Cowichan WOLF Interns
Ages 18+
Learning Objectives/Goals
- Work experience
- Apprenticeship in self-sustainable living and resiliency training
- To learn the principals of permaculture that are transferable to any ecology
- To study one eco-system in depth and to be able to replicate the process in any other environment
- To know the principals of shelter, water, fire and food and to be able build a survival shelter, make fire, and to find clean water and survival food in any environment
- To experience a variety of cultures and ecologies and ways of life (Mayan, Garifuna, Belizian, Cowichan (Indigenous Coast Salish) and Canadian)
- To learn about ocean tides and currents and to become certified in boating (Spring session)
- To learn tracking and hunting and to complete a hunting license (Fall session)
- To learn basic cooking skills based on healthy organic food as well as the principals of drying, fermenting, pickling and canning
- To learn Indigenous crafts (drummaking in the Fall session, cedar weaving and basket making in the Spring session)
- To complete Food Safe Certification
- To learn basic Spanish (Spring session)
- To know how learning works and to be able to mentor youth and teens and to be a self-directed life-long learner
When
Fall Session
Sept - Dec
Spring Session (includes a 3 week trip to the Yucatan/Belize)
March- June
Where
The beautiful Cowichan Valley of British Columbia. Our home base will be at Sacred Cedars Lodge on traditional Cowichan Tribes lands. From there we will have access to the Cowichan River, Cowichan Lake, the estuary, mountains and ocean.
The Spring session will include a 3 week excursion training trip to Belize/Yucatan.Philosophy
Our Learning Philosophy
Our philosophy is based on modern adult learning theory which states that adults learn differently than youth and teens, have different learning needs and motivation.
Adults are autonomous and self-directed. In other words, they need to be free to direct themselves in order to be actively involved in the learning process. There needs to be opportunities for the adult learners to choose their projects as well as to set up self-directed learning challenges and design their own projects.
Adults have also accumulated a foundation of life experiences and knowledge and they need to connect new learning to this knowledge/experience base.
Adults are also relevancy-oriented and goal-oriented. They need to have clear goals and objectives.
Adults are also practical; focusing on aspects of a lesson that are relevant to them in their lives.
In terms of motivation, there are several factors that serve as sources:
- Social relationships: to make new friends, to meet a need for associations and friendships.
- Social welfare: to improve ability to serve mankind, prepare for service to the community, and improve ability to participate in community work.
- Personal advancement: to achieve higher status in a job, secure professional advancement, and stay abreast of competitors.
- Escape/Stimulation: to relieve boredom, provide a break in the routine of home or work, and provide a contrast to other exacting details of life.
- Cognitive interest: to learn for the sake of learning, seek knowledge for its own sake, and to satisfy an inquiring mind.
The Program
We will be a a group of young adults who adventure as a tribe to intensely live the core routines of nature awareness and practice wilderness and community building skills that bring us alive. Over the course of each session we will learn:
- The Art of Tracking Animals
- Wilderness living and survival skills like primitive fire making, shelter building, and survival bow making
- Knowledge of and relationship to the local mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, plants and trees of BC
- How to understand and interpret the language of the birds
- Medicinal and edible qualities of wild plants
- How to explore safely and off-trail in the woods
- Leadership and Peacemaking skills
- Exploring a variety of rich eco-systems in south west British Columbia
- The art of Mentoring Youth in wilderness learning
Critical Thinking and Culture
We always learn within environments and contexts that are visible and invisible. Culture itself is a system of learned beliefs, values, assumptions, meanings and behaviours shared with groups or individuals, and as long as we live among people who share our culture, we remain largely unaware of those associated beliefs, values, customs and behaviours. Furthermore, culture is never neutral. North American adult education is based on an unquestioned assumption that favours individualism over collectivism, egalitarianism over hierarchy, action over being and change over tradition.
Critical thinking is the only way out of assumptions and beliefs. Critical thinking needs to be practiced, however in order to develop. Critical thinking, not as a manipulative tool, but as tool that emancipates will teach learners to be creative or innovative thinkers.
Our emotional connection to a belief can hinder or enhance learning, depending on the levels of emotions. Yet it is our emotion that gives room to passion and drive to know more, to seek truth, to hear all angles of the arguments before making a decision which side to take.
Each weekend will focus on different aspects of this learning journey depending on the season, location, and also the knowledge and interest of the group. As the group discovers its major interests, we will work to provide opportunities for in-depth learning in those areas with a passion for mastery. Guest Mentors will join us to provide expert inspiration for the students' learning journey
This program will form the foundation of our Mentor Training Program.
This challenging program will include an online Art Of Mentoring Project and Online Naturalist Training Program for home study and potential high school and college credit.
Cost
Cost $1200 per year (2 semesters - 6 weekends)
Possibility of $500 subsidy through self design high (ask us for details)
