CA Month-Long Training

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Jun 15th, 2022 - Jul 17th, 2022 | Inyo Mountains - Big Pine, California | Betsy Perluss, Larry Hobbs, Angelo Joseph Lazenka, Petra Lentz-Snow, Will Scott, Meredith Little

The month-long intensive is designed for those who seek to explore and develop their vocation as wilderness guides within the tradition of the School of Lost Borders. Participants are given the opportunity and mentorship to fully immerse themselves in the ceremonial and practical aspects of modern day wilderness rites of passage that have evolved throughout years of experimentation and practice and have been passed down through the teaching of our elders. It is a beneficial training for those who plan to integrate the vision fast ceremony with adults, youth, and with diverse populations. 

Program Overview: The group will camp together in the heights of the White/Inyo Mountains, cohabitating as individuals while respectfully entering the community of the wild beings of this place. Most days will include time together in council, as well as ceremonial solo time on the land, exploring the themes of the day. The apprentice-trainee must play two roles: that of initiate and that of field therapist, naïve participant and knowing professional. The experiences of initiatory activity on the land will inform and illumine the subject matter of the teaching.

Trainees will have the opportunity to learn from a rotating team of highly experienced guides and teachers from Lost Borders throughout the month, culminating in a four-day personal vision fast.

Prerequisite:  Participation in at least one guided 3 or 4 day Vision Fast.

***BEFORE ENROLLING AND PAYING DEPOSIT FOR THE CA MONTH-LONG,

please contact: Betsy Perluss at [email protected]

To join the waitlist for this program, please fill out the Waitlist Form below.

Please note: No deposit is required to be added to the waitlist.

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TUITION: $2,500 - $7,500
DEPOSIT: $450

Sliding Scale: To honor the vast difference of financial resources among us, all of our program tuition is based on a sliding scale. We set forth no criteria and ask that you pay what is appropriate for your circumstances and access to financial resources. You can see recommendations on using the sliding scale here. If the low end of the sliding scale is still too much, scholarship assistance is available , please reach out to the office for more info.

Cancellations: Cancellations are hard on the participant, the School, and the guides. We respect the unpredictability of life, and we are diligent about running an organization sustainably.

-If you cancel 60 or more days prior to the start date of your program, you will receive a full refund of any tuition paid, minus any deposits.

-If you cancel 59 days or less prior to the start date of your program, and we can fill your spot, then you will receive a full refund of any tuition paid, minus any deposits.

-If we cannot fill your spot, and you cancel within 59 days of the start of your program, then we hold you accountable for paying the tuition at the lowest end of the sliding scale.

Submit enrollment form

 Please fill out and submit the enrollment form and then pay the program deposit below. Before you pay the deposit, please read deposit section below, all deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. After your enrollment form is complete, please submit all health and liability forms.

Pay program deposit

Deposits: This deposit signifies your commitment to the program and is deducted from the tuition balance. All deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. They cover the work of the specific course you signed up for, including all communication involved as well as the fee that guides pay to the school administration for the course accounting. 

Additional Deposit: Some programs require a second deposit to help us affirm commitments. Last minute cancellations make it hard to fill openings and incur a loss of income to the School and the guides.

Tuition Balance: Balance of tuition can be paid before or upon arrival. Simply deduct any deposits made from the amount you’ve chosen on the sliding scale.

Submit Waitlist form

This program is full; however, you may add your name to the Waitlist by clicking the Waitlist button below.

Additional course details & Materials

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Please plan to arrive by the afternoon of June 14th. We will complete our training around 12PM on July 17th. Additional information will be provided upon enrollment.

ADDITIONAL FEES: Camping Fee of $150 per individual (for the entire month) will be collected at the time of the program.

You will be responsible for bringing your own food and equipment, though we can provide some gear if needed. We ask everyone to come prepared to live self-sufficiently. You will need to bring shelter and clothing suitable for a full range of inclement weather. 

To address safety concerns during the pandemic, please contact us regarding our current Coronavirus protocols as well as any current travel restrictions. These protocols may affect how you are able to travel to the program. Please note: As of May 2023 there are no longer any vaccination requirements for international travellers seeking entry to the USA.

All participants must submit the required health questionnaire and liability form.

If you have questions about the enrollment process contact us at [email protected] or call 760-938-3333.

Required reading for this training includes The Trail to the Sacred Mountain Handbook, which contains information on flora, fauna, weather, emergency procedures and other related information, as well as suggestions for preparing for the vision fast you will be doing the second half of the training.

Also, highly recommended is The Roaring of the Sacred River, a training manual for “field eco-therapy”, and the recently published, The School of Lost Borders: A Love Story, a deeply moving account of the history of the School told by Meredith Little.

All publications are available at Lost Borders Press.

We will gather in the eastern mountains of Payahuunadü (also known as the Inyo Mountains outside of Big Pine, California). These are the ancestral and contemporary lands of the Nüümü and Newe people.

To learn more about our commitment to regenerative relationships please visit Cultural Relations.