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Workshops
How it works:

There will be two workshop slots (morning and afternoon) each day, with multiple workshops running at the same time. Participants can attend two workshops per day, and workshop sign up is held each morning for that day's workshops

 

There will also be drinks and chat at the fire on Saturday evening - if anyone has a bit of musical skill, instruments are welcome!

 

NB: Workshop lineup is subject to change and therefore cannot be guaranteed in advance.

Workshop details

(More workshops to be confirmed... check back often!)

Helping your students grow in Outdoor Adventure Education

This workshop is specifically aimed at those working with young people and teenagers in adventurous outdoor settings such as rock climbing, kayaking or coasteering. A theoretical overview of the comfort zone model and the challenge by choice ethos will be discussed through a number of hands on and practical activities. The main focus of this workshop is to help you analyse the mainstream preconceived misconceptions associated with adventurous activities. For example, coaxing young people into doing difficult tasks or activities with a perception of high risk only teaches them that they can be talked into doing something. On the other hand, helping students to see that they have the right and ability to choose their level of challenge and how to assess what is and isn’t an appropriate level of challenge, teaches them how to make positive decisions for life. 

 

Hosted by Terrance Glancy

Outdoor Learning Ireland

Terrance Glancy is the co-owner of Outdoor Learning Ireland, which currently provides practical activity instruction and educational programmes in outdoor settings. He has also worked for the past ten years in the youth work industry as an Outdoor Learning coordinator. Terrance also guides on high altitude treks around the world for Earths Edge and was part of an Irish Mountaineering Club exploratory expedition in the Himalaya in 2012. He has completed a BA in Outdoor Learning with IT Tralee and is currently studying an MSc in Outdoor Education with the University of Edinburgh. His passion is introducing people to positive outdoor activities and experiences.

Maximise Taste - Minimise Waste!

We will look at cooking methods that minimise disturbance on the natural environment with an emphasis on reducing the impact of fire, planning ahead to minimise any waste and looking at the time it takes typical food scraps to break down. It promises to be a sociable, enjoyable workshop with the added bonus of having hot snacks and drinks with the smell of woodsmoke in the air!

Hosted by Duncan Warner

Give It a Go

www.giveitago.ie

Duncan has been working as an outdoor activity provider since 2006. Based in Galway, in 2012 he started his own business Give It a Go running kayak tours and lessons. 
As a Leave No Trace advanced trainer coupled with his own enthusiasm for an active outdoor lifestyle he is passionate about encouraging people to get outdoors and connect in a positive way with the beautiful outdoor environments which we are fortunate to have in Ireland. Duncan also works as a cycle tour guide for Wilderness Ireland. Since completing a BA in Outdoor Learning in IT Tralee he has continued to enjoy exploring the many ways in which people can benefit from enjoying positive experiences in outdoor, natural environments.

Advanced Bushcraft Workshops
Fire by friction (bow drill method)

Fire by friction is one of those quintessential bushcraft skills that resonates with something deep within us all. It is a skill that is upwards of 200 hundred thousand years old and never fails to generate excitement no matter how many time you do it or see it. It is the practice of creating fire from scratch by rubbing sticks together to generate an ember which you can be added to a tinder bundle and then be blown into flame.In this workshop we will learn what it is that makes up a bow drill set and how to use it to create fire with. We will look at how to select the correct wood and create the various parts of your set, the proper technique to use it to generate a coal and then how to bring this to flame creating your own primitive fire.

 
Knife skills

In bushcraft a knife is arguably the most important as well as the most common tool and learning to use it safely and correctly can open up many many opportunities of being able to make & create the things you need to live and thrive in the wilds. With proper technique a knife is a very safe tool to use for both adults and children but unfortunately very few people have ever had any instruction on this and have over years and many band aids have developed their own methods for using this tool often with a lot of bad habits too.In this workshop we will be looking at what makes up a knife and how to choose one suitable for your purpose. We will learn proper safety technique and a series of cuts you can use to craft the items you desire.

