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In mid-July, we completed our very first training program for new Pachamama Journey leaders.
David Tucker, Pachamama Journeys Director, and Pachamama Alliance board member Tracy Apple co-designed and co-led an exceptional group of talented and committed new leaders through this unique and unconventional training.
The trainees were all involved in the production and management of the training itself in an effort to replicate the feel of leading a journey. Participants came away steeped in the energy, magic, distinctions, opportunity, logistics and responsibility of leading a Pachamama rainforest journey.
Relationships at the Heart of Unique Content
The first part of the training took place in the Pachamama Alliance’s conference room in San Francisco, CA, providing the opportunity to both build a group dynamic and connect with the rest of the Pachamama staff.
The collective then relocated to Tracy’s property in Orinda, CA where they quickly went deep into the remainder of the transformational training. Content included modules on:
- managing groups and logistics,
- shamanism,
- challenging situations,
- role-playing,
- both the ‘spirit and being’ and ‘nuts and bolts’ of leading rainforest journeys.
Interspersed with the learning was meaningful time spent preparing meals together, sharing Ecuador experiences, and discussing possibilities for the future.
Honoring Achuar and Ecuadorian Partners
One evening, the group received a surprise visit from Pachamama Ecuadorian guide, Julian Larrea, who happened to be passing through San Francisco on a US visit.
Bill and Lynne Twist joined the group at sunrise on the last day for an inspiring and educational discussion about the incredible privilege it is to be with the Achuar in their rainforest home, as well as the opportunity and importance of inviting journey participants to support this unique partnership.
Next for New Leaders: Travel to Rainforest
Over four days, the group gained much of the preparation, confidence, and inspiration they’ll need to lead successful, transformational Pachamama Journeys to Ecuador.
The next step for each is to complete one or more apprenticeship journeys with an experienced leader so they can go on to lead their own groups. Conference calls and on-line networking will keep the team connected and support their on-going training processes, including the evolution of the Journeys Program materials.
An Exciting Phase for Pachamama Journeys
Profound appreciation to interns Maisa Arias and Claire Louie for their brilliant work in supporting the entire team all weekend, and to Pachamama Journeys Coordinator, Pat Jackson, for her commitment, presence and valuable insights during the training.
Congratulations to Noelle Poncelet, Ruel Walker, Konda Mason, Anita Sanchez, Kit Tennis, Jon Symes, Sand Symes, and Teri Wade for whole-heartedly participating in the training. We are honored to have such an amazing group of leaders committed to this exciting new collaborative phase of the Journeys program.
