Nature Programs Calendar – Cari Burdett

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NATURE PROGRAMS CALENDAR

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Youth Nature School - for children and youth in the Quw’utsun Valley. Now enrolling for Fall 2025/2026 & Summer Camps

Day 3 of Lila Forest Fridays We had another beaut

Day 3 of Lila Forest Fridays

We had another beautiful full day together in the forest, with eight children joining us this week and a few friends away sick. The day was filled with learning, creativity, games and plenty of time to connect with the land.

We began with some energetic games, including a new favourite called Knee Tag, which had everyone moving, laughing and practising their agility. From there, we started learning how to make fire together. The children worked at different stations, preparing cedar fluff and other tinder, helping to build and arrange our central fire area, placing new rocks to mark the directions, and learning how to use a hatchet safely.

During our morning gathering, we shared gratitudes and sayings, then practised our awareness skills by listening carefully for birds and noticing the trees standing around us.

At snack and story time, we learned about the Old Apple Tree Man and held a little Wassail celebration in the orchard. We dipped bread into freshly made apple cider from the land and placed it in the trees for the birds. This was a way of honouring the orchard and wishing it well for a bountiful harvest next year. We also warmed more apple cider over the fire to enjoy together.

For our main teaching, we divided into groups for knife safety and skills. Many of the children had already learned the basics, so they were ready to move on to carving spindles for their own bow-drill kits. Some also began practising the more advanced technique of carving spirals into their sticks. It was a very successful and focused knife skills workshop.

After lunch and free time, we crossed the street to a secret little marsh to harvest cattails. Each child collected seven or eight cattails, enough to make their own mat. We brought them back to the land, labelled them with our names and tucked them away to dry. In about a month, we will weave our own cattail mats to help keep us warm through the winter.

Our monthly Nature Programs had lots of fun on the

Our monthly Nature Programs had lots of fun on their first Sunday in September. The day was shining as we met on this welcoming land. I was warmed by the faces of familiar friends and some newer ones joining us as we began our monthly Sundays together.

We have a large group on Sundays this year, which is fantastic. Lots of the youth are committed and focused on learning nature connection skills and how to make a bow drill, so this was a good entryway.

In our Lila Nature Programs, we have a structured day. We start the morning with games, and Bearmosquitosalmon helped each side huddle together to plan their next strategies. We then have a gathering where we sing a song, share some awareness skills — a kind of grounding and deeper entry into sense awareness, deeper listening, and so on — and share gratitude.

Sharing gratitude is a big part of the program: practicing how to be grateful for what is actually around us, what we are experiencing in nature, the people who are right there with us, and how we are feeling.

The fire was lit by Aaron with his bow drill as we sang the song “Fire of Creation.” So amazing!

The story of the Apple Tree was magically woven into our morning, followed by a visit to the orchard, where we harvested apples and enjoyed a drink of apple cider by the fire.

The program also teaches nature skills and encourages learning about birds, plants, trees, and animals. We are also learning about our interconnectedness as humans and across different age groups, as well as how to work together as a team.

Knife safety was revisited, followed by knife skill practice. As the youth gained confidence while batoning wood, they began carving the square pieces and dowels with gusto. In the little video clips, you can see some of what we worked on this Sunday: knife safety, batoning, making a spindle, and carving a spiral into the spindle.

We had a wonderful day, as reflected in the highlights shared during our concluding circle.

Deeply thankful,
Lila Nature Team

Megan, Cari , Aaron, Gord, Claudelle

Our monthly Nature Programs had lots of fun on the

Our monthly Nature Programs had lots of fun on their first Sunday in September. We have a large group on Sundays this year, which is fantastic. Lots of the youth are committed and focussed on learning nature connection skills, and learning how to make their bow drill, so this was a good entryway.

We have a structured day every day at our Lila Nature Programs, and Sunday has a similar structure. We start the morning with games and then we have a gathering where we sing a song, share some awareness skills, which is a kind of grounding and deeper entry into sense awareness, deeper listening, etc. And then we share gratitude.

