Background and philosophy

RIF - international roots

RAMP is attached to an international non-political and non-religious umbrella organization, Rediscovery International Foundation (RIF).

Rediscovery started in Canada in 1978 and consist now of a wide network of independent nature- and culturebased programs both in Canada and other places in the world. RAMP is the Scandinavian branch of Rediscovery International.

Rediscovery builds on the richness in traditional using of nature in cultures and their support relations between the generation. With more than 25 years of work in most different societies Rediscovery has integrated children and youth with different backgrounds and given them an opportunity to become confident in them selves, others and to experience belonging to the basis of nature. 

The Rediscovery Vision Statement:

Drawing on the strength of indigenous culture, the wisdom of Elders, with a philosophy of respect and love for the Earth, Rediscovery International aims to empower youth of all ages to discover the natural world, the world between cultures, and the worlds within themselves.

Visit RIFs website:
http://www.rediscovery.org/

RAMP in Norway

Since may 2000 RAMP has shown that Rediscoverys unique work method also works optimal in Norway.

The leader and the initiative behind RAMP, Edel Urstad, was first introduced to Rediscovery in 1991. Edel decided to start her own offer for youth in Norway - since there is nothing like it in Scandinavia. 

From 1991-1998 she arranged one-day-programs for school classes around the country.

From 1998 – 2000 she was qualified as a guide for Rediscovery International and worked in different Rediscovery programs different places in Canada. At the same time she adjusted Rediscoverys idea and experience to norwegian relations.

In may 2000 the first guide course for RAMP was hold! In June the same year RAMP (Rediscovery Allsidig Miljø Program) was established as a non-profit public corporation .

RAMP is based on an impressing effort from those who are engaged.

The experiences from Canada has contributed to RAMPs unique group composition and structure on the trips.

Philosophy

RAMP has a durable opinion that:

• There lives a good smurf in us all
• Each individual has resources that are unique and that has its own value
• All needs to be seen and appreciated for who they are
• All needs to be loved
• Positive closeness to other people and nature has a nourishing effect
• People who experience care and thoughtfulness will better their ability to take care of, and care about themselves, others and the environment.

RAMPs goal is therefore to give youth in all ages a social, nature based and outdoor orientated experience that brings them up and forward to become well functioning social individuals with a long-term compassionate environmentally outlook.

“The old Lakota was wise:
He knew that a mans heart away from Nature becomes hard. Lack of respect for growing, living things will soon lead to lack of respect for humans too. So he kept his Youth close to its softening influence”
– Chief Luther Standing Bear

One can also see that this philosophy has a worth beyond RAMPs present field of fire. Here is the tool developed that can be used in totally different contexts.