Honoring Life Transitions

The Journey Continues . . .

2011-09-02T14:41:00.000-07:00

For one week, we traveled in our tribe of six. Reconnecting with parts of ourselves we had discovered out in the woods and within our hearts. Below are a few words from each participant about their experience.

In the words of Mara

There is a Hunger in my Ocean,
as the swells stretch for shore.

There is a Hunger in my Mountain,
where the peaks silently soar.

There is a Hunger in my Flower,
dried, aching for more.

So sail me to freedom,
I'll let my Hunger Roar.

There is a Hunger in my Dagger,
see the holes it bore?

There is a Hunger in my People,
who, once rich, are now poor.

There is a Hunger in my Soul,
it's searching for a door.

So sail with me to freedom,
we'll let our Hunger Roar.

-Mara, 16

"The Journey is a Privilege, especially alone & together."

- Micah, 17

Jonah tells about a favorite moment

"We were hiking up to Desolation Lookout, trudging up the 4.25 miles of steep switchbacks. The sun right above our heads, we kept cool in the shadows of the trees. Our eyes were focused on the rocky path beneath our feet, one foot in front of the other. We were hiking for quite some time when Micah, our leader for the day, said "Stop! Deer!" Right in front of him, so close he could reach out and touch her, was a doe. She just stood there for a few moments on the trail looking directly at us as if she were surprised to see us there. Then, slowly, she walked into the trees. It was an amazing experience to be so close to something so rooted in nature. It made my day."

- Jonah, 14

Tristan Shares his Gratitude

As this week-long Journey begins to end, and I sit in the car on the long drive back to Songaia, my mind and heart are stretching as they try to hold onto all that has happened, while becoming excited for the future, and most importantly, trying to remain in the now.

The simplest acts of walking, talking, eating and sleeping have created so many good things for me. My five new friends I never knew existed, have given me so much of themselves that I have been able to look myself in the eye and search for what I can give back.

Walking through the columns of the forest, standing high in the wind looking all around at snow peaked mountains, swimming in the crisp, clear lake, surrendering to the cold.

I was given time to feel comfortable with myself and then I felt at home in Nature. By having the space and time to de-clutter my mind, I was able to turn my attention to all the little things around me and to begin to see things as they really are and not in the same mundane way I was used to.

Suddenly, I found great joy in looking at the smallest things; the body of a mosquito perched on my arm, a bundle of needles from some great tree . . . for that, I am grateful.

- Tristan, 15

"The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you.
Don't go back to sleep.
You must ask for what you really want.
Don't go back to sleep.
People are going back and forth across the doorsill
where the two worlds touch.
The door is round and open.
Don't go back to sleep."

- Rumi

Reflections on the Solo Crossing

2011-08-28T18:00:00.000-07:00

These trips I’ve been going on these last couple years have been getting only better and better. I have so much love in my heart for this program, its mentors, staff and every participant I’ve met so far. I live life to love everyone and everything and this trip has been just an amazing opportunity to exercise and carry out that quality as well as receiving it. I come home excited to greet the world with the new me and I plan to do it proudly. I feel very blessed to have been able to see the things I’ve seen, feel the things I've felt and sleep in the places I've slept and prayed. And I pray and hope someone else will be as fortunate to embark on the wonderful journey I've just come home from. I look forward to many more trips with journeys and I most definitely recommend these trips to everyone. And send my love to everyone who will or will not be going on this trip.

With love,

Jesse “LJ” Larson

This trip was something that I will remember for many years to come, and hopefully I will never forget the lessons I learned. The people I have met on this trip are some of the nicest, deepest, and generally some of the coolest people I have met, and I hope to stay in touch with them. I cannot convey through words the incredible things I have experienced. Among them are the views I saw, the lessons I learned, the insights I had, and I will never be able to describe how amazing food tastes after a long hike. To the person reading this, whoever you are, I recommend that you go on a Rite of Passage Journey, as it will be worth it and you will learn things about yourself and realize things you may never have imagined.

