Hosted by Jon Young, Sarah Fontaine, and Aidan Young
We feature voices from around the world, sharing stories of working intentionally with deep nature connection in ways that transform lives, families, projects, and communities
"I'm helping people be more empowered, and helping them fall in love with the earth so they just naturally become protectors and caretakers."
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Episode Description
Mar 12, 2025, hosted by Jon Young, Sarah Fontaine, and Aidan Young
Since he was a child, Richie Rivera Booth has dreamed of being a protector of the natural world. In 2007, he embarked on a journey that would lead him to becoming just that, when he discovered a nine-month intensive program at Wilderness Awareness school, called The Immersion.
In this episode, Richie shares about the transformation that is possible through immersing ourselves in deep nature and people connection with a small group of people that depend on each other. Participants often sign up for the program because of their interest in nature and the outdoors, but wind up getting so much more than they expected, including a lifelong community, and a sense of purpose and service to the future generations and the natural world.
We explore how pushing the boundaries of our knowledge and comfort zones together in nature, combined with witness each other's stories, leads to a deep self assuredness and healing connection to each other. We discuss how participants emerge as natural leaders and mentors, and share stories of what graduates have gone to create in their communities. Finally, we discuss the legacy of Wilderness Awareness School over 40+ years, Ingwe's vision for the sacred fire on their land, and how that connection has rippled out to thousands and thousands of people over the years.
"This program was so beautifully woven together to make us depend on each other. We're put in all these situations in the program where, not only are we connecting with the natural world, but we're put in situations where we have to depend on each other, communicate with each other, and build relationships with each other."
Now Accepting Applications for Fall 2025
Imagine waking up in the morning, excited to go to class where you'll deeply connect with the natural world and see yourself evolving into a new kind of human.
Imagine being an important part of a nature-connected community committed to supporting your growth.
Imagine yourself after nine months of connecting with the natural world on physical, intellectual, and emotional levels, after expanding your comfort zone—leaving you capable of so much more than you've ever imagined.
The Immersion at Wilderness Awareness School is a transformative, holistic learning experience focusing on eight core areas of study. The power of The Immersion lies in the integration of these subjects as an immersive experience.
Students finish this training with an end-of-year rite of passage, resulting in a greater understanding of their purpose and a lucid awareness of their passions and vision for their lives.
Based in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, The Immersion at Wilderness Awareness School is a nine-month transformative journey of deep nature connection, wilderness skills, and self-discovery within a supportive community.
Empowering the Connection Journey
Free Online Event - Mon, Mar 24 - 6 to 8pm Pacific Time
Join Jon Young for an evening to learn what nature can teach us when we hone our awareness, and how to empower this connection while finding a deep sense of purpose in relationship with the natural world.
Richie Rivera-Booth has been a core instructor for The Immersion program at Wilderness Awareness School for 11 years, and he finds this work to be the most meaningful way he can give back, by empowering others on their own path. Richie grew up in the Cascade foothills of WA state, in the homelands of the Nisqually peoples near Mount Tahoma. Spending time outdoors camping with family and friends, running around on his family’s farm and making trails in the forest out back, he developed a deep love for the natural world. As early as high school he began working with youth and discovered a passion for mentoring. He now combines his love for nature with his gifts and talents as an experienced mentor and has been facilitating both individuals as well as groups in reconnecting with nature, community, and self for over 18 years. Read his full bio here.
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Our next episode will release on Mar 26, 2025.
The transcript for this episode is available here.
