Not every classroom has walls. This summer, forests, botanical gardens, and urban green systems across Vancouver are becoming living laboratories for the next generation of FTHub Forest Therapy practitioners.
FTHub’s Summer School Vancouver brings together professionals and researchers from across the world for eight days of immersive FTHub Forest Therapy Practitioner training in Canada to apply the FTHub Method in real and varied natural settings.
An International and Multidisciplinary Learning Environment
The FTHub Summer School Vancouver Edition once again brings together an international and multidisciplinary cohort of participants committed to advancing nature-based health practices through rigorous experiential training. This year’s group includes professionals and researchers from countries such as China, Iran, Canada, Brazil, Ecuador, Japan, and the United States, representing fields that range from environmental education and psychology to forestry.
This diversity is one of the defining strengths of the program. Participants exchange perspectives across disciplines and cultures while exploring how Forest Therapy methodologies can be applied in areas including forest composition approaches, preventive health, and nature-based prescription programs increasingly implemented across Canada and within corporate well-being.
Collaboration with Leading Experts and Institutions
The training is delivered in collaboration with MINT (Multidisciplinary Institute of Nature Therapy) at the University of British Columbia, under the leadership of Dr.. Guangyu Wang.
The program also benefits from the contribution of internationally recognized collaborators and faculty members including Melissa Lem, a leading figure in the implementation of nature prescription in Canada, outdoor education expert and FTHub research collaborator Nevin Harper, Carlos Faerron, Associate Director of the Planetary Health Alliance, and FTHub Trainers Manuela Renzi and Alex Gesse.
Eight Days of Immersive Forest Therapy Practitioner Training
Structured as an intensive eight-day immersion, the Summer School combines academic foundations, applied methodology, field practice, and experiential learning within diverse natural settings.
Vancouver represents the most established and classical implementation of the FTHub Method for FTHub Forest Therapy Practitioner training, remaining strongly centered on the core method that defines FTHub’s approach.
Like the FTHub Summer School Barcelona, the Vancouver edition integrates guided practice across multiple environments from wild forest ecosystems to semi-rural landscapes and urban nature. Participants work in locations such as the UBC Botanical Garden and Pacific Spirit Park, experiencing how Forest Therapy can be adapted to the realities of both remote and highly urbanized settings.
This multi-context methodology reflects the growing reality of professional practice, as many participants ultimately develop programs in cities, healthcare systems, educational institutions, and the workplace.
Practicing Forest Therapy Across Urban and Wild Environments
At the same time, FTHub continues to expand its international Summer School program. While Vancouver focuses on the traditional practitioner training methodology, future programs such as the Summer School New Hampshire will place greater emphasis on nature prescription models, and emerging initiatives like the Summer School Oceans will explore blue spaces and water-based therapeutic environments.
Together, these programs reflect the expanding scope of nature-based interventions while maintaining a strong scientific, experiential, and interdisciplinary foundation.
Continue the Journey in Barcelona
Applications and pathways for the next training cycle continue through the FTHub Summer School program, Barcelona which remains the central hub for participants seeking to deepen their practitioner journey within the FTHub Method and the FTHub 5 Components of Nature-based Interventions.
Act now, enrolling in our Forest Bathing Guide Training and Forest Therapy Practitioner Training. Grow together, equipping you with essential skills to lead transformative experiences in nature.
FAQ
What is the FTHub Summer School Vancouver?
The FTHub Summer School Vancouver is an eight-day immersive training program for FTHub Forest Therapy Practitioners, held at sites including the UBC Botanical Garden and Pacific Spirit Park. It brings together an international cohort of health professionals, educators, and researchers to apply the FTHub Method across diverse natural environments.
Who takes part in the Summer School Vancouver?
Participants come from a wide range of countries and disciplines — including psychology, environmental education, forestry, and forest engineering — from places such as China, Iran, Canada, Brazil, Ecuador, Japan, and the United States. The program is designed for professionals at various stages of their nature-based health practice.
How does the Vancouver program differ from other FTHub Summer Schools?
The Vancouver edition focuses on the core FTHub Forest Therapy Practitioner training methodology. Upcoming editions such as New Hampshire and Oceans place greater emphasis on nature prescription models and blue-space therapeutic environments, respectively.
What does immersive forest therapy training look like in Vancouver?
Training combines academic content, field practice, and guided sessions across multiple natural settings — from old-growth forest ecosystems to urban parks. The program is delivered in collaboration with the Multidisciplinary Institute of Nature Therapy (MINT) at the University of British Columbia.
