RESOURCES

“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. 

What can you do to support them? 

Is there a young adult in your life that you can share this offering with? 

Is there a young adult that could attend this offering through your financial support, or emotional encouragement.

 Could you empower someone to step up to this threshold with confidence and a community behind them?

Nearly every culture on the planet shows historic evidence of a ceremonial marking of the passage from adolescence to adulthood, undertaken consciously and witnessed by the community. An initiation marking this passage into adulthood and responsible participation in the world can be seen as an integral part of human development.

However, many modern societies have lost such traditions. Without cultural support, young people may try to initiate themselves, by rebelling and testing their limits through extreme experiences, behaviors, and expressions, trying to prove…..something. Or young people may be left feeling lost and confused, their search for an authentic self-knowing never takes place, and they settle to conform and accept the status quo.

Perhaps this strikes a cord with you too? Many generations of current adults and elders did not have access to experience a facilitated Rite of Passage welcoming them into adulthood. It is never too late to experience a Rite of Passage, and ceremonially mark any phase of development. That being said, can you imagine what it would have been like to partake in a Wilderness Rite of Passage in your twenties? To have initiated adults guide you in pursuing your most authentic self and welcoming you into your unique adulthood? Can you imagine this opportunity for the young people in your life now?

For communities that have lost their initiatory traditions, supporting a young person to partake in an experience like the Young Adult Nature Based Rite of Passage, is not only an investment in the young individual, but a beneficial contribution to the health and wellbeing of the community as a whole. Initiated adults return to their families and friends with a rooted sense of themself and their responsibilities, radiating clarity about their gifts and their belonging. Through their experience they can inspire a sense of connection and wholeness, while inviting new perspectives and renewing the meaning of self actualization. They can support others to intentionally cultivate authenticity and begin to seed cultural revitalization, and community resiliency.

 With the support of Rites of Passages like this one, individuals, families, and communities, are realizing and remembering how important these coming of age traditions are to not only human development but also cultural resiliency, and interdependent relationships with each other and the natural world.

If you have any questions or would like to have a conversation with me, Grae, about any aspect of this Rite of Passage, please reach out at [email protected]