Garden Buddies Mentor Training Program
Learn everything you need to know about becoming a Garden Buddy Mentor with our Garden Buddies Mentor Training program! Earthwise Society’s Garden Buddies program uses therapeutic horticulture to improve health and well-being for seniors, helping them stay active through gardening and make meaningful connections with others.
If you are interested in learning more about therapeutic horticulture and becoming a volunteer Garden Buddies mentor, register for our FREE 3-part training program! Mentors will learn skills and adaptations for gardening with seniors and how to use therapeutic horticulture to help provide healing and well-being to vulnerable people of all ages. Training also includes an introduction to horticulture at the Earthwise Garden and tips on how to develop fun and engaging activities that take advantage of the garden setting. This program will be led by Katie McGillivray, Registered Horticultural Therapist (HTR).
Fall Mentor Training Program Schedule:
September 16, 11 am | 6400 3 Ave: An introduction to the Earthwise Garden, the Garden Buddies program, and therapeutic horticulture. Following this, attendees are invited to participate in the Garden Buddies session from 1-3 pm to gain firsthand experience.
September 24, 1-2:30 pm | ZOOM: This virtual session will focus on the theoretical aspects of therapeutic horticulture and outline the next steps for aspiring mentors. This session will feature insights from an experienced Garden Buddies mentor, offering practical advice on developing seasonal activities and adapting gardening tasks for different populations.
The final component of the training will involve leading an activity during a Monday Garden Buddies meetup in October. This hands-on experience will allow new mentors to apply their skills in a real-world setting, reinforcing their training and fostering their connection with program participants.
To register, contact programs@earthwisesociety.bc.ca