Mindful Ways Eco-Village Institute
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Camps
Camps
Our nature-based camps offer children the benefit of structure, stimulation, and socialization--without the harsh drawbacks of unhealthy buildings, processed food, and social models designed for the industrial age. Our students gain a sense of themselves as individuals with a conscious awareness of the whole, and a sense of how that wholeness impacts our collective well-being. We focus on the basics: creativity, music, movement, mindfulness, healthy self-care, gardening, compassionate communication, community building, and earth stewardship.
In addition to fresh air, sunshine, and space to run and play, being out in nature supports the development of healthy immune and nervous systems, endocrine function, and cognitive function. When we connect to nature, we connect to ourselves. For example, we don't just have a snack. We go and harvest organic fruits and vegetables from the food forest we forage on a daily basis. Then we wash them, prepare them, and serve them family-style on a large deck. We build an understanding of the entire life-cycle of the food, and how it works with our bodies to nourish and sustain us. When we finish, we clean up after ourselves and compost any food remainders.
Our mission is to support the natural magic of childhood, so children grow up thriving. A vibrant, sustainable society starts one child at a time!!
“Ecoliterate: How Educators Are Cultivating Emotional, Social, and Ecological Intelligence” reveal how education that engages in some of the most pressing ecological issues of the day advances academic achievement, fosters resilience, and helps school communities play a vital role in protecting the natural world.
-David Goleman
“Ecoliterate: How Educators Are Cultivating Emotional, Social, and Ecological Intelligence” reveal how education that engages in some of the most pressing ecological issues of the day advances academic achievement, fosters resilience, and helps school communities play a vital role in protecting the natural world.
-David Goleman
Mindful Ecology & Local Ecology Camp
Mindful Ecology & Local Ecology Camp
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A Day at Camp
9:00-9:30 Arrival
9:30-10:00 Community Circle (Meditation, Mindfulness Practice)
10:00-10:15 Open Exploration and Snack
10:15-11:15 Project Time
11:15-11:30 Open Exploration
11:30-12:00 Reconnection Circle
12:00-12:45 Lunch
12:45-1:00 Reconnection Circle
1:00-2:00 Project Time
2:00-2:30 Open Exploration and Clean-Up Time
2:30-2:24 Reconnection Circle
2:45-3:00 Departure
Before & After Camp
Before & After Camp
Extended day is offered from 3-6pm Monday through Friday at $25/day. Fun, creative activities are scheduled each day including movie making, script writing, going to the History Museum and more!
Early drop-off is available each day beginning at 8:00 am, for $10.
Sibling discounts are available at checkout.
What is Mindfulness?
What is Mindfulness?
The practice of mindfulness has been proven to make a very valuable and efficient contribution to the problems so many of us face in our schools. Mindfulness means to truly be here, body and mind together in the present moment. When we are able to come back to ourselves and our emotions, we can recognize habitual behavior, discover new options and make better choices. We can get in touch with other people, and with life--greatly benefiting our relationships. Compassion arises quite naturally, as does a sense of inner peace, joy and vitality. It is our experience that young people appreciate this opportunity to increase their personal freedom and to choose an ethical direction for their lives.
We can teach children to begin paying attention to things in the present moment through mindfulness. Mindfulness is defined by Jon Kabat-Zinn as “the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally to the unfolding of experiences moment by moment.” The first part of this definition expresses the idea that mindfulness is an active process; it involves active attention which leads to awareness. The second part of the definition highlights that it regards the present, rather than the past or future. The third part emphasizes that the attention is nonjudgmental and accepting, without thinking that the experience of the present moment is good or bad, right or wrong, important or trivial. It involves attending to the external environment as well as to internal bodily sensations, thoughts, and feelings. In practicing mindfulness, one becomes aware of these experiences, observes them carefully, accepts them, and lets go of them in order to attend to another present moment experience.