Observing Nature: Inward and Outward

“Observing Nature: Inward and Outward” is created and led by Peter Del Vecchio, a life coach, environmentalist, nature photographer, and former yogic monk.

Incorporating and interweaving his training and life experiences as both a keen observer of the natural world and yogic mindfulness guide, Del Vecchio has designed this intuitive and exciting program to enhance participant’s lives with practical instruction on how to develop both internal and external awareness and conscious powers of observation.

The weekend’s activities are specifically designed to increase awareness of one’s own abilities of observation, both internally (perceptions and feelings) and externally (increased awareness of the natural world which surrounds). The very concept of “observation” itself and how to strengthen one’s awareness and daily application form the core of the program.

The instructor-led activities will include simple, yet powerful, mindfulness techniques, deep relaxation instruction, nature observation walks (some silent), private journaling, cell phone nature photography, as well as fun “camp” activities, such as a campfire with s’mores, stories, etc.

This program is designed for ages 12 to adult, and no prior experience is required. This program will be limited to the first 20 participants in order to ensure the focus on individual guidance and the unique personal experience.

This is a two-day session (9am-9pm on Saturday, and 9am-5pm on Sunday), rain or shine. Space is limited for this workshop, and registration is required. The complete experience from Saturday am to Sunday pm is highly recommended, but participants also have the option to purchase a single-day ticket for either Saturday or Sunday. The pricing reflects a discounted rate for the weekend ticket.

No food service is available at NJSOC. There will be plenty of space for you to store a cooler with your meals, snacks, and beverages for the day. We can recommend places to purchase food locally before you enter Stokes State Forest.

Additional details are available on this flyer.

NJDEP does not currently permit overnight stays at the School of Conservation. Participants who need lodging can find options in nearby Newton, or may be able to reserve a nearby campsite or lean-to in Stokes Stoke Forest (these book quickly for weekend nights, so act fast!).

PLEASE NOTE: No pets are permitted on the NJSOC Campus.

Refund Policy:

Your event fee, minus Eventbrite Fees, is fully refundable if cancelled 7 or more days before the event. In the case of a multi-day event, you must cancel 7 or more days before the first day of the event. No partial refunds are given if you cannot attend all days of the event.

While we appreciate being notified if you are unable to attend an event, refunds are not given for cancellations within 7 days of the event.

For events that are weather-dependent, a raindate/reschedule date is included in the event description. We do not offer refunds if an event is rescheduled for the specified date.

If we must cancel an event, your registration fee, including Eventbrite fees, will be refunded.

The Friends of the New Jersey School of Conservation is a U.S. tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. When NJSOC closed in July 2020, the Friends launched a campaign to save it. This ultimately led to negotiations with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, owners of NJSOC, to obtain an interim management agreement for the School. This agreement was finalized in April 2021, and the Friends of NJSOC are proud to offer limited programming at NJSOC with the help of dedicated and talented volunteers. We are pleased to register you for one of our programs!