in full by August 21
$775 Early Bird Special, paid in full by July 31
$495 Spouse rate

Coyote Mentor Discounts:

We are committed to supporting schools and communities who are actively using the 8 shields model and coyote mentoring. Because we know how effective and long lasting trainings can be when taken with people you work and live with we are offering substantial discounts if you come with 1 or more people. We hope to see you and your people there!

$765 One coyote mentor affiliate
$650 2-3 coyote mentor affiliates
$595 4 or more coyote mentor affiliates

Note: the spouse rate does not apply when registering with the Coyote Mentor group rates.

Kids program and fees:

There will be a separate kids program available for Mind of Mentoring and Mentoring Nature Connection. Both will be taught be experienced and qualified staff in the 8 shields cultural mentoring model. The program begins after breakfast each day and goes through the beginning of dinner time. Experiencing these teachings with your family is a perfect way to have a full immersion experience.

$350 Teen
$300 Children ages 3-12

Additional family child is 50% off:
$175 Additional teen
$150 Additional child ages 3-12

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Cancellations up to 2 weeks before the course begins (August 14) will be refunded, excluding a $100 processing fee. No refunds are given after August 14.

How to Apply for Mind of Mentoring & Nature Connection

Course is full. Please contact the office for questions or additional information:
415-868-9681 or email us.

Register on-line for Mind of Mentoring & Nature Connection and pay via credit card or check.
Registration ends August 21, 2009

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