Wilderness Rites of Passage Guide Training ~ Gooram, Victoria, Australia
Wilderness Rites of Passage have been practiced in cultures around the world as a way to celebrate and transition from one phase of life to the next - to leave behind what no longer serves and step into life as it is now. These can be developmental phases of life, like moving from adolescence to adulthood, or the many other transitions we face throughout our lives. In this modern day, there is much value in returning to wild places to remind us that as humans we are deeply connected to and part of nature. Just as the seasons shift, we too have profound changes in our lives that are calling out to be recognized through ceremony and marked with clear intention. We are able to see ourselves and be seen in profound and accepting ways when we are witnessed by others as well as mirrored by the natural world.
This experiential training will support you in learning the bare bones of this ancient and yet modern ceremony. You will learn how to prepare and support people in creating meaningful and powerful wilderness rites of passage and incorporate the experience back into the community. This training is taught by “Roo” Ruth Wharton and Pedro McMillan who bring with them decades of guiding and training experience through the School of Lost Borders, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reintroducing Rites of Passage around the world for more than 40 years.
This training will experientially teach you how to guide Wilderness Rites of Passage with specific focus on the following topics:
Council Practices and Creating a Safe and Inclusive Container
4 Shields of Human Nature Teaching
Screening and Preparation of participants
Intention Setting
Physical and Emotional Safety
Self Generated Ceremony
Cultural Appropriation
4 Day and Night Solo
Story Mirroring and Storytelling
Incorporation of the Experience
Various Applications of these Practices with Various Populations
“This is a MUST training for those who are mentors, guides, teachers, and for those who are curious about how to best offer their gifts to others (human, non human, and to the Land). This training offered one of the most enriching and honest Ceremonies that I have ever been part of. I highly recommend it! -Yamin
“I am positive that this training will help me to become a better person in whatever I choose to do.”-Fox
“Roo and Pedro’s dedication to creativity, cultural responsibility and the deep necessity for rites of passage ceremony will continue to inspire and inform my practice of meeting people where they are, affirming the gifts they possess, and empowering them to share their full selves with the world.” -Luca
Location: Gooram, Victoria-We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land in which this guide training will be held is land of the Taungurung people. We acknowledge the traditional elders past, present and emerging.
Dates: April 15-28, 2023- Please plan to arrive by 4pm on April 15th. We will plan to end no later than 4pm on April 28th and you are welcome to spend the final night at our camp.
Tuition- $1200 - $3600 US sliding scale. Please visit our Reciprocity Page for support when reflecting what to pay.
Concession: $1000 US
BIPOC Access Fund: Additional scholarships for those who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.
Prerequisite-Experience as a participant in a facilitated solo experience.
Required Reading- ‘The Roaring of the Sacred River: The Wilderness Quest for Vision and Self Healing’ by Steven Foster and Meredith Little and available through Lost Borders Press- lostborderspress.org
Practical Preparations- Please be prepared to be self sufficient with your own gear and food. There will be a group kitchen available for use where you may cook individually or with other group members. Most days we will be together in council, so please bring a comfortable chair. An equipment list will be sent to you once you register.
Registration or Questions- Email Ruth at ruth@wildmountainretreats.org. To secure a spot in the training a nonrefundable (unless training is cancelled) deposit of $400 US is required as well as submitting forms. You will also be asked to write a letter explaining why you are drawn to this training as well as what transitions or personal process you are currently facing.