Rooted and Rising

Now accepting applications for Fall 2021

For youth ages 13-16* 

It is time for change. Our planet will not wait. Youth today are more aware and burdened by the knowledge of climate instability and ecological crisis than any previous generation.

Young people want to participate in real and meaningful ways in their world. They carry fresh ways of seeing old patterns and the ability to act poignantly with passion, willfulness, and courage; all of which can be of profound service to the Earth and within our communities. However, in mainstream society there are few relevant and inspiring forums for the gifts of adolescence to be given and fully appreciated.

Rooted and Rising is a community of youth and mentors meeting monthly during the school year to explore intersecting themes of personal and planetary concern, engage socially and cultivate emotional resiliency, as well as amplify and empower heart-led activism. The content of this journey is inspired by and responsive to the participating youth’s areas of interest and developmental awareness. Consideration and sensitivity is given to how topics and information are shared, so that each may connect with their own truth, understanding, and aspirations.

 

Mentorship

As mentors, we bring our presence, authenticity, and life’s experience to guide and support the cultivation of each youth’s unique strengths in service to our local and global communities.  Our approach is inspired by the teachings of our ancestors and life-honoring practices still held sacred by indigenous cultures around the world today. Through attentive listening and deepening trust, we craft relevant activities and projects to inspire one another in accessing our inner wisdom and confidence.

Elements of the Journey

  • Monthly Nature Excursions (One Saturday/month, Sept. – May)
  • Youth Led Projects and Discussions
  • Drop-In Events
  • End-of-Year Camping Trip (June/July)
  • One-on-One Mentorship
Continue reading Elements of the Journey
    • Monthly Nature Excursions (Sept thru May) – Once a month, we depart from our meet-up location in Eugene to explore the beautiful terrain around us. We begin each outing by rooting into the wisdom and wellness of the land, cultivating our connection to place, while interweaving activities related to themes of awareness, empowerment, activism, and resiliency in the context of personal, local, and global issues (see curriculum below). As we attune our bodies and minds to the lessons that surround us, we will learn to listen deeply to what wisdom is present within us, as well as remember what we most value about being alive. Outings are a full day, typically 10am to 5pm and take place on a Saturday. All trip locations are located between 30-90 minutes from Eugene. Transportation will be provided by mentors to outing destinations.
    • Youth Led Projects – At the start of the year, youth will identify an area of interest to focus on for the course of the journey. The areas of interest will inspire and shape personal or group projects explored during monthly excursions and at home. Some participants may be interested in learning new skills, while others may choose to focus on personal development, community organizing and service, or expanding knowledge of an interest.
    • Drop-In Events (Sept thru May) – Beyond our once monthly outings as a group, mentors will present opportunities to engage in events and projects related to their interests happening in the community. Building connections with the local movement of cultural creatives, change makers, and earth stewards is essential to enacting meaningful change, because we cannot do this alone. Participation in these events is optional and friends and family are always welcome to join. Events may include community service projects, skills gatherings, celebrations of the seasons, marches for a cause, mentoring younger children, workshops and public talks on social justice, emergency preparedness, empathy training, and more.
    • End of Year Camp Out (June or July) – To celebrate and close our year together, after school is out for summer break, we will enjoy a multi-day camping trip in the wild lands of the Cascadia.
  • One-on-One Mentoring – Mentors are available to offer additional support and connection. Youth may benefit from one-on-one time to navigate difficult experiences or emotions, or to take steps forward in actualizing their personal aspirations and projects. 

Commitment

The integrity of the youth and mentor community of Rooted and Rising, as well as the continuity and value of this journey is upheld by the mutual commitment of everyone involved. We strive to offer genuine and quality mentorship and therefore maintain small groups in which consistency is essential.

Curriculum 

Themes explored include: Personal and communal values; global and local issues; wildness and domestication; social and environmental justice; stillness and intuition; cycles of the earth; deep time (perspective); biomimicry; personal power and purpose; leadership and cooperation; visioning and imagination; resiliency and emotional intelligence; privilege and power dynamics; ancestral and personal wisdom; generosity.

Teaching Tools:  Nature immersion; sacred space; compassionate communication; authentic relating exercises; role-play and simulations; inspiring stories of men and women (current, historical, and personal); empowerment exercises; service projects; ancestral skills and earth-based crafts; independent and group challenges; movement and stillness practices; games, song, theatre, and earth-based rituals.

Values We Evoke:  Gratitude, confidence, humility, honesty, integrity, creativity, courage, curiosity, and joy.

 

Program Cost and Details

Starting in 2021, Nature’s Mystery will be offering this journey through a unique model of community-supported-mentorship, funded by the contributions of our greater community to make mentorship, nature connection and ecological education more accessible for youth/families. Applicants will be selected to participate and receive the financial support of their community by three criteria – application, interview, and commitment.

While there is an expense of time, energy, and financial resources that goes into providing this offering, we do not turn anyone away based on financial limitations alone and ask that all who are able contribute to our mentorship fund for future participants.

Nature’s Mystery Awareness School is a community-supported non-profit endeavor. We invest 100% of our time, energy, and financial resources into our mission:

“To cultivate a peaceful, socially sustainable, and ecologically regenerative future in the hearts and minds of today’s youth.”

 

Ready To Apply:

1) Youth and parents read the full program description

2) Mail the signed and complete the application* and participant agreements to Nature’s Mystery P.O. box 741 Cottage Grove, OR, 97424.

3) Upon receiving and reviewing your application, we will schedule a time to meet with your family.

*Application will be posted soon.

Contact

For more information please
Call 541.521.8658
Email Nathaniel@naturesmystery.org