“For we can not intervene effectively, cannot say something back to the world, unless we first understand and hear something. And we cannot hear unless we open our ears and realize that the world is speaking to us. And as soon as we do we become alive… more at home in a vital and dynamic universe.” --Starhawk, The Earth Path

A truly whole curriculum is one that teaches to the heart as well as to the mind and body. Then students have the opportunity not just to learn, but to be transformed. In these programs students learn to really Listen to nature; from Listening they can Hear. Then it is not the teacher teaching—it is nature herself, and it is the student’s deepest self.
 
Sylvan’s Youth Education Service offers Deep Learning programs from the understanding that society’s relationship with the environment will only change through a shift in consciousness. Only when we cease to see ourselves as transcendent of the Earth and separate from our environment will our ecological crises be resolved . . .  and only then will we have whole people and a healthy and sustainable society.

Many of these programs are suitable for adults as well as youth and are easily adapted to adult/child dual participation. The duration of an individual Deep Learning program can vary widely, depending on how much time you want to allot for it; the more time for the program, the deeper the students can go into the subject. Most of them are held outdoors, though as specified some may take place indoors. The outdoor programs may either be held at your site, or Sylvan’s YES can provide a site near you.

Deep Learning Programs

deep ecology and bioregionalism

the council of all beings

sweat lodge

nature communion and communication

stress management

the SOLO sit and vision quest

DEEP ECOLOGY AND BIOREGIONALISM

“Earth my body, water my blood, air my breath and fire my spirit.”
The only way out of our current environmental crisis is for the next generation to understand that humans are not above nature, but intimately connected to it. Psychology is also finding that when people feel connected to the land where they live, their mental health improves. In this program participants explore their deep connection to the universe leading to a heightened affinity for their place on Earth, their bioregion.
grades: K – adult
length: 1½ - 3 hours
location: woods, or woods and lawn

NATURE COMMUNION AND COMMUNICATION

“If I could talk to the animals, just imagine it.” Did you know squirrels communicate with deer? Why not with humans? Science has shown ways trees communicate with each other, too. Maybe you can also communicate with them. We’ll examine differing ideas from other cultures on inter-species communication and participate in exercises to attune ourselves to what messages nature might have to share.
grades: K – adult
length: 1½ hours
location: woods, or woods and lawn
SOLs: Science 4.5(a, b), LS.8, LS.9(c, d)

THE COUNCIL OF ALL BEINGS

Many ancient stories tell of Great Councils where all species would come together to discuss the major issues facing creation. Participants will resurrect these ancient gatherings by stepping aside from their human identity and speaking on behalf of other life forms. They will thereby heighten their awareness of their interdependence with all beings on the Earth. Depending on the time allotted for the program, we may also make masks for the Council.
grades: 6 – adult
length: 1 ½ - 4 hours
location: indoors or out
SOLs: Science LS.9, LS.12, BIO.9(a, d)

STRESS MANAGEMENT

Students are introduced to the health risks associated with stress and experience progressive deep relaxation techniques that they can practice themselves anywhere, anytime (like before a test!) Sylvan Willig is a certified Stress Management Therapist.
grades: 6 - adult
length: 1 hour
location: quiet indoors room
SOLs: Health 6.3(a), 7.1(c), 7.2(e), 9.1(g)

NOTE-- The following two very special Deep Learning programs are only intended for young people who have a need for transformative ceremonies. An introductory meeting between the YES staff and potential participants may be required ahead of time.

These programs are based both on the understanding of ancient cultures, as well as contemporary traditions. While some of these programs do touch upon spirituality, we firmly believe that it is not the teacher’s place to preach or convert, spiritually or philosophically. Therefore, they are led in such a way that a person of any (or no) religion will feel comfortable.

If necessary, the YES can provide all group equipment and food required for overnight programs. Fees vary according to the program length and any special equipment needed for your group.

