“My own ceremony on the mountain is still the source of strength, inspiration and prayer that allows me to take the whole world-its shadow and its light- into my heart, and decide from there what is mine to do.”  

-Justine Epstein Age24

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“There is little as important as supporting our young people as they step into their adulthood.  They hunger to be seen and heard, and to feel the importance of their unique place in their society, community and family.  And it’s up to us to provide them with the tools to take their place.  This is what rites of passage in cultures around the world used to provide, and some still do.  We must bring it back for the health of our children and communities.  They need us, and we need them.”

MEREDITH LITTLE 

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“Show me your youth and I will show you the future of your nation.” Georges Vanier.

Undergoing a coming of age Rite of Passage during these intensifying times, must be recognized as not only an incredible act of bravery, but also of vital importance to the possibility of a generation that can be prepared to inherit a world in immense need for stewardship. 

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Marking the threshold of adulthood takes great courage, perhaps now more than ever before as young people face growing stressors of environmental & social crises.

These programs support youth and young adults to cultivate self-trust, responsibility, and a personal understanding of one’s innate belonging & unique place in society and the natural world in these intensifying times.

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Rite of  Passage ceremonies have been held in near infinite forms and shapes for thousands of years, shaping and shifting according to weather, landscape, ancestral lineages and the particular needs of the community which enacted them.   What sets modern rite of passages apart, is not so much the forms of ceremony we use today,…

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Description from Earth Converse Podcast: Ready to flow like a river? Penelope’s first guest conversation is with the wise wonderful Emerald North. “A woman of the earth, artist, poet, a guide and most of all, a human being that is deeply connected and living with, on and through the living earth around her day to…

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Note: This short piece has been submitted to Circles on the Mountain for publication.  For better or worse, wilderness rites of passage programs have gained a great deal of popularity over recent years. For better, because many of us have worked hard to see meaningful rites regain their importance within modern culture. We know that…

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It is my third day without food. In the night I awaken now and again, cozy in my warm sleeping bag, and watch the Big Dipper move around the north star. At the early light of dawn over barren rock hills, I bid farewell to a waning moon as it dips behind the ridge far…

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