Patch TreeHouse Waitlist questions: We have just soft-launched our first overnight “stay expeience”, called the Patch TreeHouse. Many of you are interested, so please tell us more about what you are looking for. Note that our Chief Experience Officer, Suzanne Jewell, is the resident host, so your experience will include nature-based mindfulness, as that is our mission at Patch, reconnecting humans to Nature one mindful walk at a time.

Mindful Nature Guide Training

Join the Waitlist for the Next Cohort

Our most recent Mindful Nature Guide Training cohort has concluded. Due to strong interest, we are now accepting names for the waitlist for the next training cycle.

Those on the waitlist will be the first to receive early access details, updated schedules, and application instructions when enrollment opens again.

What Is a Mindful Nature Guide?

A Mindful Nature Guide is a trained volunteer who supports others in reconnecting with nature through mindfulness based practices. Guides gently lead individuals and groups in experiences such as nature based meditation, sensory awareness, grounding practices, and reflective presence in outdoor spaces.

Mindful Nature Guides do not teach theory or lecture. Instead, they model calm attention, compassion, and deep listening while creating safe, welcoming environments where guests can slow down, breathe, and reconnect with themselves and the natural world.

Guides may support:

Outdoor mindfulness walks

Seated or standing nature meditations

Community mindfulness gatherings

Retreats and special events

Quiet presence and stewardship of mindful outdoor spaces

Training Overview

• The Mindful Nature Guide Training is a multi session online program combined with a culminating in person retreat and graduation experience. Training includes:
• Live online training sessions
• Ongoing weekly NatureSangha mindfulness practice gatherings held online during the training period
• Guided meditation practice and feedback
• Nature based mindfulness facilitation skills
• Ethics, presence, and holding space for others
• A final assessment and live guided meditation demonstration
• Participants are expected to attend at least one NatureSangha gathering per month during training and maintain an ongoing personal mindfulness practice.

Volunteer Commitment After Training

To maintain active Mindful Nature Guide status, guides commit to:

A minimum of 4 volunteer hours once per month on a Saturday or Sunday between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM at the Mindful Pocket Park

Event volunteer support once per quarter

Guiding at least one meditation per month as part of group participation

Completion of the final exam with a passing grade

Demonstrating the ability to guide guests through an oral guided meditation

Applicants must have prior mindfulness training such as MBSR or a comparable program. Applicants may also submit personal practice notes, recordings, or reflections to demonstrate readiness.

What You Receive as a Mindful Nature Guide

In recognition of your commitment, accepted trainees receive:

• One Year Dual Flex Pass valued at $175 for use during your active volunteer year

• Mindfulness Based Nature Training Introduction as a Mindful Nature Guide valued at $1,000

• Half day in person training retreat valued at $150

• One year of retreat and special event discounts at 10 percent off

• A 20 percent discount on Patch’s upcoming Mindfulness Based Nature Training certification program debuting in 2026

Interviews and Selection

Applicants selected from the waitlist will be invited to interview prior to final acceptance into the next cohort. Interview timing and application deadlines will be shared directly with waitlist members.