Rite of Passage Program
An all-encompassing 6-month journey of mind, body and spirit
“They started out shy 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 people when we foster their individual capabilities and growth.”
For ages 12-14 with exceptions.
For adults interested in mentoring, please visit our Mentoring Page.
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 coming-of-age rite of passage, offered every second year, takes participants through a formal process to enter young womanhood/adulthood 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 gender-diverse 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 camping adventure where we symbolically step into young womanhood/adulthood. We prepare for this in group sessions May-June, go on the trip in July, and then integrate the learning in Sept-Oct. For individual support, each participant chooses an adult mentor in Session 1 and the pair spend weekly 1-on-1 time together over 6 months. 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.
Compared to our Empowerment Camps, the Rite of Passage provides greater individual guidance and reflection, more wilderness skills & exposure, a deep emphasis on ceremony, and a greater opportunity to establish longterm friendships. Participants MUST be comfortable sleeping in a tent and hiking with a sizeable backpack for about an hour.
Our founder 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 younger or older depending on their readiness for a rite of passage. If you have any questions, please email Elisa at elisa@fireandflowergirls.org or call her at 604-312-0063.
Please scroll down for our 2025 schedule.
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 guides 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, physically, and spiritually – into the new stage of young adulthood.
Moving through a challenge, participants discover new strengths about themselves and step into womanhood/adulthood 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
- Womanhood ceremony for mothers & mentors
- 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
All sessions are held in the Comox Valley with the exception of our camping trip – location TBA. Transportation will be arranged for the camping trip to & from the Comox Valley.
Program Guides: Allie Livesey & Dani Robinson
For dates, program structure and curriculum, please see schedule below.
Investment
$1250 for 6 months of mentorship and coming-of-age programming for your youth & family
Given the duration of the program, as well as the in-depth support and education we provide, the cost of running this program is substantial for our small organization. Thankfully, we are so pleased to have the growing support of our donor community and our goal for 2025 is to cover 50% of program costs. This year, we are proud to be able to offer a new reduced registration fee (from $2,000 to $1,250).
Fee includes all programming and costs associated with the 5-day trip (ceremonies, food, transportation, accommodations)… all in an intimate group of 6-8 girls and gender-diverse youth. Camping equipment is not provided but certain items can be borrowed. 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. A $500 non-refundable deposit secures your spot, then various payment options are available. As always, a limited amount of bursaries are also available. To apply for a 2025 Bursary please click here. Please note the deadline to apply for a bursary is Sunday, March 30, 2025.
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.