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ROOTED IN WONDER
A Transformational Journey into Nature Connection,
Rites of Passage, and Culture-Building

A space to explore, heal, and co-create.

Join The Kiva Center for a two-day, two-night outdoor immersion training designed for educators, parents, mental health professionals, and any adult who feels the ache of these times- who sense, deep down, that another way is possible.

The gathering is for those who long to reconnect with the rhythms of the Earth and the sacred responsibility we hold to the next generation.​ Rising anxiety, fractured attention, and a fading sense of curiosity and wonder. If you are an educator, caregiver, or community leader seeking meaningful ways to foster engagement, emotional resilience, and belonging, this program offers grounded, nature-based practices that support the whole human—while renewing your own sense of purpose and connection.

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Whether you are returning to Rooted in Wonder or joining us for the first time, this year’s training stands on its own while deepening prior learning. Together, we will explore rites of passage, nature-based human development, natural crafting,

and developing community culture grounded in relationship with the living world.

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When: July 17-19, 2026; Starts at 5 pm on Friday and ends at 4:30 PM on Sunday (includes a two night overnight camping experience and storytelling around the fire with a local elder)

Where: Kiva Center - Lefthand Canyon Dr, Boulder, CO

Step into the serene beauty of the Kiva Center's 80-acre outdoor learning space, tucked away in the heart of Lefthand Canyon. This stunning location, nestled at the meeting point of creek, prairie, and mountain, offers a truly immersive experience in nature. With towering rock formations, dense pine forests, and the soothing sounds of Lefthand Creek flowing nearby, the setting is ideal for exploration, learning, and connection.
 

What to Expect:

Spend two full days and two nights engaging in nature-based learning and hands-on activities surrounded by natural beauty. On Friday, July 17th, participants are warmly welcomed to arrive at 5:00 PM to set up camp, join for a shared dinner, storytelling around the campfire with a local elder, and a peaceful night under the stars. 

 

All meals are included: Dinner on Friday evening; Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner on Saturday; and Breakfast and Lunch on Sunday.


Why Join This Journey?

We are living at a tipping point. Many of us feel the exhaustion, the disconnection, the knowing that the systems around us are not serving life- yet we know that there is another way. Beneath the noise of our fast-paced, high-tech world, something

is stirring—a quiet longing to return to what truly matters.

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This experience is a call to slow down, tune in, and reawaken what is ancient and true within you. It is an invitation to listen—to the land, to your body, to your creative spark—and to build culture from the Earth up, one that honors all life and paves a future for the generations to come.

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Because the Earth is calling. Our children are calling. The future is still being shaped.

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Nature reminds us that life moves in cycles - growth, decay, renewal. What no longer serves is falling away: outdated stories about education, community, success, and what it means to raise the next generation. As these narratives loosen their grip, we are given a profound opportunity:

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What will we choose to cultivate in their place?

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In This Course You Will:

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  • Explore Nature-Based Human Development as a framework for supporting people at every life stage to discover and share their unique gift with the world to support all of creation.

  • Reimagine cultural design through sensory awareness, nature attunement, and guided presence practices that root culture in relationship with the living world.

  • Engage in Rites of Passage experientially and gain practical tools to thoughtfully adapt and integrate into
    your life and professional work.

  • Learn nature-based hand crafts using natural materials from the land, including ethical harvesting practices and regenerative sourcing.

  • Reimagine your role as an educator, caregiver, or guide
    in times of cultural and ecological transition.

  • Earn 17 clock hours of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for completed course hours.​

  • Download the Rooted In Wonder Professional Development Justification sheet for your supervisor, manager, and/or principal.  

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Camping Details:

Camping will take place on a flat area next to the creek. Participants bring their own camping gear—tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and mess kit. If you don’t have your own equipment, we are happy to help provide what you need.

The site includes portable restrooms and access to running water for your comfort and convenience.

 

This is a unique opportunity to connect with nature, community, and local wisdom in a truly special setting, leaving you to feel refreshed, inspired, and more connected to the land.

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Cost of training:  $410

$370 Early Bird pricing ends May 17th, 2026

Plus an additional $30 off when you refer a friend!
*includes all meals 

What You'll Leave With:

 

  • A deeper understanding of human development and the confidence to apply it meaningfully in your work with youth and community.

  • Practical, embodied tools to incorporate nature connection and sensory awareness into your daily life, leadership, and professional settings.

  • The capacity to cultivate emotionally intelligent, resilient group culture grounded in belonging and shared purpose.

  • Embodied experience learning to design and facilitate developmentally aligned Rites of Passage experiences.

  • Expanded strategies for engaging young people through experiential, relational, and land-based learning.

  • A supportive community of practitioners committed
    to nurturing the next generation and living in right relationship with the Earth.

Tuition is waived for all Title 1 school employees.
Email info@thekivacenter.com to secure your spot (please include your job title and name of school you are employed at in your email).


Additional scholarships are available please click the button below to apply 
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Cultivate

Connection

Meet the Rooted In Wonder Facilitators

“You were experts at facilitating adults in a play-based setting appropriate for our developmental stage not contrived for 'working with kids'."

- Participant

"What was impactful was the knowledge, care, and leadership of the staff. The land was also beautiful and medicine for the soul."

- Participant

“I loved the sit spots and council, the games that encouraged laughter and play, and the embodiment practices to feel life cycles.”

- Participant

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