The Toolkit ‘’Young Women Going Back to Nature’’ was developed as a result of the learning exchange event for 12 professionals in the field of outdoor activities as part of the YGBN Project.
The Toolkit is intended to offer a thoughtful and impactful approach in working with young women within the realm of nature and outdoor activities involving a well-structured progression. This journey begins with icebreakers, which serve as essential starting points for building trust, rapport, and a safe environment. As the journey progresses to metaphor cards, participants are encouraged to explore their thoughts and feelings through the power of symbolism and storytelling. These cards act as a bridge between the conscious and the subconscious, allowing individuals to tap into their inner wisdom. Participants might find that as they select metaphor cards and discuss their significance within the context of their journey, they gain new insights into their narratives. Metaphors often resonate deeply because they allow for a non-linear, more intuitive exploration of one’s inner landscape.
The practices from metaphor cards to the construction of a reciprocal roof represents a profound exploration of self-discovery, trust-building, and relationship construction, symbolizing the reciprocity and mutual support required in relationships. This shared endeavor deepens connections, with participants integrating their metaphorical insights into their actions during construction. This holistic approach combines emotional and physical growth, emphasizing the interwoven concepts of metaphor, trust, and building, offering a multi-layered and transformative journey of self and interpersonal exploration.
The journey from trustful relationships will deepen into sensory stimulation exercises, an essential transition to foster a profound connection and heightened awareness among individuals. The trust serves as the bedrock upon which participants feel secure and open to exploring their sensory experiences in a group setting. These exercises, which may involve activities such as mindfulness, guided visualization, or sensory mindfulness, allow participants to deepen their connection not only with themselves but with one another. By engaging the senses, they create a shared, embodied experience that transcends verbal communication and taps into a deeper level of understanding and empathy, strengthening the bonds forged through trust. This sensory exploration is vital in building a holistic and transformative journey that connects individuals on a profound emotional and sensory level, ultimately enhancing the quality of their relationships and self-discovery.As they move through the trust-building and sensory exercises, these individuals develop a profound sense of self-awareness and connection with others, laying a strong foundation for the ultimate step – interacting with horses. Horses, as intuitive and responsive animals, become powerful mirrors for the participants’ emotions and behaviors. This phase of the journey often leads to significant realizations and breakthrough moments as the young women come face to face with their authentic selves, fostering empowerment and a deeper understanding of their unique paths of personal growth and self-discovery. It’s a process that not only engages and connects them but also empowers them to embrace their individual journeys with confidence and self-assurance.
The Toolkit ‘’Young Women Going Back to Nature’’ is available for free here:
All these incredible activities were captured on video and formed the Documentary Young Women Going Back to Nature. Take a look at it here and see how the innovative activities were done on field by the international team of the YGBN project.
Youth Outdoor Portal 