Conscious foraging & harvesting – Johnny Walshe & Fran Giaquintro

 

In this workshop we will be taking a walk with Johnny and Fran looking at and discovering some of the wonderful resources available around us in nature, such as foods, medicines and materials. The workshop will be a discussion on the practicalities of finding and harvesting from the wild in a conscious way. We will be at looking some of the functions many of these species hold within their own environment, at the impact our activities can have on the local ecosystem, as well as finding ways which we can help conserve and proliferate these all too often over-harvested resources.

 

Hosted by Johnny Walshe

The Living Wilderness Bushcraft School

http://www.bushcraft.ie/

Johnny is the founder and head instructor of Living Wilderness Bushcraft School. A qualified NCFE buschcraft instructor, Johnny has also trained as an herbalist, has been an artist and craft worker for more than 20 years and has worked seasonally in traditional woodland maintenance for more than 15 years. A keen outdoors man, Johnny spends his time making and creating anything he can lay his hands too. He also runs, with his partner Claire, a successful alternative healing and therapy practice called Imbás Healing. Having travelled extensively throughout Europe, India and parts of South America he experienced many of the skills he teaches used first hand by people for whom it is just living and have never heard the term bushcraft. He holds a deep love and respect for traditional crafts, knowledge, practices and traditions which he blends seamlessly with contemporary knowledge and brings this into his teaching. He believing these skills are living and evolving and are as relevant today as they always have been and that the awareness and respect that is found within these for the earth form an integral part in maintaining a healthy existence on all levels.

Hosted by Dr Fran Giaquinto

Dr Fran Giaquinto is a botanist, ecologist and mycologist with a lifelong interest in applied research. She is a specialist in mycorrhizal fungi, the mutually beneficial relationships between plants and trees.  She co-ran an award-winning research lab for 7 years during which time she focused on the bio-remediation of contaminated soil using fungi, and she is co-author on two patents for novel methods of growing fungi.  After co-leading 5 expeditions to the tropical rain forests of Ecuador and Thailand for botanical and mycological research, she moved away from mainstream science and became apprentice to a plant medicine teacher in the USA.  For the last 10 years  she has lived in County Clare where she has created a native medicinal plant sanctuary of woodland and wetland plants.

The Therapeutic Use of Nature in Promoting Mental Health

This workshop comprises of two parts. The first is a brief overview on how nature can be used therapeutically with a range of groups. The current evidence base and theories supporting nature contact for promoting mental health will be discussed. The second part of the workshop will be experiential in nature. Shirley will facilitate a Forest Therapy walk using sensory connection invitations and mindfulness.

 

 

Hosted by Shirley Gleeson

Nature, Health and Wellbeing Ireland

www.naturehealthandwellbeing.ie

Shirley is the founder of Nature, Health and Wellbeing Ireland. This is a new company set up to promote health and wellbeing through contact with nature. She trained as a nature guide with Eco training in South Africa and undertook an Internship with the People and Conservation Department of South African National Parks. She is an accredited Forest Therapy Guide, completing her training in the US. Shirley has also trained in Ecotherapy in the UK. She has a Degree in Social Science from UCD, a Masters in Social Work from UCC and is currently completing her Masters in Health Promotion in NUIG. She currently works part time as a Senior Social Worker in adult mental health and has extensive postgraduate training in stress management, expressive arts therapy, counselling and the therapeutic use of mindfulness.

Fabulous beasts and how to bring them into the Outdoor Learning experience

This workshop will show how mammals, both alive and dead can be used to enhance and reinforce

the learning experience. We will investigate the techniques used in small mammal trapping. While

handling live woodmice and bankvoles, the particular physical adaptations and ecology of both

species will be discussed and highlighted.

A variety of stuffed specimens, skulls and other mammal related artefacts will be used to investigate

other topics such as predator/prey relationships, food-chains and camouflage. A number of other

mammal-related teaching techniques and games will be demonstrated.

