The EAH program seeks to support adolescent girls in deepening their relationship with the earth. We seek to invite the girls into connection with nature through learning and practicing earth-based/primitive/wilderness survival skills together, as well as gardening, visiting nature sit spots, and getting to know plants and their healing properties.

We understand the earth to be a guide, teacher, and healer, and recognize the sanctuary to heart and soul that nature offers. In our work as eco-therapeutic facilitators, we strive to create opportunities for girls and young women to see themselves reflected in the wild landscapes around them— that they have the capacity to be as firmly rooted as a great oak tree; as fierce as a mountain lion protecting her cubs; as tender as a new-born chick; as bright as the summer sun; as soft as a feather; as strong and unshakeable as an ancient mountain; as fluid as a river— as resilient as the earth itself.

We are passionate about introducing the art of “beauty-making” in this program. We seek to create intentional space for girls and young women to explore the questions “Who am I?” and “What are my gifts?” One way in which we create nurturing spaces for the exploration of these questions is through creative self-expression. We will guide creative spaces in which girls can create art in circle together integrating natural materials such as herbs, flowers, seeds, clay, etc.

We also integrate the practice of beauty-making as a way to support the girls in connecting with themselves and one another. To share one’s art and be witnessed for a creation of beauty is an experience of being seen. As therapeutic facilitators, we value the power of being seen and celebrated for one’s gifts. These are spaces where girls and young women can practice being authentic— creating a work of heart and allowing it to be shared.

As eco-therapeutic facilitators, our work centers on care of the heart. We are passionate about this work, particularly amidst a larger cultural context that all too often devalues the sacredness of living close to the heart.

This program is born out of an awareness of the deep pain and loneliness so many young people experience when disconnected from the heart of who they are. We are also aware of the modern-day challenges young people face in being authentic to themselves in their relationships, particularly as social media becomes an ever-greater cultural pressure.

For this reason, the EAH program creates opportunities for stillness and introspection for participants to listen to the quiet whisper within, and to share with one another about their passions, what brings them alive, and what matters to them most.

Tending the heart is a practice and a skill. For this reason, we will be sharing movement and nature-based emotional regulation and mindfulness skills, healthy communication skills, and nature-based stories to support participants in deepening relationship with their emotional landscapes.