The Rewilding School: A Conversation on Connection with Eric Stone

Explore the profound connection between nature, ancestral skills, and personal growth through a conversation with Eric Stone of the Rewilding School. Discover how ancient skills like fire-making and stone tool crafting foster community, resilience, and self-awareness.Guest Name: Eric StoneBio: Eric is the Program Director for The Rewilding School. He develops our programs, trains staff, and much, much more. Prior to founding The Rewilding School in 2016, Eric had a decade of teaching environmental summer camps in New York, residential outdoor education in California, ancestral skills in Oregon, and teambuilding in Massachusetts and right here in Westchester. He also founded and directed the Muscoot Naturalist Summer Camp.The Rewilding School is a nature-based outdoor education organization that offers year-round programs for children, families, and adults focused on learning through direct interaction with the natural world. It emphasizes curiosity, play, hands-on skills, and connection with the outdoors rather than traditional classroom schooling. They serve preschool age children through adults, and have programs for afterschool, summer camps, as well as programs for BIPOC communities. The Rewilding School is built around the notion that in order to change the results of life, we have to update the spaces and ways that we teach children how to live. And there’s no such thing as “too soon” for that to start.Links: Website: https://www.rewildingschool.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rewildingschool/key TopicsThe significance of flint and stone tools in human historyThe role of fire-making in community building and survivalThe importance of nature connection for mental healthEducational programs for children and adults in natureThe impact of colonialism on land access and conservationResources:Book: Richard Louv, Last Child in the WoodsHost & Show InfoHost Name: William Henry, LCSWAbout the Host: William Henry is a licensed clinical social worker and certified nature informed therapist. After graduating from New York University, he spent seven dedicated years in a day treatment center and school where he worked closely with students and families facing significant mental health challenges. Certified in Nature Informed Therapy in 2022, he believes that rebuilding our connection with nature can provide some much needed relief from the struggles that many of us are facing. Will spends his free time fly fishing, camping and hiking. Find more resources and information through his practice, Riverstone Mental Health Collective, based in Mount Kisco, NY.Website: riverstonementalhealth.comRate & Review on Apple Podcasts – This is the most impactful way to support the show. The Nature of Mental HealthFollow us on social media:Instagram: @riverstonementalhealthFacebook: Riverstone Mental HealthLinkedIn: William Henry, LCSWYouTube: @TheNatureofMentalHealthShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favorite takeaway in the comments. We would love to hear from you!⚠️ Important Disclaimer: The Nature of Mental Health is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. The information presented here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care professional. If you’re in crisis, thinking about harming yourself, or don’t feel safe, call 911, or contact your local emergency number or crisis hotline immediately.