“They started as shy girls and through the process, allowed one another to come alive in their personalities and leadership. They laughed, helped each other stay accountable and developed deep and supportive friendships. I witnessed tender moments, acts of courage and perseverance.
It is amazing what happens to young women when we foster their individual capabilities and growth.”
Accepting Registrations!
Program runs May-Oct 2022
A rite of passage is the process of conscious movement from one stage in life to another (eg. adulthood, couplehood, parenthood, death, or divorce). Our 6-month rite of passage, offered every second year, takes participants through a formal process to enter young womanhood grounded in their personal power.
This is LGBTQ2SIAP+ inclusive and welcoming space.
Our method is the result of evaluating rites of passage theory and practice past and present to offer a comprehensive program that gives girls and non-binary youth tools, knowledge, support and experiences that catalyze the self-realization of personal strengths and resilience. They then move into young adulthood with self-confidence, equipped to handle change.
The highlight of the program is our 5-day overnight adventure where we symbolically step into young womanhood/adulthood. We prepare for this in May-June, go on the trip in July, and then integrate the learning in Sept-Oct. For individual support, each participant chooses a mentor in Session 1 and the pair spend weekly 1-on-1 time together. This mentor is the youth’s personal bridge into the adult world, balancing our group time with individual attention. We also involve families in this dynamic and creative process.
Our lead facilitator is happy to meet with interested families and hesitant youth to personally introduce the program and address any concerns. The rite of passage is for 12-14 year olds but we accept participants a bit younger or older depending on their readiness for a rite of passage. If you believe your daughter or child is ready to be recognized as a young adult, please contact us.
BEFORE APPLYING PLEASE REVIEW THE SCHEDULE TO ENSURE YOU ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE REQUIRED DATES
Special Features of the Rite of Passage Program
Individual Mentorship
Each participant will select a woman during our first gathering to be their personal mentor for the duration of the program. In most programs, mentees do not get to choose their mentors, but we encourage youth to trust themselves and practice making choices. The selection process is done in a respectful and confidential manner.
Mentors are women who go through our application and interview process (much like getting a job), clear a criminal record check, go through mentor training and are continually supported by our lead guide and counsellor. See Mentor Process & Application for details.
Challenge
Perceived challenge is a vital program component. Challenge not only develops resilience, resourcefulness, courage and self-knowing, it also acts as a tangible marker for participants to move – emotionally, psychologically, mentally and physically – into the new stage of young adulthood.
Moving through a challenge, participants discover new strengths about themselves and step into womanhood feeling able and confident. Our main challenge is a supervised 8-hour solo in nature during our July camping adventure. Youth prepare for this in May-June, do it in July, and then celebrate their accomplishment as young adults upon their return.
Integration
Many transformational programs end on a high note without guidance to navigate what happens when we return home after expansive, connecting experiences. This can be the hardest part in the process of change. Participants can feel lost or that no one understands them and what they have gone through.
We continue to mentor and meet after the July adventure to bridge the self-discoveries from the trip into participants’ daily lives. We continue to validate their strengths, remind them of their resilience and reflect back their self-awareness until they know it themselves and can apply it to their lives.
Special Features
Each participant will select a woman during our first gathering to be her personal mentor for the duration of the program. In most programs mentees do not choose their mentors, but we encourage girls to trust themselves and practice making choices. The selection process is done in a respectful and confidential manner.
Mentors are women who go through our application and interview process (much like getting a job), clear a criminal record check, go through mentor training and are continually supported by our lead guide and counsellor.
Perceived challenge is a vital program component. Challenge not only develops resilience, resourcefulness, courage and self-knowing, it also acts as a tangible marker for participants to move – emotionally, psychologically, mentally and physically – into the new stage of young womanhood.
Moving through a challenge, girls discover new strengths about themselves and step into womanhood feeling able and confident. Our main challenge is a supervised 8-hour solo in nature during our July adventure. Girls prepare for this in May-June, and celebrate their accomplishment as young women upon their return.
Many transformational programs end on a high note without guidance to navigate what happens when we return home after expansive, connecting experiences. This is often the hardest part in the process of change. Participants can feel lost or that no one understands them.
We continue to mentor and meet after the adventure to bridge the self-discoveries from the trip into their daily lives. We continue to validate their strengths, remind them of their resilience and reflect back their self-awareness until they know it themselves and can apply it to their lives.
“After doing the program, I’m more clear on who I want to be as a human. I focus more on my mental and physical health, and know what makes me happy.”
Comprehensive Program Includes:
May-June: Preparation
- Parent orientation night
- Weekly 1-on-1 mentorship for 1 hr until Aug
- 4 daylong group sessions on weekends, bi-weekly
July: Adventure
- Family send-off ceremony
- 5-day overnight camping trip
- Welcome-back potluck feast
Aug
- Mentorship continue with the exception of summer vacations
- Break from group sessions
Sept-Oct: Integration
- 1-on-1 mentorship shifts to bi-weekly
- 3 daylong group sessions on weekends, bi-weekly
*Sessions are held in Vancouver with the exception of hikes in local areas (eg. North Vancouver) and our camping trip in the Lower Mainland.
For dates, program structure and curriculum, please see schedule below.
Investment
$2000 for 6 months of mentorship and coming-of-age programming for your youth & family
Fee includes all programming and costs associated with the 5-day trip (ceremonies, food, transportation, accommodations)… all in an intimate group of 6-10 girls and non-binary youth.
A $400 deposit secures your spot, then various payment options are available. Bursaries are available.
This once-in-a-lifetime experience is a great opportunity for extended family to support your child. We also encourage participants to fundraise. They can do it together once they meet and we can provide suggestions!
Additional personal costs may be incurred while connecting with your mentor (ie tea or activities), which is completely optional. Mentors are provided a list of many free activities.
To register, please contact us for a brief intake call and registration forms.