Rites 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, grow as a person and prepare 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 their child is changing. Through facilitated peer support they will gain strategies for relating to their child now and in the future.
What does the process include?
This is a custom-designed process that may include 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.
Activities including an artistic project, a physical challenge, community support and engagement-related volunteer activities.
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 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 witnessed by their broader community.
Group size:
Typically 6 -12 youth
Cost:
Sliding scale. Programs are created specifically for each cohort.