Wisdom of the Pack with Erik Wardell

A Journey of Confidence, Connection, and Inner Strength
Middle School Cohort | Ages 12–14

Wisdom of the Pack is an immersive, four-week series designed to support young boys as they explore their inner worlds and navigate the early stages of becoming young men. Through guided discussion, reflective practices, and shared experiences, participants build confidence, emotional awareness, and meaningful connections with their peers.

Together, the group will explore what healthy, grounded masculinity looks like—learning how to listen deeply, communicate with intention, regulate emotions, and develop a stronger sense of self both individually and within community. This series creates a safe, supportive space for boys who are longing to feel more confident, connected, and clear about who they are becoming.

By the end of the series, participants will:

• Reflect on their personal journey toward manhood
• Identify and embody values of brotherhood, integrity, and community
• Practice tools for emotional awareness and self-regulation
• Cultivate respectful, supportive relationships with peers

The program continues a warrior-archetype arc, drawing on mythic figures such as Arjuna, Percival, Telemachus, and the Samurai. These stories offer powerful mirrors for learning how to slow down, listen, speak with care, and eventually harness masculine strength with maturity, discernment, and compassion.

Details:

• Wednesdays, 3:30–4:45pm
• 4-week series: February 18th, February 25th, March 4th & March 11th
• Location: True Nature, The Kiva

Do you know a teen boy who would benefit from this journey? Share this opportunity with them. We are stronger together.

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This offering is part of our , an educational initiative of the Connection is the Medicine Foundation. To learn more about our mission-driven work, the foundation, other programming experiences, and our founders Eaden and Deva Shantay, please visit www.connectionisthemedicine.com.

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Erik Wardell is a men's work facilitator, mindfulness guide, and mental health educator with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Rooted in presence and purpose, he creates spaces for people—especially men and boys—to reconnect with their inner wisdom, navigate life's challenges, and remember the wholeness that’s already within them. Guided by love, curiosity, and a deep reverence for the human experience and the natural world, Erik invites others to slow down, go deep, and celebrate this little miracle we call life.

Tuition options for the 4-session Wisdom Of The Pack series

Early Bird Access: $60 through February 11th

Standard Tuition: $72

*Supportive Tuition: $48
Choose this rate if you have limited financial capacity or are currently experiencing financial hardship. This rate is supported by contributions from our generous donors.

This rate is for you if you:

- Have difficulty meeting your basic financial needs

- Are experiencing housing, employment, or income instability

- Live paycheck-to-paycheck and and lack money in times of need

- Face other significant challenges

We are currently able to offer 3 spots at this subsidized rate. Please contact [email protected] if these have sold out, and you are in need of applying for scholarship.

We also have spaces available for families who are in need of further financial assistance. Please let us know if you’d like to apply for the Connection is the Medicine Scholarship Fund.

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This programming is brought to you through the Connection is the Medicine Foundation, a non-profit foundation dedicated to co-creating a world where individuals and communities thrive from a sense of inspiration, connection, and self-discovery. To learn more about our mission-driven work, the foundation, other programming experiences, and our founders, please visit www.connectionisthemedicine.com.

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SUPPORT OUR MISSION

Where Your Gift Makes a Difference

Because of your generosity, our 2025 programs are thriving. We’ve expanded offerings that nurture meaningful connection—through nature immersion, contemplative practices, youth development, caregiver support, and spiritual inquiry.

If you are interested in donating to support more programming like this, please visit our website: https://connectionisthemedicine.com/donate

or contact Valery Moore Kelly

Development Director

[email protected]

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At True Nature and Connection is the Medicine Foundation, we strive to create intentional, nourishing spaces and experiences for community connection and personal growth. To support a respectful and easeful experience for all, please view our, also listed below.

If you have any questions, you may contact Megan Miller, Director of Education and Programming at [email protected]

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True Nature and Connection is the Medicine Foundation reserve the right to cancel any program or event at any time. In the event of a cancellation by TN or the Foundation, participants will receive a full refund.

Please note that certain programs may have unique cancellation policies—refer to individual program descriptions for specific details.

