TENDING THE VILLAGE
Deep Nature Connection for Parents & Caregivers
(Grandparents, Aunties & Uncles welcome)
A transformative monthly program
designed to fit into your schedule
SEPT 2026 – JUNE 2027
Monthly Nature Connection Experiential Saturdays,
Deepening Wednesday evenings around the fire,
Powerful Life-long Connection Practices,
Experienced Mentoring Support,
Community Building
and so much more!
REGISTER ONLINE HERE
Why this program?
As we develop along the different life stages from infancy to elderhood, we benefit greatly from having certain experiences within the context of nature and a nature-connected culture and community to discover our gifts and purpose, and fulfill our human potential. All our programs, like WOLF and the Immersion, offer a proven transformative, nature-based approach that supports this developmental journey towards healthy maturity, inner stillness, joy and vitality, and a sense of purpose and connection.
The best way to support future generations in developing this full human potential is to surround them with adults who have this inner aliveness ignited within themselves. We developed this program to meet the needs of WOLF parents and other adults/aunties/uncles who are committed to supporting children in this journey of healthy development. As you integrate and role model it yourselves, you are able to better meet your children’s needs and catch their stories with a fuller sense of understanding and connection. All while having so much fun learning in the process! We’re committed to supporting cultural repair and community for all life stages.
We need this now more than ever!
This program is based on a time-tested mentoring model inspired by the cycles of nature and indigenous wisdom world-wide, developed by Jon Young, founder of the 8 Shields model and Living Connection 1st.
This model sparked a global movement that utilizes a finely tuned, tried and true mentoring model that has proven to create healthy and vibrant natural leaders, and nature-based intergenerational mentoring communities around the world over more than four decades.
It is a skillfully crafted holistic recipe of cultural elements and connective practices that enhance health, happiness and well-being in a deep embodied way. In addition, we will bring our own experiences and training in complimentary models such as EvolveNest, the Continuum Concept and Attachment, Nonviolent Communication and more.
During Tending the Village, you will be guided to:
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Develop a deeper relationship with Nature, Community and Self
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Expand your senses, awareness and empathy to a whole new level
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Experience belonging and community in the context of healthy regenerative culture
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Learn practical earth-based ancient skills, including fire making, crafting, wild plants
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Practice holistic tracking
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Discover bird language
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Expand your naturalist knowledge
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Learn about peace tending
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Understand life cycles and healthy maturation for both children and adults
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Explore and discuss how to support your children’s needs
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Train in practices and gather life-long tools that will significantly enhance your daily life
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Encounter and implement a nature-based time-tested mentoring model
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Play games, sing songs, share stories, connect and build community
“The monthly Nature Connection Journey was an amazing experience like no other. I continue to do many of the practices I learned–I’m amazed at how much more I notice about nature, birds, and other wildlife around me as a result of doing this program. The practices have increased my awareness and also supported me to be more present in myself and with others. I couldn’t have learned these the same way from a book–the presence of experienced mentors had a huge impact!
I highly recommend this program!
(And Victoria peeps, it’s an easy commute to beautiful Salt Spring Island for a day, once a month!)”
~ Colleen Adrian, former WOLF Parent, Author, Speaker and Mentor for parents
What participants of our previous monthly programs have said:
“The Nature Connection Mentoring Journey was something I looked forward to every month. The premise of being in nature on beautiful Salt Spring Island, surrounded by like minded people, and held in a safe and loving circle created by Ingrid and Jean-Claude was always warming to my soul. I recommend it to anyone, but especially those that long for deep nature connection and invaluable teachings by two wonderful sages.“
~ Zsoka Scurtescu, Parent & Intuitive energy worker
“The Nature Connection Journey was a transformational experience for me. Learning to embody the attributes of connection over a year, under the guidance and loving support of experienced mentors, brought me to a deeper level in my journey toward nature connection and a fuller life. I’d highly recommend this course to individuals looking to deepen their own personal nature connection journey and anyone interested in helping connect others to nature and to their community.”
