Join us for this weekend immersion into the practices of deep nature connection, facilitated by Claire Dunn, author of My Year Without Matches: Escaping the City in Search of the Wild.
Background:
One of the key findings of recent nature connection research is that children only go so far in their nature connection journey as that of their mentors. In other words, WE need to model nature connection if we want to cultivate it in our kids.
Spending time outdoors does not necessarily cultivate a deep connection to nature. Pioneers in the field drawing on anthropological study of indigenous cultures, science, and a long hard look at the effectiveness of environmental education have found that there are core practices that quickly create strong bonds of connection between humans and nature. Simple and repeatable practices such as tracking, bird language, sensory awareness and attuned mentorship are some of the most effective and ancient techniques that exist to enable profound connection with nature, with ourselves, and with each other.
By understanding our relationships with the animals, plants, weather and wind, and various aspects of the natural environment around us, we re-pattern our brain and nervous system to activate what are known as ‘the attributes of connection’ – happiness, vitality, the ability to listen deeply, increase empathy, helpfulness, true aliveness and gratitude for life, compassion, forgiveness and the quiet mind.
This workshop will include practical application of these core routines of nature connection in the beautiful bush at Somersby and plenty of time to relax and enjoy the beautiful place and connect with nature and each other.
Bio: Claire Dunn is a writer, educator, journalist and barefoot explorer. Claire worked for many years as an environmental campaigner with organisations such as The Wilderness Society, before turning her attention to the human-nature connection, studying Deep Ecology with Joanna Macy, eco-psychology, and wilderness survival skills. In 2010, Claire embarked on a year of bush living, completing the ‘Guunuwa Independent Wilderness Studies Program’. Her recent book My Year Without Matches: Escaping the the City in Search of the Wild is a memoir of that journey. Claire is a passionate advocate for ‘rewilding’ our inner and outer landscapes, and facilitates nature-based reconnection retreats and contemporary wilderness rites of passage. See www.naturesapprentice.com.au
Retreat Details
The retreat is for adults, but there will be some focus on mentoring children in nature connection.
1) Location and Accommodation
Located at Somersby in the Central Coast’s stunning hinterland,
Camp Chapman Girl Guide facility offers access to walking tracks
encompassing Aboriginal carvings and a rock pool. The property contains acres of natural bush with cleared areas for camping. 20 mins from Gosford, 45 mins from Hornsby, 80 mins from Newcastle. Accommodation in the main building is in shared rooms of up to 6 people. Alternatively bring your camping gear and camp in the beautiful camping area nearby.
See website for further information: http://www.girlguides-nswact.org.au/Documents/Properties/SP12_02_CampChapmanPropertyBrochure.pdf
2) Cost
$275 (camping) - $300 (shared room) includes:
- all workshop activities
- 2 nights accommodation
- delicious vegetarian lunches & dinners
3) Contact
Please contact Jane Lynch on janeblynch@hotmail.com or 0432 998 826 for any further information and bookings.
4) Claire Dunn
For further information about Claire and her work please visit her website:
http://www.naturesapprentice.com.au/