The Journey of Transformation
How We Guide Children Back to Themselves
Book a Discovery Call with SusieHow We Guide Children Back to Themselves
Wild Earth Wisdom Camps offers more than adventures in nature—we create containers for genuine transformation. Through intentional practices, ceremony, and deep nature immersion, children remember who they truly are.
Core Instructional Themes
- Mitakuye Oyasin - We Are All Related: Everything is connected in the web of life. Caring for nature is caring for themselves.
- We Are Nature: Bones are Earth, Breath is Air, Energy is Fire, Fluids are Water.
- Connection Inspires Action: A felt sense of connection naturally inspires care for the self and community.
- Nature as Co-Facilitator: Nature is the primary teacher. Our role is to hold space.
"The resident beavers had abandoned their pond... leaving behind an enormous mud pit. When the children arrived... they turned that mud into their private amusement park. That’s when I fully understood just how imperative Earth connection is. It’s part of our DNA, our birthright."
Signature Practices: Tools for a Lifetime
Practice 1: Sit Spot
Each child finds a personal place in nature that becomes "theirs" for the week. Daily quiet time at their sit spot teaches observation, patience, self-reflection, and deepening relationship with the land. This practice is portable—children can create sit spots at home, school, or anywhere.
Practice 2: Sensory Opening
Guided practice awakening all five senses pulls children from their heads into their bodies and the present moment. By intentionally engaging sight, sound, smell, touch, and even taste, we ground them in the reality of the natural world.
Practice 3: Council Speak
Sacred circle practice where every voice is heard and honored. A talking piece passes around the circle ensuring each person speaks without interruption while others listen deeply. Creates safety, builds trust, teaches respectful communication, and weaves community.
Practice 4: Affirmations
Children set clear intentions and speak "I AM" affirmations from mountaintops or quiet meadows, carrying symbols of their commitment. This builds self-identity and confidence rooted in their own experience.
Practice 5: Ceremony & Ritual
Meaningful rituals bookend the week—opening intentions, daily water gratitude, and closing celebrations. These markers create a sense of sacredness and importance around their personal growth journey.
Practice 6: Elemental Connection
Direct relationship with Earth, Air, Water, Fire, and Spirit teaches something essential about being alive. Understanding our biological and spiritual connection to the elements fosters deep ecological stewardship.
What Makes Us Unique
1. Nature as Primary Teacher: Every activity creates opportunity for direct relationship with the living world.
2. Body-Mind-Spirit Integration: Children don't just learn about nature—they embody it.
3. Research-Backed: 16 years of refinement combined with neuroscience and Indigenous wisdom.
4. Four Pillars Framework: Strength, Courage, Confidence, Resilience as lived experiences.
5. Tools for a Lifetime: Portable practices children can use anywhere, anytime.
6. Replicable Magic: Curriculum built on solid foundations, consistently producing transformation.
7. Gender-Specific Spaces: Honoring different developmental needs and providing safety.
8. Ceremony as Container: Essential markers that track growth and create meaning.
9. Location Flexibility: Curriculum adapts to diverse environments—from forests to urban parks.
Our Approach by Age
Younger Children (7-10 years)
- Shorter days without overnight (9am-3pm)
- Learning through wonder, play, and sensory exploration
- Simple, concrete activities
- Emphasis on discovery and fun
- Building foundation of the Four Pillars
- Nature as magical, full of possibility
Older Youth (11-17 years)
- Longer days with one overnight
- Deep identity work and self-reflection
- Challenging adventures requiring courage
- Emotional intelligence tools
- Rite-of-passage ceremonies
- Nature as teacher, mirror, and place of power
What We Look For in Settings
Trails, creeks, forests | Space for council circles | Areas for sit spots | Beauty that inspires awe
" I cannot give you this magic. But I can give you everything else: the framework, the practices, the wisdom, the business tools, and the invitation to create your own magic with nature."