In this program we enter the liminal space of renewed possibility for deepening our connection with the more-than-human world through Forest Therapy and The Way of Council.
Forest Therapy is the practice of sensory connection to come into intimate relationship with the more-than-human world and with each other. A series of guided invitations bring us into the present moment, opening the doors of communication with the forest, waters, and landscapes we explore. We encounter not just the forest, but through the many mirrors of nature, we also encounter ourselves.
The Way of Council is a process of communication with ourselves and each other that supports deepening into our experience. Through council we can discover the meaning of our emerging stories through sharing and being witnessed in circle. Council invites us to become more intimate with our own lives, and support each other as we move through our processes of learning, growing, grieving, and healing. Because it invites authentic expression, council can be quite intimate. Your facilitators will show how the form of Council can create space that is both vulnerable and safe.
Restorative Practices build on the Way of Council to create opportunities for exploring and healing harms in relationships. In the Council of Waters and Trees we introduce "Aloha Ropes," a restorative practice developed by Amos Clifford. Inspired by the Hawaiian tradition of Ho'oponopono and other sources, we will use this practice to deepen our relationship with the more-than-human world of nature. Through Aloha Ropes we will discover how the land can listen and speak to us, and through us give voice to its longings, wisdom, and needs. Like Council, Aloha Ropes is a method that can be readily transferred into other settings such as schools and communities.
This journey will allow us to sink deeply into the medicine of the forest. Mornings will be spent immersing ourselves in the experiential practices of Forest Therapy. Afternoon Council meetings support the deep rooting of the medicine the forest has offered us. We will experience the brief "light touch" council as it is used in Forest Therapy as well as diving into the deeper practice and learning-by-doing the core skills of council leadership.
This is an ASL video by Deaf certified ANFT guide, Summer Crider, explaining the details of this retreat, including some video clips of the Aspen Camp location.
This immersion will include an in-depth exploration of the main themes of The Way of the Guide, as developed by M. Amos Clifford and taught by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs. Our exploration will include looking at the Guide archetype in relationship to archetypes of place and process. We will also learn the differences between the archetypes of Guide, Mentor, and Healer, and how those three work together to support people on their journeys toward wholeness and authenticity.
The Way of the Guide is also about supporting people as they approach and then break through the ways in which they are tamed by the trances of culture, trauma, patriarchy and other influences. We will experience how boundaries become edges at the thresholds of liminal experiences, and how the journey through liminatity can help to expand our sense what is possible in our lives.
A non-profit organization, Jouvence is located on a 194-acre site on Lake Stukely, in Mont-Orford National Park. Renowned for its hospitality and well-stocked table, Jouvence has been a jewel in the Eastern Townships for more than 45 years. By taking advantage of its all-inclusive formula, including overnight stay, meals and access to outdoor activities and equipment, you will leave conquered and out of the ordinary. Our 125 cozy rooms, many with wood burning stove, are spread out in small private cottages, large pavilions or a charming inn. Do you prefer the rustic side? Our two refuges located within a few minutes of hiking will offer you a privileged experience with nature.
Organisme à but non lucratif, Jouvence est situé sur un site de 194 acres en bordure du lac Stukely, dans le parc national du Mont-Orford. Renommé pour son accueil et sa table bien garnie, Jouvence est un joyau des Cantons-de-l’Est depuis plus de 45 ans. En profitant de sa formule tout inclus, comprenant la nuitée, les repas ainsi que l’accès aux activités et équipements de plein air, vous en repartirez conquis et dépaysé. Nos 125 chambres chaleureuses, dont plusieurs avec poêle à bois, sont réparties dans de petits chalets privés, de grands pavillons ou encore une charmante auberge. Vous préférez le côté rustique? Nos deux refuges situés à quelques minutes de randonnée vous offriront une expérience privilégiée avec la nature.
Contact christy@natureandforesttherapy.org
Lodging and meal costs are not included in the tuition price.
Single, double, and triple occupancy available.
Jouvence can accomodate all food preferences. We will be eating at the dining hall, just minutes from our living quarters.