With the utmost love and sincerity,

Kory “Da Man” Schneider

My rite of passage journey was an experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life. The potency of the bonds I’ve made on this trip with the participants as well as mentors are strong and will be in my heart for many more years to come. All the great fun and laughs around campfires and strenuous times pushing up massive hills have been engraved into my memory, and shall take a long expanse of time from now until they blur and become foggy and hard to remember. Learning about myself and what kind of adult I want to become in my life was a priceless treasure to me that was an honor to have. The wisdom the mentors passed down to me will help me though out my life and in harder times help me find within myself the right answers and decision to make. Out of all the skills I’ve learned one of the ones that comes to mind is the skill of meta, being able to take a step back and look at what I’m doing and where I am in my life without distorting what I see. So over all the trip has permanently changed me In dozens of positive ways and even some that I haven’t discovered yet. Id recommend this journey to any youth who wants to test themselves physically as well as take a glimpse into the future and see what kind of man/woman they are growing into. ~ Cullen Recktenwald

The sky is the limit. That was only one of the many things I learned while I was on my solo crossing. Another thing I was able to learn was how to be more direct when speaking to people and how to use my voice to not only share why I’m angry, sad, hurt, etc. but, also how I feel about it. This journey’s trip has been packed to the brim with laughter, fun, good times, memories, learning experiences, amazing people, a few disagreements, nature, broken stoves, and bear cans. Everything I carried throughout the trip only made me stronger. Not only physically but, also mentally. I learned things that will stay with me my whole life, and things that will also make my life the best life I could ever dream up. And I’ll get through it with everyone around me and with the knowledge that I can do whatever I want, be whoever I want, and no one can ever tell me I can’t. From now on I determine my life and future. Sure, my parents and guardians can tell me not to eat this or go there but, basically it’s all me. That’s my power, and part of what the sky is the limit means to me. I’m never going to stop striving for what I want, in all aspects of my life. On the second night of my solo vigil I watched as the sky turned from a plain baby blue to being speckled with stars twinkling, glimmering, and floating in a darkened night sky. And I told myself that if I wanted I could be that brightest, biggest star in the sky. If I want to write a bestseller I will, and if I want to be an amazing softball player I will do that too. It’s all up to me. ~Ella Lanphear

Journeys’ Rap

I got a double sized pack

So hold the bear can

That might not be fun

But hold on son

We be up in this woods

Order for eight

Got a craving for adventure

And I just ate

Macaroni and cheese, tuna-peanut-butter-jelly

But all that hiking we be doing will

Have it burning off yo belly

Naptime

-By Fred Kayes

Coming of Age for Boys II Mythic Story

2011-08-23T11:28:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time,
once below a time,
once above a time,
once beside a time,
once beneath a time.

In a time that there was no time and yet there was.
A group of nine boys set out on a journey into the wilderness.
They came from many different places, some knew each other and some did not.
In the beginning they learned about teamwork, trust and respect and formed a friendship together.
But, as the journey progressed, their number came to eight when one boy left to follow his own path.

They met a master storyteller.
A man of wisdom, he told them of the importance of listening.
He told stories of great warriors, epic journeys, and insurmountable challenges.
After listening to his stories they feasted on meat and bread.

Then they set out to the wilderness.
They trekked for many days and through many camps to a great peak.
There they saw a powerful beast traveling in the valley below.
In their descent, they enjoyed the snow and explored by the river.
They returned to the road and they traveled to a massive ocean.
They saw proud creatures of the sea and the forest.
They sheltered there before trekking over sand and through the woods.
They were tested in teamwork and trust when they were tasked with carrying an injured comrade's burden in addition to their own.
Luckily they received help from fellow travelers who helped distribute the weight between the boys.

They arrived at a time where they were not boys and not men.
They were no one.
They fasted and meditated on what they were and who they wanted to be.
They washed away their childhood and were welcomed into a new way of life.
They were welcomed back as young men.
They left mentors and started a camp of their own.
At first they argued and quarreled.
But they sorted out their differences and agreed to a pact.

A pact of respect and shared responsibility.
They then returned to the land from which they left to continue their adventures individually.

Written by the Young Men of our Coming of Age for Boys II, 2011.

Apprentice Journey 2011

2011-08-09T08:58:00.000-07:00

Day One: Saying Goodbye and Hello.

Much excitement had gathered while Jenna and I prepared to meet our group of 9 courageous 8- to 10-year-olds for a 7-day adventure in the North Cascades. By the day of the Send-Off, when we finally met our crew of campers, we were feeling blessed to be headed out on such an exciting Journey.

The Apprentice Journey is a special adventure because they are our youngest group of Journey’ers; and often we get to watch them “grow up” as they return for programs every couple of years. It is also special because it is packed with FUN! Instead of hiking a lot we get to just take the time to play and enjoy a wild place together.

Parents and participants gathered on the first day at the Journeys Basecamp “meadow.” We unpacked and repacked bags and met the kids for the first time. After goodbyes were said we were immediately whisked away into the wilderness; our home for 7 days!

Our first day in the wilderness proved to be a fun one! Our campsite overlooked Diablo Arm; a muddy-bottom and cold river that called the names of each of our campers. We explored the water for some time before cleaning off the mud and getting cozy for the night.

