Drawn to Nature
Theme: Making Labyrinths to Represent Life Transitions
Fort Steilacoom Park - Lakewood, WA
11/28/2022 12pm-3pm
Registration closes 7 days prior to workshop
Event Details:
Drawn to Nature - Creativity-Focused Nature Workshops
What is Drawn to Nature? These workshops are all about finding creativity and connection in our environment. In each session, we will step into nature and learn creative and mindful techniques to help improve our connections with ourselves, our relationships, and our environment. This might look like doing art in nature, learning new creative expressions, practicing mindfulness techniques, playing games and participating in activities, engaging in mindful movements, composing creative writing, and more. Our sessions take place in public spaces around Pierce, King, Kitsap, and Thurston counties, visit our event calendar to see upcoming dates! This educational workshop is not a therapy group, but may be therapeutic in nature! We like to think of it as personal development.
The theme for this date:
This workshop will be all about Labyrinths (don’t worry, David Bowie won’t be there!). Labyrinths are one of my favorite metaphors for tough situations because once you go into the labyrinth, you have to come out of it! Depending on what natural materials will be available to us, we will work as a team to create a representation of a labyrinth and facilitate artistic and expressive activities to narrate our journeys through life’s labyrinth.
Location for this date:
Fort Steilacoom Park is one of Lakewood’s most interesting parks. It has a dark past of being the grounds of the old Western State Hospital. You can even visit the foundation of the old building and learn about the history. The park also offers vast fields, a lake, dog park, and lookouts of the Puget Sound.
8714 87th Ave SW, Lakewood, WA 98498
Example of a labyrinth
Policies/FAQs
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This is not a therapy group, but may be therapeutic in nature. This is considered an educational personal development workshop. We will not be focused on diagnoses, specific mental health issues, or treatment planning.
Because this is not a therapy group, it is encouraged that you seek therapeutic services if you are seeking mental health support. If the facilitator determines that you may need support beyond what the class can offer, you will be given adequate referrals.
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This workshop is open to adult ages 18+ who are eager to build a creative connection to themselves, their relationships, and community through nature based techniques. Because of the outdoor based component, it is encouraged that you be physically fit enough to engage in walking for 10-15 minute stretches across various surfaces. There may be instances of steep elevation, uneven surfaces, and variable weather.
This is not a therapy group, but may be therapeutic in nature. We will not be focused on diagnoses, specific mental health issues, or treatment planning. Because of this, people who may know the facilitator personally or professionally may be considered to attend depending on if they fit the needs of the group.
Because this is not a therapy group, it is encouraged that you seek therapeutic services if you are seeking mental health support.
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If you are a new student (or it has been longer than 6 months since your last service), you will need to complete a quick video consultation to determine fit for the workshop. This will need to be completed at least one week prior to the event.
Consultations are $30 for 10-20 minute video calls
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Because travel and planning are involved for attendees, we have a strict cancellation policy. You may cancel your spot for a full refund up to 7 days prior to the event.
Before 7 days: full refund
Within 7 days: 50% refund
Within 72 hours: 25% refund
Within 24 hours: 0% refund
If you need to cancel due to illness or emergency, you may contact the facilitator about make-up options (only one chance for make-up is allowed). If the group is cancelled for any reason (weather, facilitator illness, etc), you will be contacted about a refund or rescheduling options.
The workshop/class will be cancelled if there are less than 3 sign-ups 7 days prior to the event (you will be notified promptly)
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It is also important that you show up on time and stay for the entire duration of the workshop/class unless previously arranged. If you are going to be late, please let the facilitator know as soon as possible. We will be starting the group promptly and will wait no more than 10 minutes for all attendees to arrive unless there are prior arrangements.
If you are going to be more than 10 minutes late without previous arrangements or communication, we will consider this a cancellation and no make-up opportunities will be offered.
It is asked that you arrive at the session location early to allow time for parking and locating the group.
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Here are a few questions that you may have. Shortly before the group, you will receive an information e-mail that includes everything you will need to know (packing list, maps, meeting points, etc)
What should I bring? Bringing yourself and an open mind is important. Also make sure that you are prepared for the weather! Wear comfy clothes, grab your hiking boots, and make sure you are ready for the cold or rain (lets hope for some good days though!). Additionally, you will be encouraged to bring a few art supplies, and a supply list will be given to you ahead of time. YOU WILL RECEIVE A PACKING LIST PRIOR TO THE START OF GROUP.
What does a typical session look like? Our sessions will begin in a central meeting location. Once everyone arrives, we will do a check in to see where everybody is at-- mentally, physically, emotionally. After our check in, we will open up the discussion question and start our activity. The session will include walking to a destination, small group and large group activity, creating art individually and as a group, mindfulness practices, and learning about the environment you'll be in. There will be time to sit and reflect, eat some snacks, and speak with peers.
Do I have to be in good physical shape? It is up to you to be honest about your physical level and to communicate your needs during group. Our distance will depend on the needs of the group, so it is important that everyone is speaking up about what is feeling good for them. We will be doing lots of walking across various terrains. Please consult with your physician if this is something you would like to consider and communicate with your facilitator if there are any health issues that need to be considered.
What if it rains or snows? Your facilitator will keep an eye on weather conditions, but expect the group to proceed rain or shine. If the conditions or roads become too hectic, your facilitator will reach out about rescheduling the group. Please come prepared for the weather, if you need recommendations on weather gear please reach out.
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There are possible risks associated with nature based workshops/classes, including, but not limited to:
• Accidental injuries from tripping or falling while walking, or potentially being struck by a bicyclist or a car.
• Physical dangers including insect stings; animal bites; falling branches or sticks; sunburn; exposure to heat/cold; and similar risks.
• Adverse weather conditions including heat, rain, and storms. Please note that when rain or storms are forecasted, it may be necessary to reschedule the session or use a telehealth platform instead.
• Confidentiality issues. Complete confidentiality cannot be guaranteed. Though every attempt will be made to not engage in private conversations when others are in close proximity to us, it is not possible to guarantee that conversations will not be heard by others.
• Given the prevalence of cellphones, it is also possible that we may be photographed or videoed together without our knowledge and that we would have no control over the dissemination of those photos/videos.
• You are responsible for advocating your needs for the walking pace of the nature based workshop/class and understand that your facilitator may adjust the speed as they see fit.
• You understand that this is not exercise or workout training, and that while movement may be a benefit to your physically, the focus is not about exercise.
• You can communicate with the facilitator if you are uncomfortable physically or emotionally while participating in nature based workshops/classes
• You must take full responsibility for your medical and physical well-being and will not hold Creative Wellbeings, PLLC legally or financially responsible for any medical conditions and/or accidents that may arise out of nature based workshops/classes
• You agree to seek a doctor’s approval before beginning nature based workshops/classes if appropriate.
• If you have any medical conditions that would be detrimental to nature based workshops/classes, you agree to disclose this and understand my facilitator may not be able to offer this as an option.
• COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines must be followed while engaging in the session