Rites of Passage

ritual work with young men aged 11-14

Six months of reflection and connection that impart the imperative teachings for forming a healthy and meaningful relationship to daily life.

Rituals of honoring the transition of a boy into a young man have been a long-held practice in cultures throughout time and across the globe. It is an especially important moment in time, and sadly, one that has lost importance in Western culture. It is through the outward honoring of this deeply transformative inward process that we can bring forth young men into acknowledged places of kind presence and respect in the adult world.

There are many programs and ways of engaging in this practice, this honoring of the growth and development of an individual. This course is specifically designed to integrate into daily life, to help anchor the moment into a regular existence. It is not a short-term retreat-based experience. It is through the steady implementation into the fabric of life that these teachings are woven into being.

A closed cohort is created, a special tribe is called forth, and culture is set. One that can last a lifetime. Utilizing this cohort for the duration of the course, and beyond, for reflection and connection can help to endure and impart the teachings of this course by making meaningful, healthy relationships that carry into daily life. There is only one time to move through this critical transition point in life. Doing it with intention, care, and integrity is a monumental gift that can usher in a new generation of young men ready to care for their community and themselves in imperative ways.

The Curriculum

Sharpness

balance
discipline
discernment
care
awareness

Voice

Power of words
Power of tone
Mimicry
Shared knowledge
Secrets
Storytelling

Footfall

Relationship
Community + Earth
Movement
Camouflage
Adornment
Dance

Spark

Fire
Creation
Inspiration
Reservedness
Generation
Consumption

Nourishment

Food
Song
Self care
Love
Self respect

Awareness

Senses
Leadership
Mentorship
Responsibility
Knowledge
Trust

Who

Any boys ages 11-14. Specifically tailored to this demographic for depth of curriculum and refined course content.

For the boy becoming a young man, seeing the changes happening within and needing to ask questions. This course is a space to, feel the answers and experience the transformation from the inside out.

Those who are committed and compelled to live their one wild life. For anyone who feels stuck who is ready to set down the tech and activate their potential to do something truly cool!

This course is highly physical, yet still open to all body types and abilities. Must be able to be active and engaged for 3-4 hours without interruption. This can be the captain of the soccer team, the star actor in the play, the sailor, or the poet, the urban or the rural.

This is not for anyone with deep behavioral problems or as a means for clinical therapeutic work. Through our application process, we will help determine if this course is an appropriate fit for your child.

How

Applications are accepted year-round. Click on the link below to access the application page and follow the instructions

Courses begin 2x per year (spring and fall), and a cohort is intentionally formed and initiated

6-month commitment, meeting 1x per month for 3 hours in a wilderness or facility-based venue to apply the teaching of the month

Follow-up meeting on a 1:1 basis per month during the 6-month course to touch on specific questions and to keep outcomes fresh for participants

The course culminates in a 2-night overnight outing in a local wilderness setting to allow for the final integration and deepening of the cohort culture and embodiment of the course teachings

Rites of Passage Application Form