School F Youth for SUSTAINABILITY & HUMAN FLOURISHING
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school f youth FOR SUSTAINABILITY & HUMAN FLOURISHING www.schoolofyouth.org 16-26 August 2017 @ Findhorn Foundation, Scotland school f youth MAGICAL LEARNING ADVENTURES An initiative of: INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS & PARENTS We are inspired by the following three core values: Creative Minds ... Engage with the interconnected social, environmental and economic challenges of our time creatively. Open Hearts ... Encourage learning through art, music, theatre, dance and diverse creative expressions as an intuitive universal language. Wild Places ... Enjoy profound experiences in the outdoors, embracing the connection with others and nature, experiencing and understanding the self as part of the whole. Overview SCHOOL OF YOUTH 2 FOR SUSTAINABILITY AND HUMAN FLOURISHING IN A NUTSHELL: The School Of Youth brings together young people (ages 16-27) from dif- ferent social, cultural and religious backgrounds to engage in a magical 10-day learning experience. Blending outdoor adventures with music, art and philosophy, the programme is highly innovative, developing life-skills related to peace and sustainability. By meet- ing on the level of nature and exploring our common humanity, students build bridges of friendship and understanding across political, religious and geographic divides. Past students have reported the programme to be life-changing. The educational approach has been developed over the course of 15 years working with thousands of participants. This years programme is based at the world-renown Findhorn Ecovillage in the wild north of Scotland. It will take place from the 16th - 26th of August and is fully residential. The programme fee is £ 1250. Participants from economically disadvantaged backgrounds can apply for a bursary. The School of Youth is delivered in close collaboration with the Findhorn Foundation. What to expect You will join a vibrant international community of The learning experience is transformative, em- learning and explore how living together joyfully powering you to become a more responsible lead- and in harmony with each other and nature is pos- er in all aspects of your life. sible. The School of Youth will be both, an unfor- gettable holiday and a magical learning adventure You will make new friends from around the world, that complements traditional education at school and discover many new perspectives, trancend- or university. ing cultural, geographic and religious divides. We believe that this is sets an example the power to Professional facilitators and guides create a safe inspire not just your life, but also your family, your and caring atmosphere in which students feel community, your nation and the world! inspired to deeply inquire into themes that tru- ly matter to their hearts. Activities include rock Sign Up Now! climbing, canoeing, song writing, land art, yoga, a For more information visit: 24h wilderness solo, communication & team skills, web: https://www.findhorn.org/programmes/245/ story-telling, workshops on social entrepreneur- Video: https://vimeo.com/118982409 ship, and all the magic that emerges in between. Facebook: www.facebook.com/theschoolofyouth 3 WHAT WE DO ... 4 The Programme’s Design is based on the United Nations’ four pillars of sustainable development – ex- ploring cultural/social, environmental, spiritual and Learning Outcomes Are: economic dimensions. • Growth in confidence and the ability to reflect on experiences Economic • Increased capacity to manage and express difficult emotions • A capacity to appreciate diversity of Social/ Sustainability Spiritual Cultural ideas, beliefs, cultures and roles • A deep connection with nature through personal experience and a sense Environ- mental being part of a greater whole We understand that sustainable development occurs • An understanding and appreciation of sustainable when individuals, organisations and nations move to- development and social entrepreneurship wards greater harmony within themselves, with others • Practical tools to meet societal, and the more than human world. Hence, the learning environmental and economic challenges experience offered at the School Of Youth waters the seeds of understanding and awareness and supports • Improved ability to listen and to students to explore and express themselves more communicate in a compassionate way fully, not only through language and theories but also through dance, art and adventure experiences. Such • Cultivation of a healthy lifestyle learning then is balanced and enables our students to feel part of a much greater whole. Understood in this • Understanding personal talents and interest way, sustainable development is spiritual at its’ core. through outdoor and community activities We plan activities bridging action, theory and reflec- tion. The learning process develops students’ skills and thinking to meaningfully engage with the complexities of everyday life. 5 Situated at the wild north coast of Scotland, the School of Youth programme is based at the Findhorn Foundation - a community, ecovillage and an interna- tional centre for holistic education, helping to unfold a new human consciousness and create a positive and sustainable future. GUIDING PRINCIPLES 6 Safe Container. Creating a space that is both emo- Service Learning. Each camp contributes to the tionally and physically safe is the bedrock of our learn- place and community where the camp is held, for ex- ing community. It is marked by professionalism and an ample through eco-building, tree planting, land art or a inner posture of true kindness and care. creative contribution. Sense Of Self. Participants are encouraged to explore Social Entrepreneurship. With the participation their passions, values and beliefs and also spend a night of social entrepreneurs, students are exposed to new alone in the wilderness as a deep personal journey. ideas on how to impact social and environmental prob- lems in today’s global economy. Action & Leadership. The nature of the activities give students opportunities to put into practice the Different Ways Of Knowing. The program pro- art of acting responsibly towards positive change in vides a blend of experiential, presentational, prop- and after the camps. ositional and theoretical learning to provide a richer, deeper and more useful reflection on life experiences. Teamwork. Participants are encouraged to be a part of something bigger than themselves, through living and Challenge By Choice. None of the activities are working in a group of different nationalities and ages. obligatory, and the students have the opportunity to influence the program based on their individual learn- Interconnectedness. The program incorporates ing needs and wishes as well as those of the group. social, ecological, economic and world view dimensions with an appreciation of the complex relationships be- Language Immersion. All activities are carried out tween the different challenges of our time. in English and students of varying language abilities feel encouraged to express themselves in a fun and Openness to different ideas, beliefs and cultures. non-intimidating environment. Participants learn to appreciate diversity and differ- ent cultural norms, beliefs, languages and rituals as well as tolerance for other individuals or views differ- ent to their own. 7 ... AND HOW IT’S DONE The Latin ‘educare’ comes from roots suggest- ing a “leading out” or “leading forth”, with pos- sible implications of developing innate abili- ties and of expanding horizons. Thompson Music and sunbathing between sessions exploring artfully the question of how to live together well. Safety briefing just before stepping into silence for the 24 hour wilderness solo The programme offers a diverse range of adventure, Project Building Towards Change. Visiting social art and community based activities. While no single ac- entrepreneurs will explain their innovative projects and tivity is compulsory, students are encouraged to take impact on environmental and social issues, inspiring part in a variety of different options and experiment students with ways on how they can concretely act in with new challenges. Each activity covers a number of the world. learning outcomes and may include: Music & Dance. With the support of experienced Canyoning & Water Trekking. A journey led by artists, participants are given the space to find ex- professional canyoning guides through an awe-inspir- pression through music, dance and performance. They ing and otherworldly landscape. Equipped with wetsuit, may learn a new instrument, create a song, a rap, write helmet and harness students take on abseils down a poem or simply feel the beat of a drum. beautiful waterfalls, jump into crystal clear pools and slide down smooth rocks. Yoga & Massage. Participants learn yoga postures and simple breathing exercises to energize the body Rock Climbing & Trekking. A gentle introduction and calm the mind. They also have the chance to give to rock climbing with experienced guides and climbers and receive massages, learn techniques such as Indi- lead a journey through dry riverbeds, up colourful lime- an head massage, reflexology and how to make natural stone cliffs and through ancient archways and caves. remedies. Participants learn how to belay and trust each other to safely move up vertical cliffs in one of Europe’s most 24h Wilderness Solo. The solo is about making beautiful climbing areas. space to slow down, reflect and reenergize; a magical and potentially transformative experience. After days Archery & Meditation. Exercises for calming body