An elemental Rite of Passage into young womanhood for girls starting in 6th or 7th grade. Through Earth, Air, Water, Fire, and Ether, each girl builds confidence, resilience, and a deep connection to herself and the natural world.
Earth
Earth offers the ability to feel safe and grounded. When girls feel safe, all else is possible. The earth element includes herbal medicine, tracking, plant and animal allies, and making pottery cured in the open fire.
Air
Air gives us the tools to communicate and be connected to others. The air element includes group-bonding activities such as improvisational theatre, sharing circles, and communication tools. Challenges include a group solo on the winter camping trip and a personal daytime solo.
Water
Water teaches us about self-care and the body and emotional changes happening during puberty. Girls learn how to care for their unique physical and emotional bodies. The water challenge involves an immersion in a body of water.
Fire
Fire teaches us how to care for others and the world around us in a beautiful and responsible way. Girls learn to build and tend fires and begin creating fire from friction. The fire challenge on the spring camping trip includes tending a collective fire after sunset, culminating in an overnight solo fire-tending and honoring ceremony.
Ether
At the end of each year, girls enter a challenge that helps them learn about themselves, become resilient in the natural world, and build confidence. At the completion of the third year, girls are held through an honoring ceremony led by aunties and elders. Parents and caregivers are invited to join in celebrating and honoring the transition of their daughter into her next phase of life.
Learn More
Visit an Open House or Info Session to meet our team and explore whether Rite of Passage is right for your family.