The Luna Moth cohort began with an in-person 4-day Immersion at Aspen Camp for the Deaf in Snowmass, CO and joined another co-hort online to resume their guide training for 6 months. As hybrid program, we explored ways to provide full access to communication and resources for healing on different levels, with human participants, other guides, and the More Than Human World. 

 

It is the goal that certified Deaf guides can return to their communities and share the gift with both signing and non-signing people. This exciting opportunity will also include some innovative ways of incorporating the Deaf perspective into the traditional training programs, such as exploring the meaning of silence, language, embodiment, and acceptance of the diverse ways to be human in the Forest. 

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Interested in participating in the next training?

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When? The ASL guide certification training will be happening in late 2024 (more information TBD).

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Where? Location is to be determined depending on cost of venue. More information will be posted later. 

 

How long is this training? We will have a immersion retreat in the forest, to get a hands-on experience. When this immersion is over, we will resume our training for 3 to 6 months. You’ll then become a certified guide at the completion of this training program.

 

Who are the trainers? The Trainers will be experienced Nature and Forest Therapy Guides. Summer is currently on the trainer's path to become an certified ANFT trainer. We all will be in an ASL and Deaf friendly environment, being immersed in nature with Deaf, hard of hearing, interpreters, and people who sign.

 

What is the cost? The total cost attending the immersion retreat is approximately $500-1000, including boarding and meals. The total cost of the ANFT ​core guide training which is a crucial part of the certification training program is $3850.

 

What if I cannot afford it? We have some financial assistance in the form of stipends you’ll need to apply for. We also have payment plans where you pay in increments monthly. We also have resources and guidelines on how you can seek funding support- perhaps from your employer, your business, or vocational rehabilitation. There are different creative ways to get access to funds to make it affordable for you to attend the retreat and complete the training until certification. 

 

Who should go? Those who appreciate and enjoy Nature, who are curious to learn about the practice of Nature & Forest Therapy and what it involves with its benefits. You’ll be learning the Way of the Guide and learn how to apply it in your current work. Perhaps you’re a counselor, educator, involved in the field of holistic healing, like reiki or mindfulness/ life coaching- you can find ways to apply Nature therapy approaches in your practice/work. So go ahead and apply! There is a limited opportunity to apply for this immersion retreat. Check out: www.anft.earth and navigate to "Become A Guide" tab. You'll see Immersion Retreats at the drop down menu. Scroll down until you see the Luna Moth Immersion tab.

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This is a fantastic opportunity for you to get to know more ​about Nature and Forest Therapy and how it helps us heal ourselves, our community, and the more than human world we know as Nature.

 

The staff at ANFT have been very willing to be curious & embrace the Deaf culture & ways. Summer has been training the ANFT staff with sign language instruction, getting them familiarized with Deaf culture & ways of being so they can be culturally responsive to your emails. We are excited for this collaboration.