Developing the skills and techniques to effectively share nature with others has never been more important than now, as we live in a time that sees humanity becoming increasingly disconnected from the natural world. Through Skills for Sharing Nature, you will hone your abilities to develop and facilitate engaging experiences in nature, to help others find meaning in their experiences, and to tease out relevance when engaging with any subject matter. Whether you are a teacher, park ranger, parent, grandparent, artist, community leader, or mentor, the skills and resources attained through this course will empower you to positively impact your loved ones and community with the benefits of connecting to nature.

Throughout the weekend, we will develop our skills as naturalists, learn how to incorporate social and emotional learning into experiences, deepen and focus our personal sense of wonder and curiosity for nature, and discover how to build fellowship through shared experiences. Join us, and enjoy sunrise sessions overlooking the Smokies, storytelling around the campfire, and time to focus on discovering your personal meaning for time spent immersed in nature!

Cost: $367. Includes instruction, food and lodging in our dorm inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Cost for National Park Service employees: $139. Please call 865-448-6709 for discount code. Enter discount code when you register online below.

PLEASE NOTE: The previous weekend combination of courses, “Interpretation & Naturalist Skills” is now expanded to two full weekends: “Skills for Sharing Nature”[NEW name for Interpretation] and “Naturalist Skills.” We have expanded the length of the Naturalist Skills course based on feedback from participants, as well as our own interest in this critical component.

If you have previously completed the “Interpretation & Naturalist Skills” weekend, you are not required to retake “Skills for Sharing Nature” or “Naturalist Skills” to receive your certification. However, if you have not completed either “Interpretation” or the “Naturalist Skills” course, you will need to complete them to receive your certification – keeping in mind that “Skills for Sharing Nature” is the NEW course name for what was called “Interpretation: a Teachable Art”.