CO Two Week Training

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Sep 2nd, 2023 - Sep 17th, 2023 | Wild Mountain, Colorado | Ruth “Roo” Wharton, Pedro McMillan

This training gives students an immersion in a rite of passage ceremony, including the skills involved in leading the vision fast and an understanding of how the principles of rites of passage can be applied to a profession, community, or client. Trainees are encouraged to learn the form, the process, and then to give it their own unique expression within life and work. Throughout the two weeks, the trainee will be challenged to wear two hats: one is the hat of the person training in the ways of the vision fast guide and the other is the hat of the person learning experientially what it is like to actually go out on the land as a participant.

The first five days are given over to preparation (severance). Morning and afternoon meetings are the norm. Instruction includes: council; screening and preparation; cultural appropriation; intention process; the four shields of human-nature; self-generated ceremony; and mirroring.

Trainees go out into the wild mountains, find a place for their solo and set up communication stone piles with their buddies. For 4 days and nights, the trainee lives alone with an option to fast (Threshold). Sometimes, trainees will choose to remain in basecamp as support for others instead of doing their own ceremony.

The final days of the training are focused on incorporation where each story is told and trainees practice mirroring for empowerment. We also look at the process that has just unfolded from a training perspective and prepare ourselves to reenter our lives.

Prerequisite: at least one facilitated solo experience

Preparing ahead of time: Every trainee must ask: What am I going out to mark, celebrate, or confirm? What is my intent? Who will benefit from my training (Who are my people)?

Program Questions Contact: Roo Wharton at [email protected]

***A negative Covid test from all participants will be required within 48 hours of arrival at Wild Mountain.

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TUITION: $1200-$3600
DEPOSIT: $400

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 Waitlist form

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

Waitlist Form

 

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.

Enrollment Form

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.

Additional course details & Materials

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We encourage people to arrive at 4pm on September 2nd. The group will then come together for its first meeting the next morning on September 3rd. We will complete the training mid-afternoon on September 17th. More logistical info will be sent when you register for the program. ADDITIONAL FEES: Land Use Fee $100 paid in cash or check made out to 'Wild Mountain Retreats'. This will be collected at 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. 

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.

Wild Mountain is land of the Tabeguache Ute people and other Indigenous tribes who traveled through this area of the Colorado Rockies. The Ute lived and hunted in this abundant land of elk, buffalo, deer, and bear before white settlers came and forced them onto reservations in southwest Colorado and Utah.

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

program guides

Pedro McMillan

Ruth “Roo” Wharton