W.I.L.D. Immersion Program
Frequently Asked Questions
What is class like from day to day or throughout the week?
Each day of class often begins with the group coming together (sometimes around a fire lit only by
primitive fire by friction methods) for stories, games, and explanation of what we are getting into that
particular day. The day's adventures often include various activities, skills, games, stories, and a focus
project for the individual or group. At the end of the day we take time to reflect, journal, map our
wanderings, and for celebration and storytelling of our adventures, natural mysteries encountered, and
lessons learned. On Wednesdays we have an overnight that allows us to observe the night sights,
sounds, and opportunities. The overnight is also where we can work on primitive cooking and students
can test out their natural shelters. Thursday mornings may include solo sit spot time, natural fitness
activities, and diving into another day's adventures.
Whenever possible we bring in guest instructors to share their expertise and to further enrich the
experience for the students.
Overall, almost half of the course is focused on the Permaculture Design Certification with the
other half focused on nature-connection, survival skills, wildlife tracking, ecology, bird language, and
the art of mentoring and building community.
We believe that good education means a blend of many things including hands-on projects, skill
development, lecture, student and teacher feedback, building a sense of community in the group,
having fun, and most of all cultivating curiosity, excitement, and passion.
Why is the class spread out over 10 weeks? Couldn't it be condensed into a shorter amount of
time?
We prefer to spread the curriculum out over 10 weeks which means that class meets 3 days per
week. We have found that this allows students important time in between classes to work on projects,
integrate the teachings, come up with questions for the instructors, visit home and family, work a job,
take classes at I.U., and rest. We don't want to rush through things and burn people out but rather we
slow things down a bit which helps the students integrate and internalized the skills and lessons.
Can I work a job and attend the program?
Yes. Class meets three days per week which gives you the opportunity to work. Participants may
also want to spend some time each week working on the skills and integrating what is taught so if you
don't have to fill your schedule we recommend that you don't. If you would like to find a temporary job
we can assist you in looking for one. Just email us and tell us what you are looking for.
Is there financial aid or scholarships available?
At this time we do not have scholarship funds available to help you pay for the program. However,
there are several options available to you to help you pay for the program.
1) Set up a payment plan with us for 3 payments over the course of the program.
2) Personal loans and/or lines of credit from your bank can be a great option for many students. Most
local and national banks offer competitive rates and terms. Speaking with your local branch manager is
a good place to start.
3) We may be able to accept a few people for a work-exchange that would count towards up to $500
of the cost of the program.
Another good option can be personal loans through peer-to-peer lending sites such as
Prosper.com and Lending Club. These grassroots services take banks out of the equation to provide
lower interest rates, and are worth looking into.
Is there room and board provided?
We do not provide room and board at this time. Students are expected to be responsible for their
own meals during the program. However, we will have a few meals that will be supplemented or made
entirely from wild foods.
Students are also responsible for setting up where they will live. We will definitely assist you with that
if you are coming from out of town (see next question).
I am coming from out of town just for this 10-week program. Where can I live and not get stuck
in a long-term lease?
First, you can check the Bloomington Craigslist page (www.craigslist.com) for sublets. Second, we
can help to connect you with people in the area who will have a temporary place for you to stay (from
camping out to a room for rent, whichever better suits your comforts).
Can I receive college credit for participating in the W.I.L.D. Immersion course?
It is possible for college students to get credit for this program through your university. Speak with
your advisor about options, especially for students enrolled in the Individualized Major Program (IMP)
or degree programs related to teaching, recreation, or ecology. You may even be able to get a grant or
use financial aid money to help pay for the program.
What can I do with this knowledge after I graduate the apprenticeship?
This program provides participants with a unique and valuable experience and skill-set. I have a
friend who worked with us for a few years who later went on to medical school. During his interview
for med school the thing they were most interested in was his time spent with Wild Nature Project.
Why? Because it made him stand out from the rest and gave him valuable life-skills that he was able
to carry and express.
Whatever a graduate decides to do from here they will carry with them rich personal stories, they
will know themselves deeper, and they will have a greater awareness of people, nature, and situations
that comes from the awareness and observations skills that we teach. These are skills that are
transferable to any situation.
I am going to move to Bloomington to attend this program. What else does the area have to
offer?
There is actually a lot to be said for the Bloomington area. Bloomington is a bicycle-friendly town
with a population of 80,000 and home to Indiana University. It has a Farmer's Market, lots of local
ethnic restaurants, and is surrounded by beautiful forested rolling hills. Nearby you can find
Yellowwood State Forest, Hoosier National Forest, McCormick's Creek State Park, Brown County State
Park, and Morgan-Monroe State Forest. There is lots to do from walks in surrounding nature preserves
to catching a live music show or a play. The university brings a whole lot of diversity and opportunities
to the city. Here are some links to help you get acquainted.
City of Bloomington http://bloomington.in.gov/
Bloomington Community Farmer's Market http://bloomington.in.gov/farmersmarket
Bloomingfoods Market and Deli www.bloomingfoods.coop
The Laughing Planet Cafe (our favorite!) www.thelaughingplanetcafe.com
Indiana University -Bloomington campus www.iub.edu
Bloomington Community Orchard www.bloomingtoncommunityorchard.org/site