Day Two: A rain bath to wash away the mud.

Day two is never a great time to suffer the “big storm,” but sometimes you don’t have much of a choice. When nature decides that it is rain that you need, the rains begin to fall. What started out as a beautiful day, with a nice forest wander and some fun hiding games, quickly became grey and drippy. It wasn’t necessarily a “big storm” but it sure did rain for quite some hours; from mid-day until sometime in the night.

Lucky for us we had three cheerful sun-dancers and singers in our group to help wash away the rainy-day-blues. As we, the mentors, tightened tarps and covered backpacks we were serenaded with sunny-day songs: “Oh mister Sun, Sun, Mister Golden Sun….”

At least our muddy laundry from day one was thoroughly cleaned!

Day Three: Drying out and getting comfortable.

After the rain ended, a day of sun was greatly appreciated. We spent the day wandering slowly to a beautiful lookout over Diablo Lake… looking at special plants and small critters along the way. We even stopped to dip our heads and faces into a small glacier-fed creek for a quick energizer; a small “Polar Bear Dip”. The highlight of the day was spent on a large sun- and moss-covered rock where we enjoyed sit spots and a yummy lunch.

Day Four: Nighttime ambush.

From Campsite 1: We figured that sleep would come easy on this evening after our first opportunity to backpack together… in the morning we had packed our backpacks and headed into the real wilderness; a first time backpack adventure of 2 miles for our young campers. Tucked into our sleeping bags, Jenna and I started an in-depth conversation about the next day. At one point we noticed headlamps/flashlights creating an interesting forest disco effect. We wondered what was going on… but didn’t investigate.

From Campsite 2: Also tucked carefully and warmly into sleeping bags Brent and Jason turned in for the evening. As they were nearly sleeping they heard the following words chanted, over and over: “The nuns of death have come to kill.”

From Campsites 3 and 4: Not so carefully tucked into their sleeping bags were our young campers who were participating in a nighttime, boys vs. girls, Douglas Fir Cone ambush. Turns out the flashlights were dangerous blinding tactics and the chant came from the girls team who were dressed in their sleeping bags, looking something like a nun.

Day Five: The Hot Cocoa trick.

You probably already know this about your children, and we were certainly aware of the possibility of this trick working… but now I would feel comfortable selling Hot Cocoa as a sleeping aid. The real trick is in the patience. It is true that each child will have a moment of sugared bliss, during which they will say things like: “Oh, man! My mom never lets me have this much Cocoa! She won’t give me one full scoop and you are giving me two. This is GREAT!” Or drink by lapping instead of sipping, as shown in the image.

But here is the beautiful part… After this sugar bliss wears off you are left with a team of sleepy campers. The drop off happens quickly so you must remain ready to assist in the sleeping process: sing lullabies, read stories, etc.

Day Six: Coyote tricksters.

Since Jenna and I had mastered the art of a sugared snack before bedtime we decided to give it one more try; and since this was our night camping together it was sort of a special celebration anyways. This night it was Smores. We feasted and got ready for bed. Things were looking good and smooth… and all was mostly quiet. But instead of the Cocoa Effect, which was 30 minutes of crazy followed by bedtime, we got the Marshmallow Effect, which is about 30 minutes of quiet followed by the crazy sugar bliss (a delayed sneak attack, so to speak).

Since we had a big day ahead of us Jenna and I ventured into the dark to give proper “Shhhs” to the campers. As we approached their tarp we found a large bump (a log maybe?) in the campsite where there had been none before (a rock??). Jenna leaned closer to investigate the bump and I stood back to investigate the larger scene. While pondering the situation quietly the bump suddenly sits up and says “Raaarh!” (Bear??!... Nope just a camper).

We all shared a good laugh about Jenna’s and my reaction to the scare then said goodnight again. This time, silence followed and we all ventured into our dreams.

Day Seven: The much-awaited reunion.

Seven days is a long Journey for a group of 8- to 10-year-olds and we had certainly talked plenty about the people and pets and conveniences we missed at home. So by day Seven our campers were excited to be reunited with their families and pets.

We awaited our van pickup at our campsite; the kids all wanted to sit right on the edge of the road so that they would be ready to go. Every time a white vehicle appeared in the distance the kids would get excited and someone would say, “I think that is it!”

So if you have wondered, parents, siblings and pets, yes, the kids did miss you!

We returned home to the sound of parents cheering and a drum beating. Had I not known differently I might have assumed this group of backpackers had just returned from summiting Mt. Everest. The reunion was sweet and the good-byes sweeter.

We hope to see you all again soon.

