Odyssey Institute

An exploration of holistic health

admin — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 13:19:16 +0000

This custom-designed educational retreat for students from Green School’s grade 7 took a look at holistic health.

The program was designed by the Odyssey team to compliment the Green School’s green studies curriculum, which for grade 7 students takes “health and healing” as its central theme.

Students were whisked away to the Bali Eco Village in order to spend some quality time together with their teachers and the Odyssey team. A dynamic blend of interactive workshops and creative exercises were used to stimulate thinking around the central concept: HOLISTIC HEALTH.

Small group work, solos, a theatrical productions, forest walks and gender workshops were just some of the elements included. The learning environment was rich, to say the least, as many of the testimonials in this film indicate…

Why Reconnect With Nature?

admin — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 06:05:20 +0000

In this Center for Environmental Research and Conservation blog, Renee Cho discusses the importance of children connecting with nature. She frequently references ‘Last Child in the Woods‘ by Richard Louv – a highly recommended read for all current and future parents and educators.

Call of the Wild

admin — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 05:13:15 +0000

An old article from the Sydney Morning Herald, but just as relevant today as it was last year. A call for greater outdoor education and wilderness experiences for Australian children. Ainslie MacGibbon cites a number of advocates for environmental education and research papers proving the benefits of exposure to nature from an early age.

Outdoor classroom

admin — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 05:04:38 +0000

Outdoor classrooms are becoming more popular as some educators realise the importance of their students’ connections with nature. Of course, not all schools have the resources or land to create such spaces, but the students at Ridgeway Crystal Beach High School in Canada seem to be enjoying theirs. Hopefully they’ll get even more use out of it when the weather warms up!

WFR course (Oct 2011)

admin — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 06:55:32 +0000

Odyssey Institute proudly hosted a Wilderness First Aid and Wilderness First Responder course in Bali in October, instructed by JJ Janssen from Remote Rescue. Participants ranged from adventure travel guides and educators to frequent travellers and parents. These photos show participants practising splinting techniques (including the traction splint) and learning how to safely roll patients. It was a great week and we can’t wait to run the next one!

Photos: Kenny Peavy (2011)

Low-tech schooling

admin — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 03:13:52 +0000

As other schools around the globe compete to have the best technology available for their students, the Waldorf School in Los Altos has banned its use in the classroom. Chalkboards, books and active games are the tools used by their teachers in all lessons.

Empty seas and hard times

admin — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 09:39:08 +0000

A great article by Carol Warren about the people of Perancak in Western Bali. She discusses the difficulties faced by the local fishermen as fish stocks decrease, and the need for support for their successful turtle conservation program. Inside Indonesia is a great resource, with free access to some great research being done throughout Indonesia.

Green School :: Freshwater exploration (Oct 2011)

admin — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 04:33:05 +0000

This 3-day field trip took grade 6 students to Sudaji in northern Bali, where they explored the important significance of water in cultural, agricultural and natural systems. They had the opportunity to visit the local water temple, help plough a field using traditional methods and do scientific biodiversity surveys in stream and lake ecosystems.

Film: Johanna Lampi & Rosie Bryant (2011)

Website Images

admin — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 03:11:49 +0000

We love the images featured on our website, and hope you do too! They are the work of some very gifted photographers, including Djuna Ivereigh and her team, Lia Barrett, and Michael Lawrence.

Responsible Travel Report

admin — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 07:50:50 +0000

An article about us in the Responsible Travel report; the online magazine of Sustainable Travel International. Brad Wilcox, of RACI interviewed OI’s Ben Tamblyn earlier this year.