Parents – Natural Leaders

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You have a pretty awesome kid.
The school thinks so — and they’ve suggested your child might be a good fit for Natural Leaders.

The young people who thrive in Natural Leaders are often the ones who think differently. They feel deeply. They ask big questions.
They’re the kids who don’t always shine in a classroom, but light up in the wild. These are the ones we hope will lead our communities in the future — so we teach them the tools to do just that.

In Natural Leaders, we explore:

Bushcraft skills – To keep ancestral knowledge alive. It’s like learning a language — only this one teaches you how to have a respectful conversation with the bush, so it’s willing to keep you alive.
Self-leadership – True leadership begins with being able to lead yourself. It’s a lifelong journey that starts now.
Food forestry & community service – Together, we design and tend a garden that helps local families put kai on the table. Leadership means service — and we learn that by doing.
Thinking through our Hearts - Flexing our Imagination - What will set humans apart in the AI future? Our ability to imagine new possibilities, to trust our gut, to use our senses in the "real" world. Time on devices robs us of our abilities to develop our imagination, to learn to trust our senses and our gut.
Folklore and Animism - We use Folklore from around the world to challenge the modern view of human supremacy and to explore the possibility of Animism, or the belief that everything has a soul and we all share an interconnectedness, and that as humans, we must be guardians, not destroyers of the planet.

Before your child is fully welcomed into the program, we take it slow. We start with a few one-on-one bushwalks to get to know them as they are. If it’s a fit — and if they want to be here — we gently introduce them to the larger group.

If you’d like your child to be considered for Natural Leaders, please complete the form linked below.
We’d love to walk alongside them — and see who they are when they’re rooted in nature and surrounded by people who believe in their potential.

Child's Full Name

First

Last

Parent's Full Name

Parents phone number

Additional Emergency contact phone number

Students Phone Number (if they have one)

Parents Email

Childs Email

Child's Greatest Strength

What do you think is your child's greatest strength?

Medical Background or allergies

Please provide any relevant medical information about your child.

they number have

Medications

Please list any medications your child will need to take while under our care.

Permissions

I give permission for my child to participate in the program.
I give permission for photographs and videos of my child to be taken during the program and used in the storytelling about the program on social media and reports to the funders.
I'm aware that the program supports opportunities for adventurous play activities that stretch students out of their comfort zones. We do not coddle but we do encourage courage.
I give permission for my student to receive first aide care if they require it.
I am aware that this program takes place outside of school and will involve my student riding in a van and learning in nature.
I'm aware that cellphones are not to be used during the program except for photographic purposes.
I am aware that pick up for the program is on a Wednesday outside of Maidstone and drop off will be at Maidstone. We will take the child home if we are running late and will call and let you know if this is going to happen.

Please indicate your permissions below.

Signature

Clear Signature

Please provide your signature to confirm your consent.