~ Michi Main, former WOLF Mentor, Marine biologist
“The Nature Connection Journey was a great introduction to the 8 shields, with the depth that’s needed to have you asking for more. This program helped me to see that my head and heart were NOT in alignment, and it has given me the support and awareness I’ve needed to navigate that transition. If you want to change your life, this program has the power to get you started!”
~ Jamie Ferguson, former WILD CHILD Parent and business owner
“I completed the Nature Cconnection journey twice and would have participated in successive years had I not started having babies. I so enjoyed connecting to nature and to the energy of the season through the nature connection activities, games and thoughtful reflections.
Through this ‘work’ I experienced mystical moments, the pushing of edges, synchronicities, connection, laughter and the deepening of friendships (not just with humans!)
I deeply appreciated being with like-minded people, being part of a community who is reverent of- and acknowledges our part in- the natural world.”
~ Ashley Casault, Parent
ELEMENTS OF THE PROGRAM
Opening Overnight, Saturday Sept 19 10am to Sunday Sept 20 3pm
Our first weekend is an overnight for orientation, building connection, experiential learning, sharing, fun, music and community bonding. Children are welcome for the evening and to spend the night. If needed, parents may also go home and return in the morning.
Monthly Workshops, Saturdays 9:30am – 4pm
We will meet on the 3rd Saturday of every month (March on the 2nd Sat, no session in January) for an experiential workshop day, to practice core routines of nature connection, expand awareness and naturalist knowledge, learn hands-on ancestral skills and crafts, go tracking, play games, explore, share stories, teachings, and more.
Monthly “Fireside” Evenings, Wednesdays 6 – 8:30pm
We will meet on the first Wednesday of every month (except January), usually around the fire (but also possibly indoors in colder months), to share experiences, hear teachings about the Deep Nature Connection model, discuss parenting and healthy child development, craft, sing, storytell, and more.
Possible Options (still to be decided)
Optional rite of passage overnight in addition to the monthly Tending the Village, either a separate event or participation in our annual Surival and Rite of Passage program at a singnificant discount.
Childcare possibilities may include a simultaneous session on Saturdays held by a parent or mentor (to be decided with the group).
Children and famiy are welcome to join for the evening and night of the overnight.
2026-27 DATES
3rd SATURDAY of every month (except 2nd Sat in March, no session in January)
1st WEDNESDAY EVENING of every month (except January)
SEPT 19-20 : Overnight! Sat 10am to Sunday 3pm
OCT 7 : 6 – 8:30pm
OCT 17 : 9:30am – 4pm
NOV 4 : 6 – 8:30pm
NOV 21 : 9:30am – 4pm
DEC 2 : 6 – 8:30pm
DEC 19 : 9:30am – 4pm
FEB 3 : 6 – 8:30pm
FEB 20 : 9:30am – 4pm
MARCH 3 : 6 – 8:30pm
MARCH 13 : 9:30am – 4pm
APRIL 7 : 6 – 8:30pm
APRIL 17 : 9:30am – 4pm
MAY 5 : 6 – 8:30pm
MAY 15 : 9:30am – 4pm
JUNE 2 : 6 – 8:30pm
Dates may be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.
INSTRUCTORS
CORE MENTOR :
ARNAUD GAGNE will be present for the entire program
ELDERS / MENTORS :
INGRID BAUER is co-designing the program with Arnaud and will be present for most Saturdays and Wednesday evenings
JEAN-CLAUDE CATRY will attend Wednesday evenings and possibly some Saturdays
With possible guests
INVESTMENT
The cost for the program is $1850
Register with a partner from the same household and save $400 each, for a cost of $1450 each. You must register at the same time. Email info@wisdomoftheearth.ca for discount code.
A DEPOSIT of $500 will hold your space.
Various monthly payment plans with installments are possible. You’ll choose this during the registration process.
**We’d like to make this program accessible to all WOLF parents.
Contact ingrid@wisdomoftheearth.ca if cost is an issue,
OR if you are able to help support parents for whom the cost is prohibitive.
LOCATION
While our base camp is in the south end of Salt Spring Island, BC, beside Ruckle Park, some Saturdays will take place in various other wild locations on Salt Spring. Prepare to be delighted!
Most Wednesday evenings will be around the fire at our base camp, though some may take place indoors during the colder months.
