WildCraftPlay.com

What kind of Guiding and Coaching you ask?

I am focusing on working with people who work with youth, specifically in outdoor adventures.
My mission is to support youth to become the best people they can be, and I know it in my bones that outdoor experiences truly make a difference to their health, wellbeing and willingness to take care of the Earth.

My vision is to positively impact thousands of youth, so I choose you. Whether you are a teacher, parent, guide, facilitator, entrepreneur, care giver, as long as you work with youth and want to incorporate outdoor play somehow in your experience. You’ve come to the right place.

Being a Guide and being a Coach are two VERY different experiences, and I offer both. Think of it as a choose your own adventure (what exists at the core of all of my youth programming).

Experience

Professional Outdoor Guide and Behavior Interventionist for 20 years, running my own children’s Nature & Arts-based program Wild Craft Play, also certified in coaching and guiding; Sailing, Kayaking, Canoeing, Caving, Rock Rappelling, Wilderness Survival, Archery, Swordplay.

Successfully trained over 300 adults in the field over the years.

MA in Environmental Education & Communication – produced a video-ethnographic thesis called “The Hummingbird Approach – A Case study of Guided Discovery Learning in Nature”

Excellence Seminars International – first time attended was in 2006, audited 3 times, now contribute voluntarily as a coach.

Diploma in Sport Science & Coaching – Certified NCCP Level 3 Coach in Competitive Sailing and Indoor Rock Climbing for 4 years, coaching over 60 youth

Diploma in Recreation & Sport Management

Digital Story Producer – presented 5 private productions, supported over 30 businesses and not-for-profit organizations with their social media campaigns.

8 Years in the field as a fundraiser

Check out this Online & On-land mini-course

Click the video above to get you and your team on the same page with the hazards in your area.

Our children and the Earth rely on connection. 

You deserve support to make this easier and more sustainable for you!

I focus on regenerating resilience the way Nature intended, through kinesthetic experiences reaching the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual self. Educating about the Earth, and guiding child-lead experiences using pedagogies such as Guided Discovery Learning, the Art of Mentoring and Earth Education. My name is Jamie Black, I am here to be of service.

I notice that there is an unspoken fear that can linger in anyone who works with children… fear of the unknown, fear of being sued, fear of getting hurt, fear of the youth getting hurt, fear of not being good enough.  I have also received feedback that the reasons why people are not getting youth outside is because of lack of money, time, resources, energy, skill.

While these concerns are all valid, there is strength in developing self-confidence and a sort of “common-sense” to relieve these pressures. This is where I come in.

I have been a Researcher, Guide and Facilitator in the outdoor education industry for over 20 years. I have an MA in Environmental Education and Communication, and I have come to understand that people who work with youth deserve the most attention right now, in order to make a difference in the World.

As a front-line worker, and as an administrator, you shouldn’t have to struggle alone, feel isolated, think that support is lacking. You shouldn’t have to invent the systems, face the legalities, or create your experiences yourself, especially for those who work with adolescent youth.

Youth are the most impressionable between the ages of 8 and 14. I choose to focus on working with organizations that support this age range because this is a potent time where they can learn incredible copings skills, build resilience, and let them lead.

How do the staff in your organization facilitate? Are the youth engaged?

Do you want support in getting outside with youth in a way that builds resilience?  

Would you value tools and resources for your staff to problem solve and make outings more successful?  

Do you need help with organizing systems, training, curriculum and program development for your staff?  

Let me share about my 20 year commitment has generated in order to be able to support nature and arts-based activities for your organization.

Let me support you to create systems to encourage guided youth experience in “higher-risk activities” to boost immune systems, self-confidence and resilience.

There are plenty of ways to make this connection work more accessible to everyone involved. Supporting inclusive leisure, ensure equity and make accessible.

Let’s climb the tree of uncertainty together,

Wild Wishes,

Jamie Black, MA

“Jamie was my life coach for a number of months and with an inspiring and motivating approach, Jamie guided me to have a more clear understanding of my business as an entrepreneur. Not only did Jamie offer good advice and suggestions, but she also helped me complete different aspects of the nuts and bolts of my business. Jamie continually reminded me of my goals, and with kind persistence, encouraged me to improve my health one step at a time, boosting my relationships, and my outlook on life.”

~ Darren Cullum – Founder of Seniors Wheels and Care

Jarrett Krentzel

“I know you have something REALLY REALLY cutting edge, you totally nailed it.

I just loved watching every single child totally engaged in whatever it is they were interested in.

The total embodiment of child-lead play in a game that provides very minimal direction and very maximum setting. You are definitely guiding, yet at the same time letting the experience guide itself, letting the children co-create this experience with tidbits of information.”

Founder of Hand-in-Hand Nature Education

Sharon Ellert

“Human beings are social animals and our biological, psychological, and social systems evolved to thrive in collaborative networks of people.” Health Effects of Social Isolation  Clifford Singer MD

People need social interaction and to be outside. Nature experiences reduce many barriers to learning, including stress and attention deficit, while encouraging the full use of the senses.  Many other studies suggest that children who spend more time in nature are healthier, happier and smarter. Your program offers this alternative in a safe way. You have integrated some critical key components of education with Wild Craft Play such as:

• Focusing on the mental and physical health of children
• Your program enhances the standard curriculum and school system structure which currently has imposed restrictions due to COVID
• Wild Craft Play offers much-needed additional support for teachers and home school providers with emphasis on education and not just systems
• Educators can enhance their own experience by becoming program leaders
• The need for a new approach to education and life enhanced learning is an option that can no longer be ignored.

I am excited about the future that Wild Craft Play ‘scool if providing for the future education of children, along with support for educators, as we navigate through these times of increased stress.

Sharon Ellert

Certified Life Coach