SWEAT LODGE

“The stones have been heating in the bonfire for over an hour. When they are ready, we mindfully enter the lodge. Next the ‘stone people’ are brought into the lodge and honored with cedar. It grows hot. The door is closed and we are in total darkness, except for the stones’ soft red glow. When Sylvan pours water on them, they begin singing as they release steam. We join with them…”

Sweat lodges have taken place throughout the Earth for thousands of years. They are considered by some to be the oldest living ceremonies, and are a powerful way to ask for guidance from the Universe. Sylvan Willig has been given permission by a Lakota ceremonial healer to lead lodges, and has done so with complete safety for young people and adults for 15 years. Some of the most powerful lodges in which he has participated have been those he has led for youth. While this is a sacred ceremony, Sylvan and his staff maintain a relaxed atmosphere for young participants.
grades: 6 – 12
length: 4 hours to two days (overnight camping optional)
location: a temporary lodge can be constructed at your location, or the YES can provide a location

The SOLO SIT and the VISION QUEST

“I have lost my way many times in this world, only to return to these rounded, shimmering hills and see myself recreated more beautiful than I could ever believe.” *

The solo sit program, lasting up to three hours, introduces young people and adults to the tradition of finding answers to life’s questions alone in nature. It includes exercises to help participants feel more comfortable spending time alone outdoors. They are taught how to become more still, physically and mentally, and how to open to the wisdom of nature.

The Vision Quest program is a several-day process for ages thirteen and older. It is the ancient traditional method for young people to find their proper place in society. It climaxes in the questers bravely removing themselves from others in order to look within and be receptive to the wisdom of nature. What happens next is always very personal, yet always sought for the good of all. It is a powerful rite of passage in which youth on the verge of adulthood can find their place in the grown-up world. And for those youth who feel lost in society, it is a particularly relevant way to regain a sense of personal direction through their own initiative.

The Vision Quest is composed of four stages. The first stage prepares the seekers for their solo times by helping them to clarify their inquiries, and by introducing the skills necessary to enable them to find their “Visions,” or personal answers while alone. Before the extended solo time, questers participate in shorter solo sits to help them find their “power spots” in nature and become at ease alone there. A sweat lodge is also offered to prepare the seekers. In this first stage a close supportive community is formed with fellow questers and staff.

The second stage is the solo period, when the seekers confront their personal demons of doubt, confusion, and loss in the quest for transformation. By removing themselves from the distractions of society and listening to the wisdom found in nature and her creatures they find clarification, or “Vision”. The solo period lasts from one to three days, depending upon the individual quester’s calling, age, and capability.

The third stage is the reincorporation, when the seekers are welcomed back triumphantly into the community. Each quester shares his/her Vision with the guides who help him/her crystallize its meaning.

The fourth stage is the “giveaway”, in which the seekers symbolically and literally give the benefits of their Visions back to their people as they prepare to reenter society.

The Youth Education Service’s vision quests are a modification of traditional quests. Safety is given first priority, particularly during the solo period when bountiful water, sufficient food, and protection from the elements are provided for the well being of the seekers. They sit removed from the supporting camp during the solo time, but close enough that they would not have any difficulty returning if the need arose. A staff person of the quester’s choosing checks upon him/her regularly throughout the duration of the solo stage. Time for games and recreation is provided before and after the solo period to keep the experience more relaxed and enjoyable. The presence and support of family members is also encouraged at appropriate times.

Vision quests can either be led entirely by the Youth Education Service’s experienced professional staff, or Sylvan Willig can serve as the facilitator for your own institution’s staff who then help to guide the seekers themselves. In the summer we also offer independent youth and adult group vision quests in which interested individuals may participate.
grades: 4 – 12
length: 1½ hours – 8 days (with overnight camping)
location: quiet outdoors (your location, or the YES can provide a location)
 
*Joy Harjo, Secrets From the Center of the World (Tuscon: Univ. of Arizona Press, 1989)

Virginia Standards of Learning