Sharing gratitude is a big part of the program — to practice learning how to be grateful for what actually is around us, what we’re experiencing in nature, with the people that are right there right now, and how you’re feeling.

The program also teaches nature skills and learning about birds and plants and trees and animals. Then we are also learning about the interconnectedness of each other as humans and different age groups, and learning how to do teamwork.

On this first Sunday, as you can see, we learned about knife safety. The children have to learn how to baton, they have to learn how to make a spindle which is round, and then they have to learn how to make a spiral carved into the spindle. Then they will move on to make the notches for their fireboard for their bow drill kit.

We also love to play games and have lots of fun .

If you’re curious about our programs, check it out we still have space in our weekly Friday program programs and we’d love to hear from you !

We believe that these Nature programs are medicine for our times and that it’s imperative to stay connected to Nature for a healthy development and growth .

Our first day of Nature School was such a beautifu

Our first day of Nature School was such a beautiful beginning to the year.

We started with a blindfolded rope walk to introduce the children to the land and awaken their senses. It was a very simple rope walk that led them slowly through the back garden to the fire, where there was music and a beautiful altar. It was a way of landing, slowing down and arriving together.

We sang the song “Home” — “I’m coming home to a land that feeds my soul” — and it felt like a beautiful way to begin our year together.

From there, we headed into the forest and walked down to the river. The children explored, collected sticks and set up little trading centres. They played in the sand, explored the crayfish and had a really good time just being together outside.

This was our free trial day, so we had some children who were already registered, along with lots of new families who were coming to try it out. Some will be joining us for the monthly Sunday program and others for our weekly Friday program.

If you’re interested in our Nature School programs, check it out. There’s lots of information on the website, and the link is in my bio.

https://cariburdett.com/nature-school/#cowichanvalley #natureconnection #wilderness #youth #primativeskills

We are inviting Youth 7- 13 yrs to apply for our 1

We are inviting Youth 7- 13 yrs to apply for our 10 month Youth Nature Programs ( Monthly on Sundays or Weekly on Fridays) Sept 2026 - June 2027.

Lila Nature Programs
Nature Connection
8 Sheilds Mentoring
Link in bio
https://cariburdett.com/nature-school/

#wilderness #natureconnectionyouth #cowichanvalley #natureconnection natureprogram

We are inviting Youth 7- 13 yrs to apply for our 1

We are inviting Youth 7- 13 yrs to apply for our 10 month Youth Nature Programs ( Monthly on Sundays or Weekly on Fridays) Sept 2026 - June 2027.

Lila Nature Programs
Nature Connection
8 Sheilds Mentoring
Link in bio
https://cariburdett.com/nature-school/

#wilderness #natureconnectionyouth #cowichanvalley #natureconnection natureprogram

We are inviting Youth 7- 13 yrs to apply for our 1

We are inviting Youth 7- 13 yrs to apply for our 10 month Youth Nature Programs ( Monthly on Sundays or Weekly on Fridays) Sept 2026 - June 2027.

Lila Nature Programs
Nature Connection
8 Sheilds Mentoring
Link in bio
https://cariburdett.com/nature-school/

#wilderness #natureconnectionyouth #cowichanvalley #natureconnection natureprogram

Wild Wood Scouts — Day One The camp is officially

Wild Wood Scouts — Day One

The camp is officially underway.

We spent the day getting familiar with the land and each other, stepping straight into forest exploration, group games, and creative play. We began with name games and made sure everyone learned each other’s names, helping to build a strong and connected group right from the start. We have 15 youth between the ages of 7 and 12, supported by four older mentors in training, alongside Cari Burdett as director, holding a steady “mother hen” role to ensure everyone feels safe, supported, and that mentoring is rooted in kindness, respect, and joy.

We also began some plant identification work, starting to notice and name the living world around us. In the forest, we played scouting and camouflage games, learning how to move with awareness and presence in the natural environment.