Coming of Age for Boys II Send-Off

2011-08-09T08:31:00.000-07:00

On July 31st we sent off another group of young men (along with two amazing mentors) into the wilderness. Here are a few photos from the Send-Off Ceremony.

May the trail rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and the rains fall soft upon your tarps.

(Adapted from an Irish Blessing)

We are excited to see you all again very soon!

Photos taken by Emily Pease.

Coming of Age for Boys I 2011

2011-08-02T21:10:00.001-07:00

Arrival at Songaia basecamp was to begin what would reveal itself to be an imposition of joy, discomfort and challenge, as seven youth stepped into the unknown. Severing ties from their childish ways and choosing that which would be their counterpart is a long and difficult process culminating at the end of the trip during the reincorporation process. The representation it chose of itself was that of the wilderness and what marvel and beauty it cherishes.

The sixty-mile hike from Cape Flattery was merely the importance held by the metaphor, as participants were those exposed to the subjection of initiating their first cautious yet courageous steps into manhood. Curious Seals, Sea Otters and Dahl Porpoises deemed their sighting a worthy one as they littered the Pacific Ocean that shapes the western coast. River and headland crossings were to taint challenging hikes. The experience denied no opportunity to swim in rivers and lakes throughout the three weeks; as well as their expressive parent: the ocean. Evenings revealed themselves to be donors of that valuable opportunity as posed by ‘council’; a sacred circle whose purpose is to allow genuine and authentic voices to express both emotions and fears as well as the provocation enticing listening from the heart. Mentors bless individual mentees as they cross the threshold to the ‘solo sites’, the chosen location in which they are to spend 24 solitary hours pondering both life and where on its surface and depth their feet will fall.

Returning from the Journey each boy now a youth tells an individual tale of courage, confidence, and even terror. Crossing the final threshold on the comforting return home, each individual returns with a weight whose lightening of their load in life is evident. The gifts they bring are soon to be shared with the world.

Written by Alessandro Genovese (Age 13), Coming of Age for Boys I 2011 Participant.

Coming of Age for Girls 2011

2011-07-21T12:31:00.000-07:00

Your community hasn’t truly became a family until each and every person can rightfully say they crossed a small wooden bridge 20 feet above a gushing river in the pitch black night, clutching on to each other for support; and everyone can speak from their hearts without fear of judgment.

We came into Journeys as individuals we all had our talents, our memories, our strengths and weaknesses. We learned to work off and with one another. Our time here has shown us really what we can do if we push ourselves.

There’s 22 days of our Journeys adventure, and it was fun while it lasted
So many memories, and so many moments that we didn’t know how to spend it
Except for:
Singing in the car to ninja training,
or powering through those three miles (da da da)
Rolling our ankles and craving chips,
And Cici farts for an hour!
Licking peanut butter, off of all our tarps,
or caring for Jeffrey all day (not again!)
Sitting in princess chairs, crossing a bridge at night
or driving our mentors insane (GIRLS!)
As you can see there ‘aint no ponies, on pony bridge!
So come along ‘cause all us girls are gonna make it last!
Yeah come along ‘cause all us girls are gonna do it all!

Thank you to our mentors and the Journeys staff for making this journey possible.

Sincerely,
Kenzi, Tovia, Francesca, Raven, Cici, and Belly

Coming of Age Send-Off Ceremony

2011-06-28T12:12:00.000-07:00

Fourteen families gathered at Journeys' basecamp on Sunday, June 26th to send-off their children into the wilderness for our three-week Coming of Age experience, the first youth program launch of the summer. As the mid-day sun heated the yard, families and children sat upon opened tarps and reviewed their gear with the program mentors, radiating a mixture of excitement and nerves about the impending adventure. On these program launch days it is hard to tell who is more nervous about the adventure, the children or the adults who have been raising them.

The children's challenges are somehow expected; three weeks in the wilderness with a new community would be challenging for anyone. They must find comfort in any weather condition, hike with heavy packs, take on new responsibilities, find the confidence to speak their needs, learn how their actions affect others, and so on. But forgotten sometimes is the task that the adult must face in letting go of the child and seeing them, upon their return, as a youth.

During our Severance (or Separation) ceremony Amanda Ayling, Director of Youth Programs, speaks to the discomfort and excitement of letting her own child grow, "When my daughter was born, a friend told me that having a child is like your heart suddenly being on the outside of your body, and then it starts to walk around and venture out into the big, scary world. My daughter is only 4 years old now, and I can remember about a year ago when she started walking into the other room without me, leaving me to look around for her, all discombobulated. Now she has started to leave the house by herself, to go into the backyard and play on her swingset.