 

Hosted by Chris Barron

Killarney National Park Education Centre

www.killarneynationalpark.ie/education-centre

 

Chris has been working in Killarney National Park Education Centre for almost 20 years, developing

“Outdoor Environmental Learning Opportunities” for people of all ages and abilities. He has worked

with Kerry County Childcare bringing environmental workshops into pre-school facilities; he is a

Heritage in Schools specialist (running workshops in national schools) and has worked with

Sustainable Energy Association of Ireland, Discover Primary Science & Maths and Coillte’s Compass

Club. Through the Education Centre he also lectures and runs field trips for a number of courses for

the Institute of Technology, Tralee, being particularly involved in the Wildlife Biology BSc.

Chris has a deep interest in conservation and ecology and anything related to the habitats and

wildlife of Ireland.

FYI: Floating your ideas: a raft building workshop

Long before St. Brendan set off from Brandon Creek and discovered America people took to rafts to

broaden their horizons. Constructions of log or reed platforms kept afloat by buoyant materials

began a maritime tradition of water based transportation. Accounts of incredible journeys which

were undertaken with rafts, crossing the world’s oceans or surviving hurricane storms have regaled

generations.

Let your rafting journey being at the Festival of Outdoor Learning. Learn the knots; explore designs;

avail of the resources; construct your own raft and set off afloat across Cappanalea Lake.

 

Hosted by Donal Dowd

Cappanalea OETC

www.cappanalea.ie

Donal Dowd is the managing director of Cappanalea OETC. He has worked as a professional outdoor instructor for over 35 years, since qualifying with a Bachelors Degree in Physical Education with a specialisation in Outdoor Education. He is actively involved in training individuals in sea kayaking; mountaineering; orienteering; climbing; canoeing; kayaking and sailing. As a qualified European Mountain Leader, he has a depth of experience in mountaineering and wilderness expeditioning. He has climbed in many wilderness areas around the world and has lead and participated in a number of overseas expeditions in mountaineering and sea kayaking. He was a leader and trainer the Beyond Endurance expedition and led one of the roped parties on the South Georgia Traverse. Has worked in Cappanalea OETC for a long time bring his experience as a physical education teacher and as an outdoor practitioner together to create meaningful and positive opportunities in the outdoors.  Introduced to the outdoors through scouting he has maintained his love of adventure and journeying which he brings into his everyday work environment.   

The joy of aesthetic experience: An exploration of the theory and practice of experiential education in the outdoors

Through the use of adventurous and contemplative activities, we will explore the theory of experiential education with the purpose of helping us put this theory into practice. This workshop will be a fun and engaging chance to try new activities while helping us deepen our understanding of the use of experiential education and hopefully address some of the criticism this theory has received in recent years. Through environmental exploration we will move beyond ‘learning by doing’ and participate in the joy and learning that aesthetic experience brings to outdoor education. This workshop is open and welcoming to all whether you view experiential education as an integral part of your outdoor practice or would like to explore the fundamental elements of experiential education and how it could add value to your work.

Hosted by Aodhnait Carroll

Outdoor Learning Ireland

Aodhnait is the co-owner of Outdoor Learning Ireland, which currently provides environmental education, rock climbing and mountain skills courses. She also works for St Kevins' College as the rock climbing and mountaineering instructor on a two-year post leaving certificate course. Aodhnait is a director on the board of Leave No Trace Ireland, the chair of the Education and Advisory Group and an Advanced Trainer. In her spare time, she guides on high altitude treks around the world for Earths Edge. Aodhnait is currently attending the University of Edinburgh as a part-time masters student studying Outdoor Education and in the final stages of her dissertation which is a theoretical inquiry of experiential education.

School gardens

School gardens offer a fantastic opportunity to get kids outside, be creative and cover many parts of the curriculum, they also have further reaching possibilities for delivering education for sustainable development and fostering eco-literate children. The workshop will include hands on practical activities, as well as how to plan and organise your garden, recipes and some creative upcycling!