A highlight of the day was making rock slings using leather and paracord, introducing hands-on primitive skill building in a safe and guided way. We also learned a new “Mou’s Power Kindness” song, which we will continue to develop and sing together throughout the week.

Stories were shared as well, including tales of epic nighttime adventures from two of our group, adding imagination and wonder to our first day together.

This week will continue to unfold through wilderness skills, plant awareness, storytelling, teamwork challenges, and time immersed in nature-based learning. Tomorrow we will be travelling down to the river to continue our exploration and practice.

The intention remains the same throughout: to support children in building confidence, curiosity, resilience, and a grounded connection to the natural world.

A strong first day in the forest.
#summercamp #wilderness #natureconnectionyouth #youth #cowichanvalley

Curious about Nature Connection for your child? C

Curious about Nature Connection for your child?

Come join us for a FREE Open House Day on May 29 from 9:30–3 PM and experience our programs firsthand before registering for next year or our summer camps.

Children ages 7–13 are invited to spend the day immersed in nature with our experienced mentors through:

• animal tracking
• bird language
• shelter building
• fire & friction fire skills
• plants & trees
• games, songs & stories
• deep listening & connection

One of the most meaningful parts of our program is the ongoing involvement of local Cowichan Valley First Nations elders who generously share teachings, songs, stories, crafts, and cultural wisdom with the children throughout the year.

We also have THREE incredible summer camps coming up this year.

If you’ve been curious whether this is the right fit for your child, this is such a beautiful opportunity to come experience a full day with us — free of charge.

Registration required.
contact us at admin@cariburdett.com to register.
https://cariburdett.com/nature-school/

Cari Burdett Nature School Programs

#NatureConnection #CowichanValley #NatureSchool #ForestSchool #NatureMentoring ChildhoodUnplugged OutdoorLearning VancouverIslandKids CowichanFamilies NatureCamp WildAndFreeChildren EarthSkills NatureImmersion SummerCampBC

Here is a little sneak peak and story of one of ou

Here is a little sneak peak and story of one of our Forest Fridays!

We spent time connecting with the magic of Willow, harvesting branches from the garden, learning about Willow’s medicinal uses, and crafting beautiful wands and imaginative fish.
We also played forest games together, with Leopards and Villagers becoming the clear favourite, before heading into the forest for sit spots and quiet connection with nature.
A day filled with creativity, curiosity, play, and peaceful moments outdoors.

We invite you all to join us for a OPEN HOUSE, May 29, 9:30-3pm.
We are inviting youth 7-14 to come try our program for the day! See if it’s a good fit for you to join our year long Nature Programs, Sept 2026-June 2027.
Please email admin@cariburdett.com to Enquire and register for our Lila Open House.

A Forest Friday day in the life. As we walked to

A Forest Friday day in the life.
As we walked to the river we spotted butterflies, dragonflies, trillium, salmon berry, and many signs of spring along the way.
After bow drill practice and time by the water, we honoured Beltane by creating clay faces on trees and sharing stories about the characters we made together. A beautiful afternoon of creativity, imagination, and connection with the forest.

We invite you all to join us for a OPEN HOUSE, May 29, 9:30-3pm.
We are inviting youth 7-14 to come try our program for the day! See if it’s a good fit for you to join our year long Nature Programs, Sept 2026-June 2027.
Please email admin@cariburdett.com to Enquire and register for our Lila Open House.

Every week we share some highlights from our Fores

Every week we share some highlights from our Forest Friday nature program. As the weather starts to warm up, it has been so nice to spend time outside in the sunshine. This week our Quw’utsun elders joined us for a morning of stories, teachings, songs, dances, and the Salmon Game. The children learned about humility, commitment, singing, and living well with the land while sharing in games and traditional teachings together.
After lunch and free time, the group worked on bow drill kits, practicing carving and knife skills, before ending the day visiting newborn chicks in the chicken coop.

