Marking the Transition From Childhood to Adolescence

For Girls, ages 11-14, July 17-19

For Boys, ages 11-14, July 24-26

Wisdom traditions around the world have long marked and acknowledged the transition from childhood to adolescence. The Land Sanctuary of The Ojai Foundation is committed to promoting meaningful and joyful experiences for youth during this sensitive and transformative time.  In alignment with that commitment, we continue a longstanding TOF tradition of creating opportunities for youth to experience personal challenge, reflection, connection, and celebration that encourages them to make this transition with consciousness, joy, and acknowledgement.

This summer we are offering two open programs for young men and young women respectively, designed to build sense of self, clarify gifts and skills, and build connection with others and with the natural world.  These programs are designed to encourage youth to let go of patterns and behaviors that no longer serve them, and to become more aware of new ways of being necessary in order to move forward with self acceptance and confidence.

The Land Sanctuary's skilled program facilitators have been co-facilitating Rites of Passage experiences with youth for over 20 years.  Our program model nurtures the child, strengthens the adolescent and celebrates the transformation.  Our approach includes a three-fold process:  separation from routine life, with three days and two nights at our rustic and beautiful 40 acre semi-wilderness sanctuary;  transition, encouraged by a variety of experiences highlighted below;  and integration, including a closing council and celebration supper with parents and families.

Highlights:
** Fire Circle
** Wheel of Life nature-based teachings
** Night Hike
** Various Councils - Sitting in a circle and listening and speaking from the heart
** Solo Time in Nature
** Drumming and other artistic expressions

Details:
Arrive Tuesday morning by 10 am.
Parents arrive 6 pm Thursday evening for Closing Council followed by celebration dinner

Fees:
$450 per boy or girl (includes seven meals, shared accommodations, all materials ... Bring lunch for the first day)

Plus $20 per additional family member for closing dinner on Thursday

Apply with a letter of intent and interest from the parents, a letter of intent and interest from the youth, and send with a $200 deposit to:

Program, The Ojai Foundation, 9739 Ojai Santa Paula Rd., Ojai, CA 93023

For more information, e-mail program@ojaifoundation.org