Hosted by Jessica Mason

Créative Education

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-mason-02502981?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile_pic

Using her background in Environmental Science Jessica work covers ecology, school gardens, up-cycling and nutrition with the objective of creating a connection with the world around us and the impact we have on it. 

Jessica has taught the StreamScapes programme for The Coomhola Salmon Trust since 2005, which offers a catchment based approach to river management and protection (www.Streamscapes.ie ). She is also a Heritage Expert with the Heritage in Schools scheme, through which she runs school gardens and delivers creative workshops on issues such as waste, energy, water and food.

She is currently studying for an MSc in Learning for Sustainability through the University of Edinburgh, as well as being a busy mother of two!

Expedition leadership

‘Expeditioning’ has been an aspect of Outdoor Adventure and Outdoor Environmental learning programmes for 80 years if not longer. Whether it involves extended visits to nearby or far-away places, immersion in the environment while exploring has provided young people with opportunities for deep learning. Facilitating expeditions for environmental or adventurous exploration requires a mix of skills, experience and attitudes on behalf of the leaders. This workshop will explore some of the practicalities of setting up to lead your first expedition or how to ‘up your game’ for those who had led trips before. It will look at expeditions with an adventure travel/tourism focus as well as those with educational objectives.

Topics to be covered include:

  • Logistics and planning

  • Safety & emergency planning

  • Environmental footprint and ethics

  • Managing educational objectives

  • Interpersonal communications

  • Working with groups with diverse abilities or aspirations

Hosted by Tomas Aylward

IT Tralee

 

Tomás Aylward lectures in Outdoor and Experiential Learning at the Institute of Technology, Tralee in Co. Kerry. He is a member of the European Institute for Outdoor Adventure Education and Experiential Learning (EOE) and the European Federation of Adapted Physical Activity (EUFAPA). In 30 years working with people out-of-doors, Tomás has been a youth worker, a manager of a VEC/ETB Outdoor Education centre and the chief instructor and later director of Tiglin, the former national outdoor centre in Co. Wicklow. He continues to have an evolving outdoor learning practice with influences from adventure sports  as well as experiential education and environmental education. He is particularly influenced by practices from the Nordic countries. He has presented on Outdoor Education topics at national and international conferences in Ireland, U.K., Iceland, France, Belgium, Finland and Romania.

Wildlife Wanders by the Woods

This workshop will involve a wander through the woodland and other native habitats in the vicinity of the festival. Spring will have sprung and participants will have the chance to get up close and personal with the flora and fauna present, learning about the habitat they live in and the ways in which they make ends meet. We will also explore the relationship between the living and non-living parts of the ecosystem, gaining understanding of why certain habitats are found in particular places.

 

Hosted by Dr. Therese Higgins

IT Tralee

Based in Co. Kerry for more than 20 years, Therese is currently a lecturer in the Institute of Technology, Tralee, where she lectures primarily on the BSc in Wildlife Biology.  With a degree in Botany and an Ecology PhD, her first passion is plant life, however she is very interested in landscape history, plant-animal interactions and all aspects of Biodiversity & Conservation.  Therese particularly enjoys opening the eyes of others to the wonders of the ‘ordinary’ things they pass every day.

Canoeing Caragh Lake – A Sense of Place – a canoeing & kayaking journey

With over ten miles of varied shoreline Caragh lake offers the canoeist a treasured day’s paddling on

one of Ireland’s hidden gems. Take a day trip under sheer sandstone cliffs or beside native

woodlands along miles of sheltered inland waters with local qualified canoe/kayak guides. Be

introduced to the local flora and fauna and maybe be lucky enough to spot a pair of reintroduced

sea eagles who commonly roost in the neighbourhood. Picnic at a remote landing spot and find out

about the lakes formation, its geology and history. The trip will be suitable for all levels of paddlers

beginners welcomed.