I am happy about this new independence, but also sad about it. And also scared. And I imagine that the feelings are similar for you all as parents, 10 years further down that road, as your children head off today to the woods for a three-week journey that involves some elements of the unknown. I imagine you feel pride and happiness, sorrow and fear. It is a hard thing to let go of your heart and to trust it to the universe, and I deeply honor what you are doing here today."

In three weeks this same group will gather again, everyone a little changed from the experience. We will hear excited stories of adventure, reintroduce family and new youth, and celebrate the courage it takes for all to show-up and embrace change and growth.

Coming of Age for Girls II, Ages 12 - 14

2010-08-22T18:01:00.001-07:00

We had a great time! Our journey was filled with laughter, challenges, and deep meaning. We had highs and lows and everything in between that makes for a transformative journey. Here are a few things the participants said about this trip:

"I've learned to love myself on the inside just as much as on the out. This journey was life-changing. Now I know there is more to life than meets the eye." -Participant, age 13

"During my trip, I went in the forest, through the mountains, walked on amazing beaches, and hiked next to incredible waterfalls. I learned a lot about myself, inner and outer - wise, and I am so glad I got to have the experience and opportunity to do so." - Participant, age 14

"I learned that when things get hard, keep on going--don't stop. My favorite part of this trip was Sacred Groves and the solo." - Participant, age 13

"I have gone on three Journeys trips and every one has been a life-changing, wonderful experience."
- Participant, age 13

"I learned I am much stronger than I thought I was. I think my most challenging moment on this trip was the solo but I think it only made me stronger and I will remember this trip forever." - Participant, age 13

Our Song: "Hike With Me"

If you wanna go take a hike with me

Come get on the trail and follow me

Oh why did I slip and fall

Must be muddy!

If you wanna go set up a tarp with me

Go get the P-Cord and find a tree

Go crawl in your sleeping bag

Let’s get cozy!

If you have to go and take a poop

Just grab the orange shovel and scoop, scoop, scoop

Oh what is your rating today?

Must be a twenty!

If you want to go and build a fire with me

Just grab some kindling and build a teepee

Oh why won’t the lighter work?

Must be too windy!

If you wanna go and take a solo

Stop eating, drink water and go, go, go

Oh why do I feel so hungry?

Must be my tummy!

If you wanna get past the tide

Just take off your pack and start to climb.

Oh why is this so easy?

Must be Jerry!

Our trip has been fun, we got a lotta sun

But now it’s done and we gotta run

And we feel like a family

Must be the Journey!

- Introductions of Participants and Staff -
I’m Dominae

And we’re the Funky Bunch

And we’re guaranteed to be better than your lunch

Give me my chili and I’ll shout a little louder

I’m Kayley Bug and I’m a backcountry thug

And I’ve learned a lot about myself and love

Anya’s my name, Backcountry’s my game

My trail name is Ashton and I hike with a passion

My Name is Frida and I aint no reada

It ain’t no lie that I make a good stir fry

My name is Joy Duncan. I like to eat

And when I go to sleep I get cold feet.

My name is Melissa I can rhyme any word

I am a songbird and I lead the herd.

I’m Home Skillet and this is my crew

And our community sticks together like glue.

My name is Katie and they call me ladybug

If you’re hiking up the ladder I give you a tug.

Put your hands in the air and wave them like you just don’t care.

And if you think our rap is dope

And that’s no joke

Everybody say O-Yayer.

Call to Adventure!

2010-07-24T13:03:00.000-07:00

Eight youth, ages 10 - 12, answer the Call to Adventure and help out the WA state beaches.

On day 6, of a 7 day journey, the group rigged a travoy to carry out aprox. 200lbs of garbage from Hole-in-the-Wall trail, near Rialto Beach! Great job everyone!

BMW ("Burly Mountain Women") Throwdown

2010-07-18T17:01:00.000-07:00

Burly Mountain Women from John LaGow on Vimeo.

by Erin, Maddy, Sophie, Aurelia, JoJo, Molly (Coming of Age Girls I 2010)

Pop it, Lock it, Boy that’s heavy it

Take it to the trail and start your adventure it

Take your wings to the sky, tell your feet good-bye

Walk up the mountain, “You see it?!” Fly!

Zig-Zag, ‘cross the trail

Know that you can never fail

When your heart beats

Can’t feel your feet

We keep going through rain and sleet! And a’

Zig-Zag step slide

Going through the snow I feel three times!

Chilled to the bone from head to toe

Throw it all together that’s how we roll.

We’re the BM – W’s!

Burly Mountain Women that’s how we roll!

Strap it, tie it, back-country-fy it.

Going to the beach to hike in the sand with it

Put your tarp in the sky

Tell dependence good-bye

Start your own fire, Keep it alive!

