2024 Wild Folk Herbal Apprenticeship
Now accepting applications for the 2024 Apprenticeship!
Join Herbalist Amber Kennedy for an in depth herbal course and re-wilding experience over the span of 5 months, June through October. Explore the magic and healing possibilities of the herbs and plants all around us in the beautiful Vermont forests and fields while reconnecting with nature and your own roots. Empower yourself to take your healing into your own hands and awaken the knowledge and skills of your ancestors while working to create remedies and medicines from years gone by. Move your body, breath the fresh air, learn from the plants and trust your hands to remember this important work. The curriculum will focus on the history and traditional uses of the herbs as well as modern day uses with an emphasis on the stories and folklore that connect plants and people. If you have been wanting to dive into the magic that the green world offers and take a deeper look at herbal medicine and embolden your inner healer then please join us in June 2024!
What past Wild Folks are saying about the apprenticeship:
“I knew this program was going to hold a sense of magic, but I didn’t realize on how many levels…You created such a beautiful space for us that encouraged the growth of a new community with roots based in an age-old one. Through support from each other and the earth, we were able to balance the serious and the light; through thought provoking conversation and play, we were able to find more balance. I loved the people and plants, the recipes and meditations…” ~Kayla H.
“It wasn't just about the plants!… I also learned so much about myself. I learned about my place and my responsibility on this planet. I have a different perspective on Time, which now, for me, has less to do with the calendar and more to do with Nature’s seasons and cycles, the phases of the moon and a pretty pagan view in general. Not that my love, respect and appreciation for Mother Nature is new, it’s just now more clear. My journey towards an “all natural” life is now a mission…If any of this is speaking to you, this program may just be the thing to help you begin anew with wisdom that ISN’T new. And its delivered in the most approachable, welcoming and fun way!” ~ Christine N.
“Each session was a truly magical experience. Amber is so knowledgeable about the plants and their uses both in theory and practice. She expertly weaves in a love and respect for nature and the seasons and energetics of the plants in a truly meaningful way.” ~ Sarah B.
2024 Apprenticeship Information
To apply for the 2024 Wild Folk Apprenticeship please read to the end. Once you have confirmed that the dates, times and location work for you, please fill out and submit the application form below. Space is limited to 15 students.
WHEN:
5 sessions, one Sunday per month from 10am-5pm, June-October
Sunday June 16th
Sunday July 21st
Sunday August 18th
Sunday September 15th
Sunday October 20th
An additional rain date TBD
WHERE:
My home and the Boheme Botanika gardens and apothecary in Underhill, Vermont.
WHAT:
The Wild Folk Apprenticeship was created to give students the tools, confidence, empowerment and knowledge they will need to begin growing, harvesting and creating their own basic but effective herbal medicine for their families and themselves and provide a solid foundation for further herbal study, exploration and healing. It is my hope that students will end the season with a new perspective on how to connect with and honor the earth and leave with lifelong friendships. This course evolves throughout the season along with us so please be flexible with the curriculum ebbing and flowing with the needs of the group and what gifts nature offers to us! Here is an idea of what you can expect to discover during the apprenticeship:
Introduction to herbalism. With so much information out there it can be confusing! What does it all mean!? What is an herbalist? Learn how herbalism is used and applied in the modern world, how it can benefit you and your family and how you can use herbal medicine to enrich your life and how can you bring your newfound herbal knowledge to the world.
Types of herbs. Adaptogens, Alteratives and Nervines oh my! Learn basic but vital vocabulary and some useful tools for understanding and categorizing herbs by their properties, constituents and effects within the human body.
Tastes and Energetics. Sample tinctures, sip teas, nibble leaves and use your senses to immerse yourself in the physical attributes, flavors and energies of the plants.
Plant ID. Build an in depth relationship with 10-20 different seasonal plants and herbs along with casual introductions to dozens more during weed walks and garden tours! Get acquainted with these plants and witness them in their habitats and learn how to work with them as our allies in healing. Learn some tips for plant Identification and unique plant ecosystems. Discover some intricate natural communities and worlds where groups of plants support one another and how you can use the clues that the plants give us to help you identify their uses.
