Today I'm delighted to be joined in conversation by Ricardo Sierra, who has dedicated his life to working in the wilderness skills & nature educator space.

With mainstream education systems coming under increasing pressure, the systemic issues can no longer be ignored, necessity is now forcing a change of perspective, with this an awareness of the benefits for children of being part of nature and forest school education programs has been gaining momentum and credibility. Despite our rapidly changing society and the increasing focus on technology and the skills associated with it, Ricardo strongly believes that helping children forge a foundational relationship with nature and the skills you can learn in the wilderness will always be beneficial, providing a natural advantage both during childhood and throughout our adult lives.

With demands increasing on both children and educators we also touch on the rising levels of anxiety amongst children and how having these skills and a relationship with nature can be incredibly important, supporting better mental and physical health as well as providing a sense of safety and security to cope with challenging times.

We discuss ways that parents and extended families can help offer these opportunities to their children, and the importance of community in sharing skills and support. In our hustle culture we are being conditioned to expect things to be easy, to find the hack, and look for the shortcut but in doing so we are focusing on outcomes without apprenticing the rewards on the path.

We so often want to change the world and think that it is done in the biggest of gestures, when really it’s in the small acts of kindness that the seeds of positive change can germinate.

Learn more about Ricardo

Ricardo Sierra is the host of The Forest Educator Podcast, a wilderness skills and nature educator with over 35 years of experience working with children, teens, adults, families, educators and organizations. He is a TEDx Speaker, a conference presenter and training facilitator who works with schools and organizations to train staff and incorporate nature at all levels for students of all ages. He is the creator of The Forest Box for Kids, a monthly nature craft subscription box that helps families and children get outside and begin building an authentic relationship to the natural world.

Website: https://www.foresteducator.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_forest_educator_podcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RicardohawkSierra

Monthly Nature Education Activities: https://www.theforestboxforkids.com/

Hawk Circle Wilderness Education: https://www.hawkcircle.com/

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