 

Hosted by Lorcan McDonnell and Brian O’Flaherty

Cappanalea OETC

www.cappanalea.ie

Lorcan McDonnell came to Cappanalea as a scout on the Peak scout week back in 1987. After finishing school in Dublin and working for the Scout Association in Lough Dan, he applied for work in Cappanalea as a trainee and has worked here fulltime since 1992.

He’ll never give up any chance to head out on a journey, by canoe or on foot. He is super passionate about spending time in the outdoors with friends and family and sharing experiences with nature.

In his spare time, he leads treks and expeditions across the world for Earth’s Edge and is a member of Kerry Mountain Rescue Team. He is currently studying a BA in Outdoor Learning at IT Tralee.

 

Brian O’Flaherty first came to Cappanalea as a student on the Science(health and leisure) course in IT Tralee. On graduating he started working as an instructor in 1998.

An avid outdoorsman and waterman, Brian has led canoe journeys in varying environments, from the Australian outback to the Bavarian alps and leads treks for Earths Edge.

He has a BA in outdoor learning and is chairman of Kerry canoe Club, Killorglin.

Instant adventures
Ideas for using natural environments and found objects to create stories.

With a mixture of indoor and outdoor activity, we will find stories and shape poems as we wander. By encouraging a playful approach to the world around us, using almost no resources but things we pick up and something to scribble on, we can shape workshops to respond to the imaginations of our groups and offer ways of joining in for people of experience or confidence. These activities can offer our groups a whole new set of very personal skills to take away and be adventurous with again somewhere else…

Books, bits and beasties

We’ll work with words, card, ideas and mess to create characters, worlds, dramas and treasures, finding ways of drawing people into the environment through quick and easy art and improvised stories. But these activities offer fairy tales that can lead you further and further into the woods of excitement until you are making your own little books of enchantment or pop-up worlds of deep caves and wondrous forests

 

Hosted by Gordon MacLellan

Creeping Toad

creepingtoad.blogspot.co.uk

Gordon MacLellan is a UK-based environmental artist and storyteller. As “Creeping Toad”, he aims to find ways of celebrating the relationship between people, places and wildlife. Gordon’s background of zoology and creativity makes for dynamic combination in projects, workshops – and conferences.

c/o Laurence Crossman-Ems and the Woodland Trust

Exploring ancient space through adventure in Ireland, a model, the Dúchas Triskele

In this workshop Lorcan will chart the changes in practice and thinking that have occurred in the company and coaches through following environmental principles.

After an invitation to host the inaugural First Nations Gathering of Ireland in Sept 2016, Lorcan and 2 other sports development coaches and researchers have developed a new model for incorporating indigenous values from Ireland into outdoor learning.

This 3 hour workshop will explore the journey so far and suggest ways of working for adventure providers to incorporate Dúchas- identity, belonging and being in nature-  into future work. The workshop will take place indoors and outdoors.

Hosted by Lorcan McBride

Far and Wild

https://farandwild.org/

Lorcan McBride is a director of Far and Wild, an adventure company and social enterprise based in Derry.

Evening Yoga Session
Held on Saturday evening

For the weekend in Cappanlea, I’m hoping to teach a class focusing on strength & flexibility for the neck, shoulders and back. In addition, importance of extension and alignment in hamstrings, quadriceps and mobility in hips and groins. All issues pertinent to those who work daily with their bodies and need flexibility, alignment and strength to prevent injuries and maintain overall good core strength.

Hosted by Bridget Moriarty

Yoga in Kerry

http://www.yogainkerry.com/

Bridget began her yoga journey in 1992 while still attending university in the UK. After studying a variety of yoga styles, she eventually came across the Iyengar method, which she grew to love and eventually came to teach. She qualified to teach Hatha Yoga in India in 2007, and went on to qualify as an Iyengar Yoga teacher in 2010 at Dublin's iYOGA Studio. Bridget has been teaching in Killorglin for 10 years and set up her own studio nearly 5 years ago. She teaches to a variety of clients: Athletes, kids, seniors, men only and community groups. Her extensive training in the Iyengar method has given her a wealth of knowledge on how the body and mind works.

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