Unless otherwise noted in the program description:

• Refunds are available (minus processing fees) up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled start time.
• Within 24 hours of the event, you may request a ticket transfer toward a future Connection is the Medicine Foundation-hosted program.
• Tickets are transferable to another guest at any time with prior approval from the Event Manager.
• No refunds or credits will be granted for: Cancellations made day-of or after the event has started, No-shows, Early departures, Dissatisfaction with event content or presentation

For online or virtual programs, please refer to the specific event page for cancellation and refund details.

For all refund or transfer requests, contact Megan Miller, Director of Education and Programming at: [email protected]

To support the integrity of the experience for all participants, we ask that you please observe the following guidelines:

• Arrival Time: Please consider arriving 10-15 minutes early to check in and settle. Events begin promptly at the scheduled start time.
• Late Attendance: Doors will close at the stated start time (e.g., 6:30 PM) to honor the sacred nature of the container and minimize disruptions, and late arrivals will not be admitted
• Substance Use: We ask that all guests arrive free of the influence of drugs or alcohol to maintain a clear, safe, and respectful space.

What to Bring & Community Care: You’re welcome to bring personal comfort items such as an eye mask, a small pillow, an extra blanket, or a yoga mat.

As these are shared community experiences, we kindly ask that you:

• Be mindful of personal hygiene and health
• Respect personal space and boundaries
• Refrain from using scented products that may affect others

Thank you for co-creating a respectful and enriching experience with us. We look forward to welcoming you into our sacred space.

Community Conduct and Shared Space Guidelines: Connection is the Medicine Foundation programs are designed to foster meaningful connection, reflection, and personal growth within a supportive communal environment. We ask all participants to honor a shared social norm of respect, presence, and care for one another’s experience.

If at any time a participant is experiencing an unusual, heightened, or disruptive reaction or response that impacts the collective space, the Foundation and/or Facilitator reserves the right to intervene and, if necessary, ask the individual to step away from the gathering. This is not intended as a judgment, but as a means of protecting the integrity of the shared experience, ensuring that all participants continue their journey without undue disruption.

We invite all participants to practice self-awareness, personal responsibility, and compassion to help us maintain a safe, welcoming, and nourishing environment for all.

Disclaimer and Hold Harmless Agreement: The views and opinions expressed by facilitators during True Nature and Connection is the Medicine Foundation events, discussions, or any related activities are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of True Nature or the Foundation. We are committed to providing a platform for diverse perspectives and open dialogue, and the words of facilitators should be understood as their individual viewpoints. Any information or advice shared by facilitators is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as official statements or endorsements by True Nature or the Connection is the Medicine Foundation. Participants are encouraged to critically evaluate and form their own opinions based on their own judgment and understanding. True Nature assumes no responsibility for the content shared by facilitators and disclaims any liability arising from the use or reliance on such content.

By purchasing a ticket for this event, you agree to a general release of liability for True Nature and the Connection is the Medicine Foundation. You hereby release and discharge the Connection is the Medicine Foundation, its Board of Trustees, Administrators, Staff, Volunteers and other participants or guardians (herein termed Affiliates) from any and all liability whatsoever of any nature or sort for any property damage or personal injury suffered by the participant.

The participant, to the fullest extent allowed by Law, shall indemnify, hold harmless and defend the Connection is the Medicine Foundation and its Affiliates from any and all liability for any claim of any nature arising out of any activity, conduct, act or omission of the participant.

Media Release: By completing this registration, the participant grants True Nature + Connection is the Medicine Foundation, and its legal representatives and assigns, the irrevocable and unrestricted right to use and publish photographs and/or videos of participants, taken by True Nature or its agents, for editorial, trade, advertising, and any other purpose and in any manner and medium; to alter the same without restriction; and to copyright the same. The registrant and participant hereby release True Nature and its legal representatives and assigns from all claims and liability relating to said photographs or videos.

The registrant and participant hereby affirm that they are over the age of 18 and have the right to contract in expressed name. You agree to have read the above authorization, release, and agreement, prior to its execution, and are fully familiar with the contents of this document. This document shall be binding upon me and my heirs, legal representatives, and assigns.

If you have questions or concerns regarding Event Etiquette and Policies, you may reach out to Megan Miller, Director of Education and Programming: [email protected]

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