contact the forest
250.547.2001
Forest Therapy for Faith-Based Scholars
The Healing Forest
How Faith-based Centres can adopt
a Healing Forest Model
This seminar and demonstration series takes place within a Healing Forest and in a camp environment. This series was prepared to help faith-based scholars imagine how nature can be incorporated into their work.
This 2- day camp should be considered all-inclusive and pan-spiritual and pan-religious. It focuses on sharing the spiritual attributes found in nature that can be used factually or metaphorically to support any belief. This camp also includes the science and results connected to Forest Therapy and other nature-based activities that provide opportunities for bringing faith-based groups outside. It provides an opportunity to refresh interest in faith-based camps and create new narratives that will link to new communities. This series also includes an online toolkit which provides further education, ideas and support.
2025 Dates Open for Registration
- June 10/11
REGISTRATION
Forest Therapy for Faith-Based Scholars
The Healing Forest - A 2-day Seminar Camp
Regular Camp Series Cost:
$700.00 (Canadian Dollars) per person
You may register using this secure Paypal link:
You may also register by Interac or
Wells Fargo Transfer. Send us an email and we will send you instructions.
If you have questions please email us or call 250.547.2001
- Please note that members of Canada's Healing Forest Network and graduates of Wildcraft Forest School programs receive discounts for this event, please contact us.
Forest Medicine includes a number of features but one of the more popular modalities is Forest Therapy popularly known as Forest Bathing or Shinrin Yoku. The practice was developed in Japan during the 1980s and has since become a building block for preventive health care and healing in Japanese medicine. Researchers primarily in Japan and South Korea have established an extensive body of scientific literature on the health benefits of spending time under the canopy of a living forest.
Research indicates that Forest Therapy can alleviate stress, uplift mood and boost cognitive and immune functions. It may also reduce blood pressure and heart rate and improve sleep quality. These results have created foundation interest from healthcare agencies to have healthcare professionals recommend and even prescribe Forest Therapy to treat some of their clients and patients.
The Wildcraft Forest School has been delivering Forest Therapy training programs for a number of years and has incorporated a Healing Forest component within its teachings. This work provides an opportunity for faith-based groups to incorporate nature into programs and gatherings while at the same time strengthening those events with Forest Therapy methods.
So we have developed this seminar and demonstration series in a forest and it takes place within a 2-day camp environment for faith-based scholars who are seeking to know more about the science and results connected to Forest Therapy and other nature-based activities as well as how a Healing Forest can help their efforts.
The Creator can be found within the beauty of nature,
every great spiritual teacher has told us so.
There are teachings that suggest that when “qi” is in disarray, misfortune envelopes the space; the Creator seeks to ensure that cosmic energy remains in balance – however human beings have thrown nature out of balance, cosmic forces are out of alignment causing “chi” to be in disarray. What is required is a strong human effort to help nature become restored so that balance can be returned.
The “Guardian Spirit Complex” is an ancient phenomenon of considerable cultural, social and psychological significance for the great majority of indigenous societies throughout the ages. The Guardians take on many forms, they can be people, ancestors, spirits, plants and animals, even energies. The basic premise is that all things or “beings” which are alive and have varying degrees of sentiency whether they be a stone or a person. All of these Guardians exist surrounded by an energy field that contains extraordinary abilities. The social sciences refer to these beings collectively as the “Biofield.”
All of these notions are slowly being embraced by new generations of spiritual people who are seeking to incorporate such beliefs into their spirituality so that they may become better Christians, Muslims, and Jews and so on.
Here are a few more trends to ponder:
For many, this transformation in consciousness utilizes nature as a platform where community, prayer and celebration resides. Nature is trending up in churches.
- Bringing the outdoors inside is a trend that is gaining popularity in church design. Incorporating natural elements such as wood, stone, and plants into your church's decor can create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your congregation.
- A spiritually open generation is a reachable generation. Spirtual leaders who are open to change, who are ready for real dialogue, and who are ready to listen to a new generation will find themselves in the best position to reach Gen Z.
- And while that doesn’t require a rethinking of the historic orthodoxy connected to faith, it does require a rethinking of how we communicate that message and express it.
- Wise leaders who are willing to rethink their methods will preserve their faith centre’s mission.
When planning it’s always a good idea to think about the other reasons that cause people to gather:
- Community
- Kids and student ministry
- Connection
These experiences don’t always translate online. While the message is important it still requires these other components as well.
In today’s world a faith-based centre with a great online presence drives demand for in-person experiences because the line between what happens online and in real life continues to get thinner every year. In the future centre, a robust online experience will lead to a growing demand for in-person experiences.
But there is a difference between the creation of content and the system of distribution which is what the internet provides. Creating better messages will always represent the backbone for distribution. Incorporating the wonder found within nature provides a sense of place for the spirit which then drives dynamic imagery, stories and experiences.
Highlights of this Seminar and Demonstration Series:
- An open discussion regarding your faith-based centre and your views regarding Nature Deficit Disorder and Plant Blindness. Tell us about the spiritual and social dynamics that your community is facing and why you think nature and Forest Therapy might fit within your spiritual model.
- An introduction to the Healing Forest and the Reconciliation between people and nature; along with Forest Therapy and the current science and trends you need to know.
- Experiencing and examining Forest Therapy exercises and the incentives required for your community to remain engaged with a program so that positive results can be achieved.
- The seminar outlines the differences between guided and self-guided Forest Therapy, providing recent research about both options.
- Is the forest safe? The importance of understanding botany as well as knowing about the biotics and abiotics that play a role in the forest and outdoor environment. Understanding risk and liability issues.
- Creating goals and achieving and measuring spiritual success; and community and volunteer success.
- Creating fresh content every week.
- The outreach, fundraising and business case.
- Implementing Forest Therapy within your center – what are the steps.
- Trends in faith-based demographics, Forest Therapy and nature-based wellness.
This event is designed to meet the needs of faith-based scholars but is also open to administrators and NGO’s which have an interest in providing community or private theological missions. This event was also designed to consider participants from North and South America, members of the European Union, Africa as well as Pacific Rim nations. This program is presented in the English language.
Each day of this 2-day camp begins at 9am and runs until 4pm. A light lunch and snacks are provided. Upon registration you will be provided with a Logistics Kit that can assist you with travel and airport shuttle information as well as accommodation options.
