Vilda FAMILY & Adult Programs
Earth skills and nature connection are essential for adults as well as children. The benefits of nature connection have been proven through multiple studies. There is a wonderful sense of belonging and confidence that emerges from knowing basic earth skills such as fire making, wild foods and shelter building. Our programs also build community and friendships with others who enjoy learning about our natural environment. Unlike more academic courses, our programs are active, hands on and place-based. Come learn and play with us!
Available Family & Adult Programs
Intro to Natural dye techniques
When: 1pm-4pm, Sun, Mar 16, 2025
Location: Marinwood
Who: Adults / Kids 9 and Up with Adult (but this class is geared for adults)
Tuition: $60
Program write up coming soon
Wild Edibles of Spring
When: 10am-12pm, Sun, Mar 16, 2025
Location: Marinwood
Who: All Ages / Children under 13 with Adult
Tuition: $30
Program write up coming soon
Introduction to the Nurtured Heart Approach™
When: 6pm-7:30pm, Thurs, March 27, 2025
Location: Virtual (Zoom)
Who: Adults (anyone ages 18 and up)
Tuition: Free / Donations Welcome
Is there a child in your life who challenges you?
Are you tired of being the "bad cop"?
Do you want to have more joy and ease as a parent or educator?
The Nurtured Heart Approach™ (NHA) can help.
Join Vilda executive director and certified Nurtured Heart Approach trainer, Mia Andler, as she introduces the approach that Vilda uses for group management and building kids confidence. Since we have started using this technique we have found we can meet more of a variety of kids needs and see great results in our programs.
The Nurtured Heart Approach is more than just a parenting or educator behavior management strategy. It is a philosophy for creating healthy relationships with the people in your life. Originally created by Howard Glasser in 1992, NHA is being successfully implemented through families, classrooms, foster care, health care professionals, social workers and criminal justice organizations that are seeking successful, early intervention techniques.
The Nurtured Heart Approach consists of a set of strategies that assists children in further developing their self-regulation and has been found effective with children of all ages. It focuses on transforming the way children perceive themselves, their caregivers and the world around them. Children learn to understand that they will receive endless amounts of praise, energy, recognition and reward through the positive behavior they display and this supports children to build a positive portfolio of themselves.
This is a free introductory talk for the benefit of our community. We welcome donations to our scholarship fund.
ARCHERY BASICS
When: 1pm-3pm, Sun, Mar 30, 2025
Location: Stafford Lake, Novato
Who: All Ages / Children under 13 with Adult
Tuition: $50
Come learn the basics of archery from safety to form in a fun, outdoor environment. Our certified instructors will help you develop your skills and confidence on the range. This basic class is appropriate for beginners as well as those who haven't picked up the bow in a while. It will also introduce you to our range and allow you to join other archery events at the farm.
Basics of Basketry: Pine Needle Baskets
When: 1pm-4pm, Sat, May 10, 2025
Location: Lagunitas School
Who: Adults / Teenagers Welcome With an Adult
Tuition: $50
Make your own pine needle basket or perhaps a gift for Mother's Day. Whether you have done some weaving before or are a first timer, this is an easy way to get into basketry. Pine needles are an abundant and sustainable material to use for weaving and the baskets, though simple, look beautiful. The class will be long enough for most people to complete a palm sized basket that could then be continued at home into a big basket if desired. All materials for the small basket will be provided. Younger teens are welcome with an adult, older teens can come by themselves.
Animal Tracking Basics
When: 10am-12pm, Sun, Oct 5, 2025
Location: Fairfax (Open space 10 minutes from downtown)
Who: All Ages / Children welcome with Adult (but this class is geared for adults)
Tuition: $35
Program write up coming soon
Fall Bounty: Edible Acorns, Bay Nuts and More
When: 10am-1pm, Sun, Nov 2, 2025
Location: Marinwood
Who: All Ages / Children under 13 with Adult
Tuition: $35
Fall is the time to gather Acorns, bay nuts, madrone berries and more. We will look for these treasures on a hike and learn to identify them and the trees that bear them.
This class will include:
Learning to identify trees and nuts
When, where and how to gather each?
Processing acorns
Cooking with acorns and bay nuts
Children are welcome to come to this class with their parents, but it will not be geared for children.
Wilderness Survival
When: 10am-12:30pm, Sun, Dec 7, 2025
Location: Fairfax (Open space 10 minutes from downtown)
Who: Adults / Teenagers welcome with adult
Tuition: $50
Program write up coming soon
MUSHROOM WALK
When: 10am-12:30pm, Sun, Jan 4, 2026
Location: Fairfax (Open space 10 minutes from downtown)
Who: All Ages / Children welcome with Adult (but this class is geared for adults)
Tuition: $35
Come learn about local mushrooms with us on a Sunday stroll. We will cover:
Hazards of mushrooms
What a mushroom is
Identification of common types
Local common edible mushrooms and where you might find them
Bonus: amazing mushroom facts!
