Rites of Passage for Teens

Supporting teens explore the gifts, the challenges and the rewards of stepping into adulthood. Through a series of group workshops and an overnight solo experience, adolescents will explore identity, purpose, and transition. Camp also includes a family circle on pick up day so teens can be witnessed in their experience and welcomed back into their community with their new gifts.  This camp is 5 nights and includes 2 nights of preparation at Ekone, 1 night of solo time in nature and 2 nights of incorporating what was learned back at Ekone.

Facilitators: Kay Alton is a licensed therapist and Kika Kielpinska is trained in rites of passage through School of Lost Borders. Kika and Kay have co-facilitated countless teen circles and developed and implemented rites of passage since 2020. They are very excited to be returning to Ekone Ranch in Goldendale for the second year of this important work! Find out more about kay: www.altoncc.org

Benefits: Marking life transitions can play a crucial role in helping adolescents move into adulthood by providing them with the tools, skills, and sense of identity they need to navigate this important stage of life. 

• Identity Formation: Helps adolescents develop a sense of identity and belonging within their community. Symbolic acts that mark the transition from childhood to adulthood, helping young people understand their roles and responsibilities in society.

• Self-Esteem and Confidence: Boosts self-esteem and confidence by showing adolescents that they are capable of facing and overcoming challenges. This can be especially important during a time when they may be grappling with issues of self-worth and identity.

• Social Integration: Involve the participation of the broader community, including family, friends, and elders. This integration reinforces the adolescent's connection to their community and helps them understand their place within it. In the form of a family circle and having coaching on how to share their experience with their community.

• Connection with Nature: Spending time outdoors and away from technology can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Nature has a calming effect and can help adolescents feel more grounded and connected to the world around them.

What Camp Looks Like:

• This camp is incorporated into the Ekone Ranch Camp experience! Campers get to eat all the yummy homemade meals in the Yummy Tummy Cafe and sleep in the beautiful A-Frame bunkhouse. We will also join in on all camp free time (think slip and slides and tire swings), games and sing alongs. 

• We will spend the bulk of the day preparing for or debriefing from the solo camping experience. This will look like sitting in circles in conversation, doing art, hiking, swimming, sorting gear and finding allll the courage!

Campers will return to their families with a renewed sense of self, direction and purpose! 

REGISTRATION WILL BE THROUGH THE EKONE RANCH. LINK WILL BE PROVIDED ONCE IT IS LIVE! www.ekone.org