Zig-Zag, ‘round the seal

Off to our solos without a meal

Maddy faints, her whistle blows

Look how fast those mentors go! And a’

Uh-oh, tide rolls in

Looks like we might have to swim

We have to poop and when we do

We like to rate it 10 to 2.

We’re the BM – W’s!

Burly Mountain Women that’s how we roll!

Coming of Age Boys I, Summer 2010

2010-07-16T14:06:00.000-07:00

Written in entirety by the boys of COAB I: Matt, Spencer, Logan, Grayson, Cy, Jonah, and Rohan.

Rite of Passage Journeys is something that we would recommend to anyone wishing for a unique and challenging experience. The coming of Age for Boys 1 was outstanding. Many things about it were challenging and a lot of the time we were ready to go home. But now in the end we can really see this experience has changed us for the better. We have gone through this with perseverance and courage. We have seen our fellow mentees grow and change.

We wish to tell our story about our trip:

Ropes Course and Hiking

On the third day we went to a ropes course which was a lot of fun because we had the chance to do so many things like the power pole (which everyone made it to the top), the alligator crossing, the balance table, and the tight rope crossing. It was a lot of excitement because we literally had each other life's in our hands, also on top of the power pole there is a secret message and everyone said yes except Nevada who said, "The jury's still out," and Matt said "No," and we got a quote from Cy who said "It's all fun and games until someone dies."

We saw a lot of wild life throughout our journey; bear, raccoon, eagle, elk and many other interesting animals. The scenery in the mountains were very diverse. There were many rivers, dry land areas, waterfalls, snow and many large trees, gorges, it was beautiful. The hiking was the largest part of the trip, not because it was most important, but because it was most time consuming. We hiked about 60 miles total and approximately 5 miles a day. Though the hiking was time consuming we were very comfortable on trail, and very quick. We hiked the hilly trail from 3rd beach, to Toleak Point (~7 miles) in under 4 hours, including lunch breaks. I would say our speed on trail made up for 3 hour average time to get out of camp in the morning.

The food served to us on the trip was pretty decent. Although the portions could have been bigger because throughout the whole trip we were starving and always talking about food (that we could only get in civilization). At O'Neil Creek Camp, when it was rainy and the mosquitoes were eating us alive, Spencer decided that he didn't like his Quinoa so he snuck it into Grayson's bowl (didn't work out too well). On the Fourth of July when we were treated to marshmallows, Matt went into a sugar high and couldn't stop laughing for hours!

Not so funny stories that you shall find funny (we hope).

John the poo magnet: So we woke up on our second to last day in the Enchanted Valley and one thing we notice as we eat breakfast is that the two mentors John and Jason look very unhappy. Jason comes up to the group and asks where the soap is; his tone and body language indicate that he is very, very unhappy about something. Matt, the water tender, runs to help him wash his hands. All the while, Jason starts to look even more mad. Later that morning we are called to a meeting around the campfire. The reason for their displeasure is Jason's hands and John's bear can, stuff sack, shoe, and hip belt were covered in human feces. Apparently someone had woken up in the middle of the night and needed to eliminate colon substance. In the mainstream camping world (in our experience) you are taught to shat behind a log while sitting on the log. In the Journeys program, you are taught to bury your feces at least 250 feet away from any campsite and water. None of us confessed, so we were forced to go sit in solo positions and wait for a mentor to come around and question us. Each one of the mentees was confident he had not done it. Still no one confessed. At that point, John came around and stated that he was not mad at anyone, and just needed to know whether anyone was feeling sick, seeing that it may have been a health danger. In the mentees opinion, it was intentionally placed there by someone outside of the group as a practical joke because there was an outhouse in the area open to anyone who needed to use it. The mystery goes still unanswered and will likely never be answered. P.S. John got his shoe back.

O'Neil Sucks: First night on the trail, we were forced to stop in O'Neil Creek camp, debatably one of the worst camping locations of the trip. It was hot, humid, in the evening cold, and there were always, always throngs of mosquitoes. There were more mosquitoes there than there were hippies at Woodstock. After our first day on the trail, we were all very tired. We sat down on a log and made merry. Then the bugs hit. We struggled to get the tarp up, mainly because of the bad work ethics of the two tarp people. When it was time for dinner, disaster struck. We were having quinoa. Now the thing about quinoa is that it is super absorbent, and it may not look like much in the package but it definitely could have fed twenty people with seconds for all. It started to rain, and the quinoa got cold and clammy. But the worst part was, we could not use any seasoning to make it taste better. One of our group had the bright idea of putting cinnamon and sugar. Did not end well. Arguing broke out near the end of the first serving of quinoa. Two of our group left for bed before the second serving, and for once there was thirds (we learned a very important lesson: be careful what you wish for). We all went to bed.

