top of page
Mountains Winter Hike, Headwaters Wilderness Program, Snow

Event | Workshop | Trip | Course | Symposium

What is Nature?

A Philosophical Field Study

In this workshop, through group discussions and playful activities, we will open ourselves up to question of nature and wilderness: What is it? How do we know it? What is our relationship to it? How should we care about it? With philosophical provocations presented in an interactive, relatable, and fun, yet meaningful and thought-provoking style, this workshop is an ideal starting point for anyone thinking about the state of the natural world in these times of rapid climate change, species extinction, and habitats-turned-parking-lots. By the end of this workshop, students will have new perspectives on some of the most essential and urgent questions of our time.​

Program Details

Curricular topics addressed

  • Philosophy

  • Geography

  • History

  • Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology

  • Civics & World Issues/Global Studies

  • Outdoor Education

Ideal for

  • Grade 8-12, middle and high schools

  • Nature & Outdoor Centres

  • University students

Headwaters Highlights

​A meaningful relationship with the natural world

  • Unique to Headwaters, we intentionally weave environmental philosophy, naturalist knowledge, and eco-social history into everything we do, developing a relationship with nature far more meaningful than simply "enjoying the outdoors"

​

Time away from cellphones

  • With no cell phones or other electronic devices permitted during our programs, it is a gloriously rare opportunity to unplug and re-connect​

Character Development

All of our programs intentionally develop moral character, with a special focus on the following traits:

  • Joy for life and its experiences

  • Care for others and our world

  • Wonder about life's mysteries

  • A feeling of awe for both the grand vistas and the little things

  • Respect for the wellbeing of others and our world

​

We place an emphasis on developing resiliency as the groundwork of moral character

  • Resiliency teaches us to keep going even when things are uncomfortable. Because of this, it is the core of moral character, enabling us to ask, "what is worth doing, even if I fail?"

Where this program can take place

  • On a school campus

  • Local green space or nearby park

  • In a wilderness setting

Program length

  • Half day (2 hours) or full day (4 hours)

  • The length of this program can be modified based on the needs of the participants

bottom of page