INTO THE WILD - PORTUGAL

Outdoor Education leadership foundation course

This is primarily a hands-on, experiential course and is based on nature connection, practices and activities. The program will introduce earth education, nature awareness, creative interpretation, bushcraft, sensory awareness and narrative skills.

Who is it suitable for?

The program has been created for those on a personal and professional development path. It may be at the point of a career change or after graduating that the need for practical experience and mentoring in the field is required.

To align you with your goals, connect you deeply with nature and offer you tools and experience that will translate effectively into everyday life.

The program is geared toward teachers, educators, outdoor instructors, rangers, forest school leaders, play-workers, and in more general terms, those who are change-agents, community leaders, people in personal or professional transition.

For those who long a more fulfillment in their lives and a deeper impact in the world.

What will you learn?

• Learn and/or develop new skills, tools and techniques to become a more effective educator

• Gain experience with a range of client-groups

• Discover more of your gifts, passions and vision

• Move yourself closer to your professional aspirations, and toward your dreams for yourself and the world

• Receive coaching, mentoring and support

• Adopt routines that connect you with nature and can facilitate others connection to nature

• Be introduced to new ideas and new practices

• Foundation Program Outline

Program Structure:

·         6 modules, 3 days each

·         5-10 days field work on Into the Wild Portugal camps or events.

·         Various assignments and practices associated with developing nature connection and integrated learning.

Course Fees:

Total fee for the course: 1.800€

Fee per module: 300€

Each module runs for 3 days from Friday - Sunday and includes breakfast/dinner.

You must provide your own tent /sleeping bag and lunch.

You must pay a 50% deposit of the total cost upon application(paid by direct payment to Into the Wild Portugal) and the remainder to be paid 1month before each module.

Please contact us for further information and/or bursary.

Please note, money cannot be refunded after enrollment in the course.

A diploma will be awarded when all modules are completed.

Review by Eva Richterová 

July 14, 2019

As a child's mentor in the field of nature connection, I often look for an inspiration in nature literature. When years ago I first discovered the book Coyote's guide to connection with nature a spark was lightened in me, together with curiosity and acknowledgement that there is more people out there with love for children and this world, working in this field for years with great experience, connected to a linage of truly and deeply involved naturalist, trackers and guides. 

After some years of self studying, when I started to feel the need to deepen this path, "Call of the Wild”, foundation course in outdoor education and nature connection came to Portugal. Facilitated by Chris Salisbury, a genuine guide, gifted storyteller and extraordinary skilled group leader with a wider vision. 

We were taken on the journey of awakening senses, bushcraft and survival skills, learning how to capture the child's (and adults) interest in nature through games, stories and play. After this course you not only gain practical tools but also an understanding of the whole picture of human influence on this planet and an importance of every little step of each human individual, as well as the necessity of communal action! And an extra recognition, that our role as parents and mentors is to keep the spark in the child's eyes lightened!