qathet
Light Trekkers

qathet Light Trekkers Program offers weekly guided journeys of land-inspired learning, inviting children into immersive explorations of the region’s wild spaces. Together, we learn to trek lightly on the earth, cultivate shared discovery, deepen our relationship with the land, and empower the inner light each participant brings to the community.

Each journey follows a head, heart, and hands approach to learning, encouraging curiosity, resilience, and meaningful personal growth. Through these experiences, we weave nature, community, and self-discovery into a dynamic path of ongoing transformation.

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Held weekly in the diverse landscapes of qathet, the program integrates outdoor exploration, hands-on learning, and nature-connection routines rooted in respect and reciprocity. Guided by experienced stewards, participants tune into the shifting rhythms of the seasons while exploring the mysteries and teachings of the natural world. Activities spark wonder, build practical skills, and nurture a deep sense of belonging. Children expand their understanding of ecological interconnectedness while forming lasting relationships with peers and local wild spaces.

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Our curriculum is grounded in Coyote’s Guide to Connecting with Nature by Jon Young, Ellen Haas, and Evan McGown. This resource provides essential guidance in land-based mentoring, experiential education, and nature connection. Drawing from Indigenous wisdom, wilderness skills, and modern educational practices, it supports our approach of fostering curiosity, storytelling, and hands-on discovery. By centering this guide, we ensure our mentorship practices help children build deep relationships with the land while nurturing self-awareness and community connection.

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Program Highlights

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• Nature as Teacher: Guided explorations introduce children to local medicinal and food plants while teaching them to read the book of nature—the patterns, stories, and relationships that shape the living world.​

• Hands-On Discovery: Crafting with natural materials and practicing outdoor skills invite children to engage creatively and confidently with the land.​

• Seasonal Cycles: Each session highlights seasonal rhythms, helping children notice subtle changes in plants, animals, and weather, and explore how these cycles reflect personal growth.​

• Building Community: Gratitude practices, storytelling, cooperative games, and campfire gatherings strengthen community bonds, creating a supportive environment for shared learning.​

• Inspiring Wonder: The program nurtures natural curiosity by encouraging exploration, uncovering mysteries, and experiencing nature’s everyday magic.

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Running from January to June 2026, qathet Light Trekkers offers a winter, spring, and early-summer journey of connection and discovery.

The program will be led by core steward Lisa with rotating guest stewards Dave, Jennifer, Tarah, and Sofia. Each steward contributes wisdom and experience that enrich the program and support children in developing confidence, creativity, and deeper meaningful relationships with the land.