Camelidynamics Teaching Program

Certification as a Camelidynamics Teacher takes considerable commitment.  The levels of certification within the teaching program are: 

Apprentice Practitioner

Practitioner

Instructor

The philosophy is easy to learn and the techniques look easy, but extensive training and practice are required to become proficient.  Many people attend one clinic and feel they could teach the method.  After attending two or three more training, most begin to realize how much there is to learn.  It is at this time-when students realize what they do not know-that they begin to have an understanding of the work.  The requirements for teaching Camelidynamics are deliberately rigorous and comprehensive.  Qualified teachers benefit the students and the animals, as well as the reputation of the program and the work.

The first phase of the practitioner program is an apprenticeship.  During the period of apprenticeship, individuals are asked to pursue a rigorous amount of education and practice before providing several (evaluated) lessons to students at no charge.  This is the period of time when the apprentice is learning the combination of working with animals and teaching people. 

Standards are high for Camelidynamics Practitioners and Instructors, yet the benefits are wide-ranging.  The camelid business is growing and the demand for training is increasing.  Additionally, with many camelid owners working a job “off” the farm, the need to be able to complete even basic animal husbandry tasks efficiently and enjoyably, are even greater.  The income potential for Practitioners is good, yet will require an individual business plan, and as much (or more) skill in business and marketing, as in animal handling and Camelidynamics.

A Practitioner pursues an evaluated course of continuing education and is (or has been) involved in the daily care or management of camelids.  After successfully completing their apprenticeship, the individual is evaluated and certified as a Camelidynamics Practitioner.   The individual continues to pursue an approved course of continuing education to refresh, refine and maintain their certification.  Practitioners are certified to teach private, semi-private and group lessons* for up to 6-8 people.  The Practitioner may charge for their time, at competitive rates.

*Lessons - are focused on specific Camelidynamics skills and methods with a significant hands-on component and differ from workshops and clinics in both scope and organization. (To more fully understand the definition of Lesson vs. Clinic/Workshop – See Definitions in the Guild Guidelines Appendix.)   

An Instructor has spent a number of years as a Camelidynamics Practitioner, continues to teach private and semi-private lessons, and is (or has been) involved in the daily care or management of camelids.  Once evaluated and invited to become a Camelidynamics Instructor, the individual continues to pursue an approved course of continuing education and refresh, refine and maintain their certification.

The Camelidynamics Instructor is certified to teach Camelidynamics one and two-day clinics, workshops up to 20 people, promotional demonstrations, and private and semi-private lessons and consult at competitive rates.

Learning to handle and train animals is like any other physical activity. It requires not only practice but practice with intention. To be successful, you must participate in an on-going educational program. In addition to the Camelidynamics Clinics taught by founder Marty McGee Bennett, more opportunities are available from Camelidynamics Instructors and Practitioners.

Instructors and Practitioners can lead the way to more efficient handling that is safe, fun, kind and respectful at your farm with your animals or in central teaching locations. All certified individuals have been evaluated and graduated from a course of study and are personally endorsed by Marty McGee Bennett.* Visit our Practitioner and Instructor Page for a list of certified Instructors and Practitioners in your area.

*Each Instructor and Practitioner determines his or her own policies and rates.