Foraging Forays. You will have time each class to harvest and wild craft your own herbs to make potions, elixirs and remedies. Discover how to ethically and sustainably use plants as medicine and how to respectfully harvest.
Apothecary building. Learn which tools and supplies are in every well stocked apothecary and where to sustainably source bulk herbs and raw ingredients along with tips on how to organize and store items for efficiency.
Medicine Making 101. Discover how to create herbal remedies using a variety of mediums from alcohol to infused oils to vinegars, salts, sugars and honey. Discuss Tinctures, Teas, Shrubs, Balms, Electuaries and more and in which situations each is called for. You will make new remedies each class to begin to stock your home apothecary and bring recipes home so you can make more!
Harvest, Prep and Storage. How to get an herb from the ground to the bottle in a safe and effective way. From harvesting roots to gathering seeds, garden chores are a big part of herbalism and you will learn tips and have hands on experience in the Boheme Botanika medicine garden.
Plant Monograph Journaling. Begin a botanical compendium and work on it throughout the season. This creative project will begin in class and may be completed at home. It can incorporate flower pressings, drawings, journaling, photographs and other personal observations and/or important plant information.
Reciprocity and Appropriation. How do we align with the earth and her inhabitants in a humble, sustainable and beneficial manner? Learn how to adjust the lens that we look at the earth and land ownership through by way of honest conversations about decolonizing our minds to allow us to truly connect with the land and heal our planet, each other and ourselves.
Discover your roots. Learn how the stories of plants and people have always been intertwined. Discuss how our ancestors used plants and how working with them again pays homage to our dear ones. Hear folk tales, origin myths and stories of plants and herbs that have been told for centuries and find ways to weave herbs into your own story.
Find a sense of place. Enjoy simple daily exercises in grounding and centering. Align with the seasons, the land, weather patterns and moon phases through poetry, stories, meditation, breath work or visualization. Learn to connect to the earth as the plants do.
Nature based ritual. Take part in creating everyday rituals to help you flow with the seasons, nature and the plants and to build deeper connections within your communities. The rituals we will learn about are centered around non culturally appropriative, pagan festivals and ceremonies from my own European and Slavic lineage and will incorporate some traditional witchcraft practices but you will discover how to make them your own and include your own unique life experience and ancestral lineage into ceremony.
Plant Magick. Delve into the spirit world with sacred smoke, plant attunement and the magical properties of plants. While each plant has its unique attributes and can effect positive physical changes and healing within the body, there are also important energetic manifestations of each. Sometimes simply sitting with a plant and understanding its healing benefit is all we need to create a long term relationship with the plant.
And so much more!
Interested?! Read on to find out the details before applying!
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
Each day will begin with a brief grounding or centering practice, a way for us to bond as a group and connect with and honor the land.
Days will be full with lectures, hands on workshops, medicine making, foraging and plant ID excursions, earth based rituals and ceremonies, storytelling and re-wilding exercises. A 40 minute break for lunch and to explore, rest, stretch, meditate or converse will break up the day. Students are encouraged to bring a bagged lunch, snacks and a water bottle or the closest restaurant or market is 20 minutes away. Herbal tea and samples of herbal dishes or recipes may be offered or shared with the class.
Each class day we will create herbal remedies for you to take home to help you build your home apothecary. Nature and my garden will provide us with all of the herbs and plants needed and some tools and supplies will be available to borrow.
Please note that students will be required to supply jars and ingredients like olive oil, alcohol and apple cider vinegar for creating potions with and are strongly encouraged to collect and bring their own tools which will be a first step in stocking their own home apothecaries. A prep list will be emailed several months before the start of class and a more specific list of tools and ingredients will be sent before each session to help students prepare.
An inspirational but not required reading list and class document PDFs will be emailed before the start of the apprenticeship and follow up handouts will be sent before each class or distributed during class.
WHERE IS THE CLASS HELD?
