Participant Expectations/Qualifications
We are looking for participants who are motivated, have a positive attitude about rural community life, and are interested in combining the theory and hands-on practice of sustainability.
The programs are intentionally broad to provide a holistic perspective and we expect that some course participants will have had more experience in certain areas of the program than others. Therefore, we aim to make the core accessible to people with a range of backgrounds and experience levels, while offering opportunities for more in-depth study in various areas.
People involved in the following fields in particular will find many opportunities for growth: design fields such as landscape architecture, planning, and architecture; ecological fields such as environmental studies, biology, ecology, horticulture, forestry, and natural resource management; social sustainability fields such as human ecology, environmental sociology, and eco-psychology. Anyone who is interesting in starting, designing, or someday living in an ecovillage, intentional community, or green development will find the course especially useful.
The programs are primarily introductory in nature, and are appropriate for people who are quite new to the subjects covered. The programs are also a good match for people who have scholastic training in some of the subject areas who are interested in exploring how permaculture and ecovillages principles can be put into practice at the grassroots level. In addition, the programs can be great for people who have advanced experience in certain subject areas of the programs but little or no experience in other subject areas in the programs. For these participants, the programs help make connections between specialized knowledge and the other subject areas, helping to create a holistic understanding. What is most important is that course participants are excited to learn, actively participate, and be a positive part of a team.
Community life requires working closely with each other for extended periods of time. Therefore, we seek course participants who work well with others, are positive and supportive in community or group situations, and are enthusiastic about engaging in honest communication and introspection. Community life in general, and particularly at Lost Valley, can be emotionally intense at times, which can fuel growth, but also demands a basic degree of emotional maturity.
Much of the course will take place outdoors, will include active hands-on activities, and will require decent physical condition. Please contact us if you are interested and have physical disabilities or significant limitations, and we can discuss options for involvement.
Violence, weapons, and frequent intoxication are not welcome at Lost Valley courses.