The closest international airport is Montréal Pierre-Elliott Trudeau International Airport *(YUL), about 140 km west of Orford. Local travelers may also arrive and depart from the Burlington Airport (BTV) in Vermont (USA) and the Plattsburgh Airport (PBG) in New York (USA). Travel from YUL to Orford is approximately 1.5 hours by car, whereas from BTV and PBG is 2 hours. Note that if you do fly to Burlington, you must pass through Canadian customs at the Canada-USA border.
*Some ticketing agencies might use 'YMQ' as the Montreal area airport code (in case you did not find 'YUL' while searching for flights)
From Motréal Trudeau Airport to Jouvence: Aeronavette, 24/7 shared shuttle service. The cost for round-trip per person is approximately 120$CAD (not yet included: taxes and applicable fees for the ride to Centre Jouvence directly).
Money, Language and Electricity
The currecny in Canada is the Canadian Dollar (click here for a currency converter).
Canada is a bilingual country, speaking both English and French. In Québec the official language is French but most people do speak in English, especially in the tourism and service industries. This event will be held in English.
Please bring adapters for electricity if you are coming from outside of North America. In Canada, Type A & B plugs are used.
Summer , as a certified Nature and Forest Therapy guide, works in partnership with Nature to provide opportunities to help humans re-connect with the Earth and themselves.
Born and raised in the cypress swamp of North Florida, Summer has navigated through various life experiences as a human being who happens to be deaf. After getting their degrees in Expressive Art Therapy and Deaf Cultural Studies, and certified in American Sign Language, Summer taught ASL, Spanish, and Deaf Culture in various high schools and colleges/universities for 15+ years. They also established a media consulting business, making educational films accessible to the sign language community.
After they experienced some challenges with severe anxiety, Summer found Mother Nature calling them back home. Summer decided to study Nature and Forest Therapy through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy and eventually found a new purpose- assisting humans from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and languages to rediscover their connection with the Natural world through the healing practice of forest bathing.
Tamberly Kerr - Conway - PhD
Tamberly serves as an ANFT Certified Guide and ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Trail Consultant. Tamberly holds an MS and PhD in Forestry, with a focus upon Human Dimensions in Natural Resources, focusing upon diversity engagement, health and nature connections, forest health/human health relationships, and community empowerment in conservation.
Tahia Devischer - PhD
Tahia is a research and teaching fellow at the University of British Columbia. She holds a PhD in ecosystems science from the University of Oxford, and is a certified forest therapy guide with ANFT. She works at the nexus of urban forests, human well-being and climate resilience.
Tamberly Kerr - Conway - PhD
Tamberly serves as an ANFT Certified Guide and ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Trail Consultant. Tamberly holds an MS and PhD in Forestry, with a focus upon Human Dimensions in Natural Resources, focusing upon diversity engagement, health and nature connections, forest health/human health relationships, and community empowerment in conservation.
Tahia Devischer - PhD
Tahia is a research and teaching fellow at the University of British Columbia. She holds a PhD in ecosystems science from the University of Oxford, and is a certified forest therapy guide with ANFT. She works at the nexus of urban forests, human well-being and climate resilience.
Tamberly Kerr - Conway - PhD
Tamberly serves as an ANFT Certified Guide and ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Trail Consultant. Tamberly holds an MS and PhD in Forestry, with a focus upon Human Dimensions in Natural Resources, focusing upon diversity engagement, health and nature connections, forest health/human health relationships, and community empowerment in conservation.
Tahia Devischer - PhD
Tahia is a research and teaching fellow at the University of British Columbia. She holds a PhD in ecosystems science from the University of Oxford, and is a certified forest therapy guide with ANFT. She works at the nexus of urban forests, human well-being and climate resilience.
Tamberly Kerr - Conway - PhD
Tamberly serves as an ANFT Certified Guide and ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Trail Consultant. Tamberly holds an MS and PhD in Forestry, with a focus upon Human Dimensions in Natural Resources, focusing upon diversity engagement, health and nature connections, forest health/human health relationships, and community empowerment in conservation.
Tahia Devischer - PhD
Tahia is a research and teaching fellow at the University of British Columbia. She holds a PhD in ecosystems science from the University of Oxford, and is a certified forest therapy guide with ANFT. She works at the nexus of urban forests, human well-being and climate resilience.