Residential Program - Testimonials

Sometimes the students' own words do the best job of describing the Residential Program experience. Here is what some of them had to say:

Ryan Whisnant
"The teachings I received through the Residential Program went far beyond my idea of what was even possible. Naturalist and survival skills were only the beginning. The cultural teachings and community experiences took the lessons to an entirely different level. Perhaps the most valuable things I gained from this course were a set of tools I can use to continue mentoring myself, and the lived experience of how an effective learning culture such as this operates and feels so that I can create it for others."

Shannon Kachel
"Through studies of tracking, awareness, survival, mentoring, scout skills, and indigenous cultures of the world I have come to know myself as a completely different person, and have been able to grapple with my personal challenges on a new level. The course has taught me how to learn and internalize these teachings. I did not anticipate that through learning wildlife tracking, I would learn how to better track my own inner landscape. I am applying the lessons of the natural world to everything in my life and finding that it yields a much simpler, calmer way to live happily and fully alive to each moment."

Rich Kelley
"The year was intensive, hands-on, and chock full of activities. I thoroughly enjoyed the classes and the subjects. I have been amazed at how wonderful this course is. I can’t believe I ever doubted coming for the year."

Ryan Salmon
"In the Wilderness Awareness Residential Program I gained a solid foundation in all of the core teachings that Wilderness Awareness School offers. Throughout the nine month-long immersion experience, I learned an immeasurable amount about nature, community, and myself. I now move forward with confidence after having been given the ultimate trail guide for continuing my development as a naturalist and a tracker."

Sarah Wheeless
"The course exceeded my wildest dreams in terms of personal, spiritual, and holistic growth. One of the main focuses in class was the art of tracking. Tracking brought to life not only my studies of mammals but also the plants, trees, birds, water systems, and weather patterns of the ecosystem. We learned how to use plants and trees for food and medicines as well as how to prepare them primitively. These skills brought my knowledge of the natural world to a higher plane; nature became a living being in which we all play a vital role.

One of the most valuable gifts of this course is how it helped me to find my strengths and weaknesses as a human being. My boundaries and comfort levels were continuously pushed and pulled, creating an environment of constant growth and personal development. I know now that I want to further my studies of mentoring, helping others to find their highest human potential. My long-term goal is to someday open a school or run courses using all of the tools I have learned this year."

Gabe Spence
"I came to the Wilderness Awareness Residential Program after completing a bachelor's degree in wildlife biology and working in that field for a couple years. After working as a biological technician I realized that tracking could give biologists a lot of information not easily available to them now. A big part of the reason that I am here is to learn the skills of tracking and connect them with the people in charge of our natural resources.

The skills of tracking and survival-living that I have learned at the Wilderness Awareness Residential Program have changed my perspective on the world. I guess you could say I have a better appreciation for how a bear lives after spending 3 days in the woods living off the same things a bear would have to be living off of. I have a better idea of how a cougar's mind works after following cougar tracks and imagining myself as a cougar to figure out where the tracks go. I also learned how to use CyberTracker technology, which is a way of recording data from tracking so it is useful to scientists. Using these skills in combination with my biology background I have obtained the position of project manager on a state funded carnivore study where tracking will play a key role.

The learning and growth that took place for me this year has made me feel very good about participating in the Wilderness Awareness Residential Program. I have gotten in touch things long forgotten, and I have met many goals that I have set for myself. I realize that now I have a strong foundation on a good path, and a powerful path, and I am very thankful for that."

Angie Jordan
"The classes on native skills, teachings about awareness, discussions about tracking and ecology, assigned readings, related movies, and guest speakers have all helped me become a much more natural person. I am comfortable in the woods like I never have been before. Being lost does not scare me as much as it used to, for I know that if I was lost I could create shelter, make fire, and take care of my most basic needs. A price cannot be placed on this type of confidence.

Reading the activity going on in the woods by listening to bird songs and alarms creates a powerful picture of the land in which I live. By learning the tracks of the animals who are my neighbors I can tell who is visiting the area, and who is not.

The cumulative awareness that is growing out of really learning about my natural surroundings spills over into my every day life as well. I notice people's feelings and well-being right away. I am able to think quickly, and problem-solve in a creative manner, because I am able to see the whole picture and track different solutions. I am confident that the basic skills learned this year will help me on my path in life. I am pleased with the progress that I have made this year and look forward to furthering my education with Wilderness Awareness School next year."

Carrie Daily
"I fully exceeded my expectations on what I would be learning about the natural world. I not only have a better understanding of my local ecosystem, but I see how this nature curriculum can be altered to focus on specific cultural teachings in any ecosystem. Furthermore, the year gave me a greater understanding of how one can trace the natural flow of energy and utilize symbols, such as the medicine wheel, in order to implement and design youth courses that can be culturally relevant for youth anywhere in the world. One of my goals that I feel I met was learning and absorbing what is considered the acorn method, which helps to create an environmental education course that is holistic in design, and incorporates the strengths of the four directions. The year has rekindled my passion for working with young people and I am looking forward to teaching with the summer youth courses at Wilderness Awareness School."

Tim Selim
"During my time with the Wilderness Awareness Residential Program I got more than I bargained for. The last two years have been filled with amazing lessons of love and life. By spending so much time with a group of people committed to studying the natural world I got a chance, for the first time in my life, to experience the power of a community. Together you make mistakes and learn from them and everyone grows so much quicker than they could on their own. It's a beautiful thing to be part of.

On a personal level I know my naturalist and tracking skills have grown tremendously with a lot of help from the curriculum and the instructors at Wilderness Awareness School. I feel confident about my sense of place and my knowledge of the flora and fauna of my local area. In short, I learned how to learn. I can see my connectedness to the rest of the world and I'm ready to move on in life and take these powerful teachings with me wherever I go. Thank you."

Matt Allen
"In my 29 years few things compare to the experiences I've had at Wilderness Awareness School. Two years in the Wilderness Awareness Residential Program has given me a clear understanding of who I am, how I relate to the rest of the world, and what I want to do. It is the best thing to happen in my life. I feel fulfilled and grateful for the skills and experiences I have gained. I recognize my gifts. I understand the ways in which my mind works to hold me back from my goals. And most importantly, I am filled with a sense of purpose and what it means to be a human being living on planet earth.

It has been a course of general study that was specific to each individual and the personal passion within. It provided direction and allowed for flexibility. It was a beautiful approach to a study of the natural world and continually grounded the students within the context of this whole of creation. By design or nature, it was a perfect balance between building awareness of nature and an intimate knowledge of who I am.

The instructors were great facilitators of our efficient and focused exploration of nature to find the answers to our own burning questions. I was surrounded by a supportive culture full of enthusiasm for each discovery in the field as well as honoring students for their level of home studies. My training with Wilderness Awareness School has empowered me as my own mentor. I have all the tools and routines internalized that have produced my profound personal growth and development as a naturalist. I am proud to carry these teachings and pass them on in a way that honors our elders and the teachings themselves."