Modern life has very little in the way of meaningful transitions for the young, in moving from childhood into adolescence and adulthood. Yet, throughout human history many cultures have considered this transition the most important in an individual’s life and have marked it with profound and transformative initiation rites. Through the initiation process, boys and girls move outward from their intimate family situation and are introduced to the vastness, the splendor, and the sacredness of the world beyond. Through encountering and connecting with the power and the “otherness” of the natural world, they are invited to reflect upon their true place within the larger cosmos and the deeper purpose of their own unique life. In this way, they pass through the gate into young adulthood and are able to assume conscious, connected, and spiritually grounded responsibility for their lives within the whole.

This summer, in Crestone, Colorado, the Dharma Ocean and Hemera Foundations will offer an initiatory journey modeled on the rites of the past, yet appropriate to the challenges our children face as modern people. Through the power of nature in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and with careful guidance and meaningful relationships, your child can discover the fire within and begin to take their place in community. Join us for a seven-day rite of passage, which will include three days and nights of backpacking and camping, primitive wilderness skills, ceremony and solo time.  All activities will be led and supervised by qualified wilderness guides with extensive training and experience in providing a powerful, safe and transformative transition experience. Participants will begin and close the program at the Blazing Mountain Retreat Center.

This non-sectarian program is open to young people between the ages of 12 and 15 of all backgrounds and orientations. The program begins on July 14 and will conclude with a welcome back ceremony for the new initiates on July 20. Cost for the program is $475 per participant, and scholarships are available.