Journey Home : A nine month  Creative Journey in Nature : Ancestral Skills, Forest Therapy , Creative Practice. 

Journey Home inspires participants to connect with nature and explore how we can  find a sense of belonging and home in nature.This 9 month journey runs from Imbolc to Samhain and  is designed to help participants to discover their gifts and  develop these potentials.  It aims to develop nature connection and learn   skills  ,  develop  community,  build confidence and resilience in the self and help participants develop the necessary skills of communication, leadership  and discipline to prepare for the next steps as they move forward on  life’ s path. It will be a fun , exciting, empowering  and transformative experience.

Inspired by nature participants will connect with their creativity through a variety of engagement practices designed to encourage participants to connect with their local landscape and discover their personal creative potentials.The programme will be designed around 9 themes inspired by  nature which will foster a sense of place and belonging,  help us to understand our connection as humans to nature ,  create community and empower   young people to take positive  action in their community. Each session weaves together creative practices, forest therapy, nature connection practices ,  ancestral  skills and will focus on a different aspect of this creative journey using natural materials, based on the season, and interests of the group.

NATURE GUARDIANS AND MENTORING PROGRAMME :

Participants will also have the experience of stepping into the mentor role. Each year Kilkenny Forest School offers participants the opportunity  to return as mentors  on our Weavers and Warriors Programme and our Small Worlds Programme . 

Participants will also be invited to act in two ecological restoration projects as part of their journey to becoming nature guardians . These include habitat  management ( Himalayan Balsam )  and community seedsaving for the Acorn Project.