The FORT Facilitator Training - Applications Due February 28, 2026

Help us make a difference in the lives of teens:

The FORT Facilitator Training is a professional development program designed to equip caring adults with the skills and confidence to lead our experiential mental wellness programs for teens.

Through a mix of in-person and online sessions, interactive group discussions, skill-building activities, and real facilitation practice, you’ll develop mental health literacy, learn how to create safe, engaging spaces where teens can connect, build resilience, and feel supported.

Once certified, you’ll be eligible for paid opportunities to facilitate Ryan Bartel Foundation (RBF) workshops as a contractor in after-school programs, and evening/weekend programs for teens in and around Loudoun County, Virginia.

Who Should Apply?

We’re looking for passionate individuals who:

• Are 18 years or older.
• Live within driving distance of Loudoun County.
• Can commit to facilitating 3 FORT events (6 workshops) within 12 months of certification (paid as a contractor).
• Care deeply about promoting mental health and resilience in teens.
• Possess skills and interests that align with our workshops (yoga, fitness/movement, mindfulness, art, music, horticulture, animals such as therapy dogs or equine, drama/theater, photography, etc.).
• Can complete all FORT Facilitator program requirements

Training Program Includes:​

• ​Grounding in RBF’s Mission: Learn our values and approach to incorporating protective factors into teen experiential mental wellness programs in creative, engaging ways.
• Creating Safe Spaces: Foster acceptance, connection, resiliency, and hope in teens.
• Skill Development: Engage in supported practice, peer learning, feedback, and coaching to advance your teen facilitation skills.
• Trauma-Informed Facilitation: Build skills to lead inclusive, trauma-informed experiences that ensure teen safety, belonging, and emotional regulation.
• Experiential Workshop Design: Receive guidance in creating and delivering mental wellness workshops using four core modalities: movement, creative expression, mindfulness, and nature-based experiences.

Expectations

• ​Complete all training events. All virtual and in-person sessions are mandatory.
• Commit to facilitating a minimum of 6 RBF workshops as a paid contractor during the 12 months following their certification.

FORT Facilitator Spring 2026 Training Schedule

• ​​​​Volunteer at one FORT event – Sundays, 1–4 PM (if new to our programs)
• ​FORT Facilitator Training Orientation – Virtual, March 12th 7:30-8:30pm
• ​Introduction to Becoming a FORT Facilitator Online Course – 2 hours self-paced
• ​FORT Facilitator Training – Required in-person session: Sunday, March 22nd from 12-5 pm, Trillium Farm Gathering Center, 18915 Lincoln Rd, Hillsboro, VA 20132
• Deliver FORT Workshop under supervision– Sundays from 1–4 PM (scheduled based on Facilitator's schedule)
• Deliver First FORT Workshop: Sundays from 1–4 PM​​​

​Successful facilitation of FORT Workshop with supervision is the final step to earning FORT Facilitator Certification.

​​​​Sign up today and start making a lasting difference!

Questions? Check out our FAQs here.

Ready to Apply?

Take the next step in supporting teen mental wellness by applying for the FORT Facilitator Training! Start your application today!

Apply Now