Cy crushes flute (written by Cy): Our group had just come out of the bunkers of Port Townsend and finished doing an activity to build relationships with people we despise. It was the end of the day, we were all looking forward for dinner, and I got careless. I walked over to the cooler to get to my water bottle. I jumped over a bag, did not judge the length properly, and an earsplitting crack rang through the bunker. At first I was confused, and then I was horrified. I had shattered Jason's cedar flute, the one he used for all of the rituals. My hands flew to my mouth and I let out a gasp. I anticipated Jason to start shouting and cursing. Jason was shocked for a second, but kept his head and forgave me. Then Lawrence (leader of the previous activity) told him he could fix it. Lawrence truly, truly saved my skin.

Port Townsend Ecovillage and Solo

At the Ecovillage, we all built drums and let them cure while we were out on our solo. After the solo we built drum sticks and painted our drums in very interesting ways! We were all surprised about how amazing the outcome was! Before embarking on our 24 hour solo journey we burnt childhood masks, thus symbolizing the burning of our undesirable childhood values. During the solo the weather was windy and cold, everyone wished for more clothes, we were all hungry and missed the comfort of home and family (which we appreciate a lot more now). In the 24 hours Matt envisioned a cougar eating three crows, and Grayson saw a goldfinch fly through his tarp. When the mentors woke Grayson up in the middle of the night to check on him, he thought his Camelbak was his sleeping bag. The following day the sky cleared just like our souls. We were all also hungry and slothful the whole day.

We all wish to thank Journeys and everyone who helped make this experience possible. Without you we may still be lost trying to find our way. With you we will be able to live our lives with more understanding of life and the knowledge to gain a firmer grasp on how we should live our lives.

Spring Adult Wilderness Quest

2010-06-29T17:07:00.000-07:00

Spring Adult Wilderness Quest Reflections

We were different people from different cities going different directions. We met for one moment of life transformation and redirection in the wilds of Washington. This was a path we had chosen for answers…for clarification…because we knew this is what we were called to do even if we didn’t know why.

During the Spring Adult Wilderness Quest this year we blurred the lines of wildlife, self, and Gaia and found a deeper appreciation for the relationships we have built, the love that we give and receive, and the sacrifice of the trees and the animals that give us life. Kneeling before elk we became vulnerable. Our connection became powerful. Following the eagle’s path we became lost. We are now found. Dancing around a snake, we shed our old skin. In our hunger for more, we created new skin. Whatever we needed, this quest became medicine for our soul.

The challenges we faced were by choice. The victories we made were because of the inner gifts that we both uncovered and sharpened; and because of structure and heart of the Rite of Passage Journeys organization. The staff – Helen, Cassandra, Kirt – walk the walk and talk the talk in ways that are authenticate and heartfelt. They see your passion…they draw you near…they hold you close…and they help you dig deep and push through in ways that go beyond community – they become family.

Although nine days seemed like an enormous amount of time at the beginning, it became a blur of reality that left us with big, satiated smiles. We spent three days acknowledging and releasing our expectations and intentions of what a quest is and could be. Three days were spent alone, fasting, facing our fears, overcoming our challenges, and learning that we are stronger, more intuitive, more loved and capable of love than we ever knew. And then we finished with three days of no longer hiding behind the masks of our past existence. Without judgment we were welcomed. Even though some of us were tempted to leave during the hardest parts of the journey, we are now happy that we stayed. The last two days of the entire experience became the most critical, important part.

If it is true, you do not learn until you have time to reflect then we have only just begun to appreciate the gift of the Spring Adult Wilderness Quest experience. There was a combination of the natural and the sacred that resonated with each of us, enabling us to breathe, pray, and stomp our way through like warriors. In the end we are just like you. We are teachers, students, advocates, artists, advisers, therapists, guides, administrators, planners… and we are chosen. So are you.

Welcome home.

--Katie, Janel, Nadine, Candace, Jay, Julie, Tiffany, and Meris

2010-06-29T16:58:00.000-07:00

From the 2010 Apprentices (a brand-new program)

We, the new staff of Journeys, made a group flag before our 3 day orientation trip out to the coast. A tradition shared by all Journeys trips, the flag flies at each campsite with our values we want like to create together plus the outline of our hands symbolizing our agreement tattooed on its side. During our trip, our many intentions to create a safe space in which to learn, experience, and perhaps make mistakes became flesh and that process created some of the most moving shared moments. There's really no substitute for feeling the sand of Third Beach in between your toes or transitioning from beach to green and soggy trail via a gnarly yosemite ladder but we'll try to recreate it for you!