The course will be held at my home and apothecary and gardens. This is private property on a privately owned road on the Underhill/Westford line in Vermont. Specific directions will be sent when you are accepted into the course.
Boheme Botanika is based in the foothills of Mt. Mansfield on 50 acres of land. Nestled in the woods yet within an hour drive of Montpelier, Stowe and Burlington. I strongly encourage those traveling from out of state to plan for local lodging. While the drive to class is beautiful from surrounding states or even from Southern Vermont, it is long. For those traveling from out of town I can offer information on local accommodation, camping, Bed and Breakfasts, Air BNBs, restaurants and other local experiences. There are plenty of spots to hike, bike, swim, get a massage, take a yoga class or go out to eat or shop while you are in town for class! We will spend most of our days outdoors enjoying the forests, fields and gardens.
Some excursions to other neighborhood farms and properties may be added to the schedule and are TBA. Please note that all classes will be held in person in Vermont, USA. There is no online option for this program.
Access to tented areas are available for shade and in the case of inclement weather. An indoor bathroom and drinking and washing water are available.
You will be asked to dress for the changing weather and plan to get muddy, sweaty, wet or bramble scratched and Nettle stung. While it is my priority to provide adequate shade, protection from the weather and some creature comforts to the best of my ability, we are at the mercy of Mother Nature for most of our time together. This is a re-wilding experience through and through. Classes are held rain or shine and we will often trek through tall grass and woods so plan for outdoor adventuring!
WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?
The beginning herbalist, curious naturalist or those looking to broaden their herbal skills and deepen their connection to the natural world. No previous herbal experience is required to take this course. Those with previous herbal experience will find some new and some review with a unique, folkloric approach to the skills and information presented.
This course is geared towards adults ages 18+. Younger students have been accepted on a case by case basis and with a legal guardians written consent. Please reach out via email to discuss.
Boheme Botanika celebrates diversity and inclusivity is a top priority! All gender identities and expressions, races, ethnicities, ages, sexual orientations, cultures and religions welcome and honored. All ability levels are also celebrated and differently abled folks are welcome to apply-I will do my utmost best to accommodate within the constraints of the property and the curriculum. Please reach out to me with any questions and to let me know of any limitations!
As this class is held at my own home, space is very limited and consideration will be given to previous students and clients first. After that, enrollment will be granted on a first come first serve basis.
WHAT IS THE COST/TUITION?
Cost of the full, 5 session course is $680. Payment in full or a $180 non refundable deposit is due once accepted into the program to hold your spot. The balance can be split into two payments of $250 each. Reasonable due dates for payments TBA. (My hope is to offer scholarships in the future for those with a financial need. In the meantime, additional payment plans and options may be considered on a case by case basis. Please reach out with inquires.)
*A 10% off discount is offered when paying in full before February 1st 2024. If signing up after April 1st 2023, payment is due in full when accepted to the program. Applications will be accepted until May 1st or until the course is full.
Please note that the required supplies and tools necessary to get the most out of this course will be an additional expense. I try to create a cost effective list and you can often find items and tools second hand or can borrow from friends but consider that this will be a first step in building a well stocked apothecary.
CANCELLATION and REFUND POLICY:
A deposit as specified above or payment in full is due when accepted into the program in order to hold your spot. At this time I am unable to offer refunds at any time or for any reason. If for some reason you need to cancel the entire course please let me know in writing as soon as possible and if I am able to roll your tuition into a future class I may offer that at my discretion.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 UPDATES: Please note that at this time, all classes will take place outdoors and we will implement social distancing and safety protocols as needed. At this time masks will not be required outdoors but encouraged for anyone that feels more comfortable. Given the uncertain nature of COVID-19, additional protocols and precautions may need to be implemented and adopted in order for us to safely gather. The safety of the group will be a top priority and all guidelines and mandates will be met regarding group gatherings, however barring further government restrictions that prevent us from gathering, there will be NO REFUNDS. Please consider your level of comfort and individual health concerns before applying.
