Honoring life transitions through connection with self, nature and community.
Rite of Passage for 11-13 year-olds
Why are Rites of Passage important?
From earliest civilization, children and their communities have entered into a Rite of Passage to mark the transition from childhood to young adulthood as they are entering their teens.
The Rite of Passage process sets the child on a path with achievements that are recognized by their community. They will reflect on their process, growing as a person and preparing them for the road ahead with a strengthened sense of purpose and identity.
Parents/Guardians support the child through the Rite and will gain insight into how the child is changing. Through facilitated peer support they will gain strategies for relating to their child now and in the future.
Group size:
Typically 6 -12 youth
Cost:
Sliding scale. Programs are created specifically for each cohort.
What does the process include?
This is a six-month process with weekly, in-person activities, individual activities, and volunteerism in the community. This is a group process for youth and their parents/guardians with 6 major steps:
Preparation for the journey
Starting the journey meeting
Projects that the young people engage in regularly for six months, including an artistic project, a physical challenge, community support and engagement-related volunteer activities
Monthly group meetings, that include youth engagement in nature and check-ins for caregivers
Individual check-ins as necessary and in preparation for the ceremony
Rite of Passage Ceremony at the end of the six-month period. Each youth participant relates the story of their commitment, shares their artistic project and is ritually welcomed into the adult community by their parents/guardians in the presence of their broader community.