Nature Mentoring Training - Intensive

A 4-day, small-group training where you’ll experience an immersive dive into the Art of Mentoring curriculum: practical ecology, wilderness survival, and mentoring practices. For parents, educators, and nature enthusiasts who want to bring deeper connection to nature into their community.

Quick informations

Age

18 +

Frequency

4 consecutive days

Schedule

9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Location

Jardins Carya (Senneville)

Period

August 18 to 21, 2026

Number of sessions

4 consecutive days

Price

$550.00

Spots are limited — book early to secure yours.

Program details

Nature Mentoring – Intensive is a condensed version of our flagship training, offered over 4 consecutive days at Les Jardins Carya, an organic farm in Senneville. Each day runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and we dive into practical ecology, wilderness survival, tracking, crafts, music, bird language, and the art of asking questions—based on the Art of Mentoring model.

We’ll spend most of our time in the “Coyote Field” and the wooded area behind the farm, right beside Parc Bois-de-la-Roche and the Morgan Arboretum. You’ll discover our willow garden, a magical spot we call “Narnia,” and a dedicated area to practice wilderness living skills. One day will be co-facilitated with a colleague from Kahnawake, touching on treaties, cultural appropriation, and other essential themes.

This training is for parents, educators, outdoor guides, and anyone passionate about connecting with nature who wants to bring these practices back to their families, groups, and communities.

Je m'inscris !

The 3 pillars of the program

Our approach is based on the 8 Shields model and the Coyote mentoring approach. Here's what you'll explore in depth during the training.

Survival and life in the forest (Self-sufficiency)

Être un guide, c’est d’abord être à l’aise dehors, peu importe les conditions.

Vous explorez les bases essentielles de la survie : abri, eau, feu (dont le feu par friction), ainsi que des arts traditionnels comme la vannerie (confection de paniers) et l’utilisation sécuritaire des outils (couteau, hache).

Ecology and knowledge of the land (Anchoring)

On ne protège bien que ce que l’on connaît.

Vous dépassez la simple identification pour aller vers la relation : langage des oiseaux (alarmes et comportements), pistage de la faune (lire les histoires dans la terre), plantes comestibles et médicinales, cartographie naturelle et compréhension des écosystèmes locaux.

The Art of Mentoring (Pedagogy)

Knowledge is not enough; you must know how to pass it down.

You'll practice the art of asking the right question at the right time, connection routines (Sit Spot), managing the energy cycles of a group, storytelling (tales, stories around the fire) and facilitating talking circles.

The Team

Sessions will be led by Steve Leckman and Julia Monkman, with support from guest guides including Kawisente McGregor and/or David McComber, and others.

Schedule and Location

The program runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day at Jardins Carya, in Montréal’s West Island.

Jardins Carya is an organic market-garden farm—an extraordinary private space tucked into several rich ecosystems, and one of the wildest places on the Island of Montréal. We’ve set up an educational area in a back field, including a willow garden for basketry, along with other shelters and fun spots where we bring youth.