The Mother Earth Ambassador Program is an experiential outdoor leadership program for girls aged 9 to 12. It has been designed to empower girls with the understanding of the inherent power and beauty of the forest, and with the many mental, physical and spiritual benefits of being in nature.

In this program participants:

• connect with other girls to learn about the beauty and power of nature
• cultivate powerful personal connections to their inner self, one another and nature
• develop confidence and courage to make wise choices at a pivotal time in life
• be enabled to actualize their feminine leadership capacity
• learn teachings of Indigenous wisdom and environmental science using art, storytelling, games and talking circles
• create a personalized action plan to create positive change for the earth in their home, school and community

The program was developed in partnership with a BC certified Elementary and Middle School Teacher with over 20 years of experience guiding multi-day wilderness expeditions and teaching programs in outdoor education centres. She has taught math and environmental science in public and private schools throughout Canada, including living and working with indigenous elders and youth in Nunavut.

Why We Developed this Program

Studies show that climate and environmental “grief” amongst children can create feelings of powerlessness. There is also overwhelming evidence that spending time in nature, forests in particular, improves physical and mental well-being of both children and adults.

It is also widely acknowledged that feminine leadership styles will be the driving force behind the kinds of social, political and environmental change we need to see in the world going forward. It is critical to support girls in this age group as our culture lacks “rites of passage” that are critical if they are to become strong and compassionate leaders of tomorrow.

Inaugural Cohort Completed

We successfully completed the first Mother Earth Ambassador program with a small group of enthusiastic girls. This inaugural experience affirmed the heart and vision of the program and its potential to create meaningful impact.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to its success, including our generous sponsors and donors. We look forward to future opportunities to bring this program to life in partnership with aligned individuals and organizations.

One of the girls’ mothers commented, “Thank you so much for having our daughter as part of your program! She absolutely loved it, and the confidence she grew, and lessons she learned, will be with her for a lifetime!“. 

We are excited to explore partnerships with individuals and organizations who would like to offer the Mother Earth Ambassador program within their communities. If you feel inspired to host, sponsor, or collaborate in bringing this program forward, please reach out—we would love to begin the conversation. Email info@fwoccanada.com with “Mother Earth Ambassador Program” in the subject line.