Rite of Passage
Take a step back and see the big picture…
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What is a rite of passage?
“A ritual or ceremony signifying an event in a person's life indicative of a transition from one stage to another, as from adolescence to adulthood.”
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Why have a rite of passage?
In a world that sometimes feels like a run on sentence, the PUNCTUATION of a rite passage enables us to pause, breathe, and reflect on changes so that we can truly emerge into our fullest selves.
Marking the transitions into the next stage of life, though challenges that allow us to see and celebrate accomplishments, fosters engagement in the next stage - in this case - adulthood, where the importance of being initiated is essential to stepping into our best selves.
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Wayfinders Rite of Passage
Wayfinders Rite of Passage program is a two-year immersive experience in nature connection, self reflection, skill building, and community and prepares youth for a rite of passage.
The actual rite of passage asks youth to step out of their comfort zone and into some edge places where they find out more about themselves.
Wayfinders are deeply prepared and supported as they experience an overnight fire solo as their rite of passage.
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Holistic B'nai Mitzvah (OPTIONAL)
B’Mitzvah Circles or individual tutoring are available to those seeking to experience a B’Mitzvah as part of their rite of passage.
Diverse rites of passage may be available based on our mentorship team and the desire of participants.
Rite of Passage includes:
2 weekend long camping trips
First weekend includes a ropes course
Last weekend includes a rite of passage experience
All meals and snacks included
5 all day Sunday retreats
Campfires
Games
Skill building
20 Thursday evening gatherings (hybrid - some virtual and some in person at the JCC)
Crafts & life-hacks to learn about ourselves and explore creativity
Sessions will alternate between leadership/communication skill building and hands-on projects
1 Parent only gathering
Total Program Cost: $3,100 JCC Members/$3,500 Non-Members - Scholarships Available
Rite of Passage Program
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Camping Weekends @ Westchester Campgrounds
FALL 2022 ORIENTATION & ROPES COURSE
Saturday, October 15th - Sunday, October 16th
Saturday 9:30am - Sunday 4pm
SPRING 2023 RITE OF PASSAGE
Saturday, May 20th-Sunday, May 21st
Saturday 9:30am - Sunday 4pm
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Sunday Retreats @ Lenoir
SUNDAYS FROM 10am-3pm
November 6
December 18
March 12
April 23
June 11th (Wayfinders Festival)*
*Rain Date June 17th
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Thursday Evenings (Hybrid)
THURSDAY FROM 6:30-8PM
(Virtual or at the Shames JCC based on below schedule)
September 29th (Virtual Family Orientation)
October 20th (one-on-one virtual mentoring), 27th (at the JCC)
November 10th, (one-on-one mentoring), 17th (at the JCC)
December 1st (group virtual), 15th (one-on-one mentoring)
January 5th (at the JCC), 12th (group virtual))
February 2nd (one-on-one mentoring)
March 2nd (at the JCC), 16 (one-on-one mentoring), 30th (group virtual)
April 13th (at the JCC), 27th (one-on-one)
May 4th (group virtual), 18th (one-on-one), 25th (one-on-one)
June 1 (TBD), 8 (TBD)
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Parent Only Gathering @ Lenoir
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11th FROM 4-5:30
What is Wayfinders Rite of Passage?
If you have been looking for an alternative to a traditional coming-of-age rite of passage...
Wayfinders is here for you!
Camping trips, retreats, & mentorship sessions for youth ages 11-14.
Disconnect to reconnect, build strong bonds with yourself, each other, the community and the earth.
This time in life, when youth are “coming of age” is complex and pivotal…
Rites of Passage creates opportunities to discover what it means to come home.
We are wayfinding - finding our way, remembering our original instructions of being human, discovering how simple and connected it all is.
It’s not too late to reclaim this peaceful and soulful way, or continue on the journey to self discovery.
PARTICIPANTS
Wayfinders Rite of Passage is a small group of youth ages 11-14 curious about the next chapter of life, transitioning from youth to adult - from the “me” to the “we”, taking on new roles and meaning in their families and communities.
In addition to the Rite of Passage Program, optional small group mentoring is available to prepare for a Bar & Bat Mitzvah as part of the coming of age rite of passage.
Gender identifying groups will be created to explore topics related to adolescent development.
MENTORS
Mentors and councils wrap around our youth to help support this transition with listening, witnessing, wisdom and guidance.
In addition to our seasoned team of mentors, diverse spiritual leaders will lead unique experiences throughout the program.