We wanted to create CONNECTION

In only a few days, we were visited by small deer bounding up and down the beach, heralded first by nickle-sized tracks in the sand, a rainbow of starfish, huge white seals, bald eagles, a snake, and a river otter. The multitude of slugs and their inherent funniness captured our delight as well as tracks from both raccoons and bobcats. It seems crows narrated each part of our journey with raucous caw caws. Through these visitations and our contact with the beauty of off-shore haystacks or the pale night sky directly after sunset, our connection with the earth was deepened.

We wanted to bring GRATITUDE

Our connection to the earth lives close to our gratitude for it. Truly, that night of crescent moonlight under a sky full of stars silhouetting the small mountains of rock and fir standing in the waters of the Pacific reflected our own thanks at the chance to witness it, a first for a few of us. We found ourselves grateful for the immense wisdom and gracious support of both Darcy and Jason, our two Journeys veterans and guides without whom there would've been no trip. We would also be remiss if we didn't mention the tasty trail meals (You should ask Jason for his (in)famous mac and cheese recipe.) We celebrated each one with blessings beforehand.

We wanted HUMOR

We found as we grew closer to one another and especially in the last 12 hours of the trip, we felt more comfortable displaying the creative and zany parts of ourselves. Or perhaps the added humor preceded a tighter bond between us. Whatever the order, the last 24 hours saw us beginning to work together on a new level.

Laughing and smiling, we came together the last night to cook dinner, all 7 of us with a hand in this pot or that or doing the terribly important work of telling jokes and supervising. The next morning, our day started at 3 A.M. (got to get the van back to Songaia) with a record breaking 45 minute camp pack up. We hiked the 1.4 miles back to the van in the dark, head lamps slashing the deep black of the woods. Perhaps due to sleep deprivation, the van ride back was hilarious and full of light hearted joking. Still laughing, we enjoyed a delicious base camp breakfast and the powerful welcoming back of Journeys community.

Looking forward to a summer on the trail,
Stephanie, Melissa, Leah, Mallory, Nevada, Darcy, and Jason

What do you want to be when you grow up?

2010-01-22T10:32:00.000-08:00

Growing up is hard to do.

Adolescence can be a rocky adventure (sometimes even a mis-adventure) not confined just to our teen years. Many of us, myself included – an upper 20-something, are still trying to figure out exactly what adulthood looks like. A life stage that is obtainable but ever elusive. When I look to the media and even societal expectations I am filled with ideas of adulthood being responsibilities that I must fulfill one by one, as if on a checklist to growing up.

Graduate and go to College…

Become a Strongly Independent Person…

Land a Certain Job…

Own a Home…

Fall in Love and Raise a Family…

And the whole time… Be responsible. Whew!

Paradoxically this is the confused list that is given to us by our youth participants at Journeys – just throw in a couple more relevant teen year passages like “Get my Driver’s License,” “Purchase Alcohol,” "Vote in a Presidential Election," and “Have a Sexual Relationship” and you have the whole list.

Granted, seemingly, these items DO provide us with some level of adult-like accountability – at least externally or to the world around us. But something seems to be missing from the list.

So the question emerges, What does it really mean to come into adulthood?

My hope, and a consistent motivation at Journeys, is that true adults are those who know their unique purpose or intent in this time and in this place. An adult knows of their contribution and is on the road to offering their true self to the world. But boy is that confusing! And who will help us figure it out!?

Purpose, alone, is a big discovery task and something that we begin asking ourselves fairly early. This is sometimes masked by the common question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

At Journeys, we ask our youth participants, “Where are you going?” and “How are you going to get there?” sometimes followed up by, “Who are you going to take with you?” For a 12-year-old these are big questions but inevitably the youth has answers. The answers sometimes change over time, as we get closer and closer to knowing who we really are, but asking the question itself is a step along the path.

So here I am today, opening up a new blog page to capture these questions and the experiences that our friends, staff and participants have to offer in hopes that someday we’ll have it all figured out. If nothing else, this is a place for us to share our process of coming of age, no matter what stage we’re at.

This is an experiment in creating and building our community. And I’ll probably need a lot of help along the way. If, at any time, you are sparked by a thought or a memory please do share it with me (or “us” as we begin to gather here). I look forward to hearing from the Journeys’ community and I extend this village to anyone who is reading this post. Each of us has a part of the story to share and I feel honored to be in charge of capturing the pieces.

All the best on your Journey,

Emily Pease
emily@RiteofPassageJourneys.org