Sticks & Stones Wilderness School
Preserving Skills that Teach Ecological Wisdom
and Inspire Community Stewardship
We offer Stewardship skills and services for those seeking quality nature and wilderness education, practical and reliable stewardship services, as well as passionate community stewardship experiences.
Making Tracks
At Sticks and Stones Wilderness School, we believe in the true value of teaching. It is with a great sense of Thanksgiving that we acknowledge those who have come before us and given of themselves in order to preserve skills that teach ecological wisdom and inspire community stewardship. “Preserving the Ways of the Wild.” A deep sense of belonging to and oneness with the earth is spawned when wilderness wisdom is integrated into our lives. It is this sense that keeps us coming back to create similar opportunities for others to learn to emulate this wisdom as stewards of the Earth. We have learned the inherent value of teaching from a simple observation that many have shared in the past: that no matter how hard you try to be subtle with your effects on the earth, you have an effect nonetheless. You will always make tracks and there will always be trackers. It is with this in mind that we choose to passionately teach the skills which help us all to empower the tracks we leave behind.
Sticks and Stones Wilderness School is a dynamic integration of educational, professional and community services.
“By revealing the interconnectedness of the various educational, professional and experiential disciplines that the school has evolved from, we can envision and focus our awareness towards refining the Art of Stewardship”
The three outer rings of the model represent the:
The Wilderness Skills Programs tie together the the four inner layers and how they are interrelated as the tools of the Ancient Steward. The layers allow us to envision our own growth through the dynamic application of each skill and how they are connected. One is brought closer to her/his own sense of self, and his/her own ability to live closer to the Earth in a meaningful and respectful way. Through our Wilderness Skills Programs we offer three different learning formats: Baseline Intensives, Focused Workshops and Experiential Courses. Each creates a different teaching atmosphere depending on the individual’s dynamic learning needs. Whether you are searching for baseline skills that will keep you alive no matter what situation you might find yourself in, or you on the quest for whole skill sets to harvest your food or make your own medicine in a sustainable way, the main ingredient you need to bring for any of the layers of growth that take place here is; the Passion to learn. It’s almost if– as a right of passage– you emerge from each skill with a whole new horizon of awareness.
The Future
The center of the school brings together all of the skills that Sticks and Stones offers in this integrated mentoring program designed to immerse students in the Art of Stewardship for a 7 month residential session. The Stewardship Program is our Vision for 2011 and will be initiated when a parcel of land is secured to implement the Faith in a Seed Project that Sticks and Stones is planning to run as a long-term, baseline stewardship program. We will keep you posted with the evolution of the project and the program itself.
The Journey Continues
We recognize that our goal is to teach you skills that will help to enhance your sense of confidence in finding your own way in the world. Through the vehicle of wilderness skills and in enrolling in the invisible school of life, you will find yourself if you search long enough, as we and our teachers have done before us. We know that your journey doesn’t start here but is a continuation, an evolution of yourself and of your own awareness. It is with this in mind that we offer a few suggestions to help stay focused and connected to the essence of wilderness when you have no one to remind you.
Helpful Advice
In terms of applying yourself as a student with a routine-like intent, the journey described below, represents a natural cycle of learning, one that can be incorporated into every aspect of your life and follows no truly defined flow. You may find that learning by these natural processes you will enhance your ability to come “full circle” with whatever you pursue in life….
Refine your Questions- The art of Tracking is intentful questioning.
Use all of your Senses- Quite your mind and sense what you are searching for.
Wander when needed- Go with the flow, without time or destination.
Sit Area- A place you find solitude and learn in a natural way.
We look forward to making tracks with you soon….