Course Description

This course is designed for Forest Therapy Guides interested in exploring the nuances of guiding Forest Therapy Walks for children and youth. The purpose is to build headroom in the area of guiding children and youth in the practice of Forest Therapy. 

The course will follow the ANFT Standard Sequence through seven pre-recorded modules where you can go at your own pace. Each module offers videos (with transcripts), tales from the trail, golden nuggets, on-the-trail explorations and self reflective prompts for sitspot.

The course is self paced. 

Price: US$98.00


Course curriculum

  • 1

    Welcome Module

    • Stana's Welcome to the Course - Video (1:27)

    • Welcome & How This Course Works

    • The Format of this Course - Video (2:07)

    • Safety First

    • Resources for Development & Exceptionalities Related to Children & Youth

    • Child Development Teachings - Video (7:03)

    • Suggested Resources

    • Letter of Gratitude for My Asher

    • Self Reflection Prompts for Sit Spot

    • With Thanks
  • 2

    Module 1 - Preparation for Guiding Forest Therapy Walks for Children & Youth

    • Module 1 - Introductory Video On Preparations (3:27)

    • Module 1 - Tales from the Trail

    • Module 1 - Further Preparations Video (2:25)

    • Module 1 - Golden Nuggets

    • Module 1 - On-the-Trail Explorations

    • Module 1 - Self Reflection Prompts for Sit Spot
  • 3

    Module 2 - Hospitality and Introduction

    • Module 2 - Introductory Video on Hospitality and Introduction

    • Module 2 - Tales from the Trail

    • Module 2 - Golden Nuggets

    • Module 2 - Video of an Introduction with a Puppet - Longer Version (6:21)

    • Module 2 - Video of an Introduction with a Puppet - Shorter Version (3:27)

    • Module 2 - Video About Sharing (5:53)

    • Module 2 - On-the-Trail Explorations

    • Module 2 - Self Reflection Prompts for Sit Spot
  • 4

    Module 3 - Pleasures of Presence (POP): Awakening the Senses

    • Module 3 - Introductory Video to POP With Children & Youth

    • Module 3 - Tales from the Trail

    • Module 3 - Golden Nuggets

    • Module 3 - Video of Offering POP With a Tree (6:00)

    • Module 3 - Video of POP With a Puppet (3:50)

    • Module 3 - Video of Lying Down for POP (4:18)

    • Module 3 - On-the-Trail Explorations

    • Module 3 - Self Reflection Prompts for Sit Spot
  • 5

    Module 4 - What's in Motion: Calibrating With the Forest

    • Module 4: Introductory Video for What's in Motion (3:03)

    • Module 4 - Tales from the Trail

    • Module 4 - Golden Nuggets

    • Module 4 - What's in Motion Video With a Puppet (1:55)

    • Module 4 - What's in Motion With a Partner Video (2:44)

    • Module 4 - On-the-Trail Explorations

    • Module 4 - Self Reflection Prompts for Sit Spot
  • 6

    Module 5 - Partnership Invitations: Partnering With All Beings

    • Module 5 - Introductory Video to Partnership Invitations (1:57)

    • Module 5 - Tales from the Trail

    • Module 5 - Golden Nuggets

    • Module 5 - Video of a Water Invitation (2:05)

    • Module 5 - Sense Rooms Part 1 Video (1:45)

    • Module 5 - Sense Rooms Sharing Video Part 2 (1:10)

    • Module 5 - Meet a Tree with a Puppet (1:21)

    • Module 5 - On-the-Trail Explorations

    • Module 5 - Self Reflection Prompts for Sit Spot
  • 7

    Module 6 - Tea (Ceremony) / Closing Invitation

    • Module 6 - Introductory Video to Closing with or without Tea (Ceremony) (2:53)

    • Module 6 -Tales from the Trail

    • Module 6 - Golden Nuggets

    • Module 6 - A Video Sharing an Alternative Closing Invitation With Water (3:48)

    • Module 6 - On-the-Trail Explorations

    • Module 6 - Self Reflection Prompts for Sit Spot

    • Module 6 - Thank you and Course Closing Remarks Video (1:06)

    • Module 6 - Course Feedback

FAQ

  • How much time should I expect to put in to this experience?

    You are welcome to explore the modules at whatever pace and amount of time feels best to you. The course is set up to follow a seven module exploration. You might spend around 2 - 4 hours more or less per module. However you might either want to shorten or extend the learning journey for each module. It all depends on your learning style and what serves you best in your guiding practice. It also depends on how much prior experience you have with children and youth. It is important to note that this is a stand alone course where there are no cohorts or live sessions.

  • Do I have to be a Forest Therapy Guide to take this course?

    Yes, this course is meant for Forest Therapy Guides who are interested in exploring guiding children and youth along with any adults that might accompany them on a Forest Therapy Walk.

  • Why take this course?

    If you are curious about guiding children and youth on Forest Therapy Walks this course offers you an opportunity to explore guiding children and youth from a certified ANFT Guide and Trainer who has been guiding Forest Therapy walks for all ages since 2016 and facilitating nature connection opportunities and teaching for over 25 years.

Instructor

Mentor, Trainer

Stana Luxford Oddie

Stana is an certified ANFT Guide (cohort 6, 2016) and Trainer (2018) based in Canada. She is now in her twenty-third year as the Senior Conservation Educator for Cataraqui Conservation. Inspired by Earth Education, 8 Shields - Coyote's Guide to Nature Connection, the Forest Schools movement, and all the beings she has met, Stana facilitates and holds space for all ages, to experience nature connection that touch the head, heart and hands. Through Cataraqui Conservation, Stana guides in-person and remotely guided Forest Therapy Walks for private and public organizations, as well as offering guided Forest Therapy experiences to elementary and secondary school aged children and youth. Cataraqui Conservation was the first conservation authority in Ontario to offer Forest Therapy. Stana received her BA from the University of Waterloo in 1998, in the Applied Studies Co-op program with extensive outdoor and environmental education, English as a Second Language and Camp experience during co-op placements. She completed her degree at Waterloo with an Honours in History and teachable subjects in English and Geography. She is a certified OCT teacher with additional qualifications for exceptional students. Stana earned her Bachelor of Education from Queen's University in 1999 from the Outdoor and Experiential Education Program. Stana spends much of her time out on the land, most often accompanied by her dog and sometimes the company of her son, partner, mother and friends. Her work related to Forest Therapy and her growing mindfulness and embodiment practices continue to open her heart and deepen her relationship with all Beings.