We invite you all to join us for a OPEN HOUSE, May 29, 9:30-3pm.
We are inviting youth 7-14 to come try our program for the day! See if it’s a good fit for you to join our year long Nature Programs, Sept 2026-June 2027.
Please email admin@cariburdett.com to Enquire and register for our Lila Open House.

At Lila Nature Programs, children gather weekly an

At Lila Nature Programs, children gather weekly and monthly in nature-based mentoring communities rooted in the Eight Shields model, coyote mentoring, storytelling, traditional skills, games, song, and deep nature connection. Together we track animals, learn bird language, practice bow-drill fire making, share stories in circle, build trust, and cultivate meaningful relationships with ourselves, one another, and the Earth. Our mentors are trained in nature connection, apprenticeship-style teaching, group facilitation, and first aid, and are committed to bringing joy, belonging, and values-based mentorship to the children and families we serve.

Registration info in bio.
Cariburdett.com

We are offering three Summer camps this summer! Ju

We are offering three Summer camps this summer!
July 13-17 - A Theatre and Nature Skills focused camp
July 20-24 - Art and Nature focused summer camp.
August 10-14 - We have a Nature Survival Skills, scouting based camp.

With amazing mentors, and a beautiful land to play and learn on we are looking forwards to the fun!

Learn more and register at cariburdett.com
Link in bio.

Moving like the old scouts. Camouflage, quiet ste

Moving like the old scouts.
Camouflage, quiet steps, becoming part of the forest.
Stories of night games and disappearing into the land… then tracking Marie by a trail of carrots into the ferns!
The kids built their own camouflage, practiced sneaking, and played a full-on leopards & villagers game — brave, focused and all in!

Do you like nature skills and camouflage ? Come for a drop-in day!

Weaving by the river! So many smiles and laughs te

Weaving by the river!
So many smiles and laughs telling stories, playing games, and learning hands-on skills — from cattail cordage (strong enough to lift a heavy pack ) to simple basket weaving.
We greeted the river, played, built, rested in the sun.
Are you wondering if this is the right program for you ? Come try a day — drop-ins welcome. Registration for next year opening soon!

One central hearth and fires tended by the kids.

One central hearth and fires tended by the kids.
These photos are just small moments from such a beautiful journey bringing each individual closer to fire and themselves.
Re-registration for next year is opening soon. If you would like to explore nature connection and are interested in what we offer come try a day! Reach out to learn more about our unique 8 shields mentor-based nature programs — including monthly time with Cowichan Elders Fire Sits, and so much more.
If you’re thinking about next year, now’s the time to come try out a day!

Instagram post 18120441553715982

Instagram post 18120441553715982

🌿 Forest Fridays 🌿 This week, we learned how to m

🌿 Forest Fridays 🌿

This week, we learned how to make medicine pouches with Quw’utsun Elders—such a special hands-on experience for the kids.

Spring is here, and there’s no better time to be outside. We spend our days building skills, exploring the forest, and learning together.

Our next Fire Sit is April 3rd 🔥

If this feels like a fit for your child, we’d love to have you join us. Send us a message to learn more 🌱

Visit our website or send us a message to learn more.
https://cariburdett.com/nature-school/forest-fridays/

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Instagram post 18045968636720693

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Cari Burdett and The Lila Music & Nature Centre respectfully acknowledge that we operate on unceded territory within the ancestral and unceded traditional lands of the Quw’utsun, Malahat, Ts’uubaa-asatx, Halalt, Penelakut, Stz’uminus, Lyackson, Pauquachin, Ditidaht & Pacheedaht Peoples.⁠⁠

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Cari Burdett and The Lila Music Centre respectfully acknowledge that we operate on unceded territory within the ancestral and unceded traditional lands of the Quw’utsun, Malahat, Ts’uubaa-asatx, Halalt, Penelakut, Stz’uminus, Lyackson, Pauquachin, Ditidaht & Pacheedaht Peoples.⁠⁠

Follow Cari Burdett & The Lila Music Centre

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32228A Gibbins rd, Duncan BC
+ 1 250 710 4174
cari [at] cariburdett.com

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