NatureVersity Components

Natural History Information

Bill Creasey will provide a basic review of local plants and animals, ecological concepts, and safety tips for enjoying nature in this region. Participants will experience nature first-hand and learn how to use reference materials to continually expand their knowledge. This fact-based portion of the training will help adult mentors to feel more confident in nature.

Group Interpretive Techniques

Interpretation sprang from the National Park Service and is “a mission-based communication process that forges emotional and intellectual connections between the interests of the audience and meanings inherent in the resource.” The role of interpretation is to facilitate connections between the meanings of the resources and the interests of the visitor. Jason Neumann will demonstrate outdoor group management techniques and provide ideas to inspire students to investigate and enjoy the natural world. 

Mentorship Skills

Bob Staggenborg will present information based on the book Coyote’s Guide to Connecting to Nature. Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, wrote the preface for the book, saying “teachers, mentors, and parents now have a powerful set of tools to help them with their task …this guide should become an essential resource for anyone who wants to revive their sense of kinship with nature but needs some help.” Bob will discuss the power of social influence and provide examples of activities which help mentors to guide inquiry-based learning in children.

Nature Play Facilitation

Jonathan Swiger will discuss the value of outdoor play in a child’s development. He will lead participants through a hands-on play odyssey to demonstrate tips and techniques for facilitating valuable play opportunities for children.

Click here to learn more about the NatureVersity instructors.