Three Week Rite of Passage Guide Training with Wild Mountain & School of Lost Borders

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 great value in returning to wild places to remind us humans that we are deeply connected to and part of nature. Just as the seasons shift, our own life changes 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 mirrored by the natural world and witnessed by others.

This training will bring together an international group in an expansive natural learning environment, the majestic and wild mountains of Colorado. Together with each other, nature, and the wild beings who call this place home, you will be initiated into the guides and leaders you are, so you may bring these necessary practices back to your communities. In this experiential training you will learn the bare bones of this ancient and yet modern ceremony. The focus will be learning and practicing the art of mirroring people’s stories from the land while learning how to prepare and support people in creating meaningful and powerful wilderness rites of passages.

This training will cover all of the following topics:

• Council Practices and Creating a Safe and Inclusive Container

• 4 Shields of Human Nature Teaching

• Role of the Guide

• Screening and Preparation of participants

• Intention Setting

• Physical and Emotional Safety

• Self Generated Ceremony

• Cultural Appropriation

• Your own 4 Day and Night Solo Time on the Land

• Story Mirroring and Storytelling

• Incorporation of the Experience

• Applications of these Practices with Various Populations

Prerequisite: 

Participation in at least one facilitated Vision Fast or solo experience

Required Reading: 

‘The Trail to the Sacred Mountain’ and ‘The Roaring of the Sacred River: The Wilderness Quest for Vision and Self Healing’. Both by Steven Foster and Meredith Little and available through Lost Borders Press.

Practical Preparations: 

Please be prepared to be self-sufficient with your own gear and food. There will be a group kitchen with pots, pans and utensils for use where you may cook individually or with other group members. An equipment list will be sent to you once you register. If you are traveling and need us to provide extra gear, please ask as we have some available.

Program cost:

The School of Lost Borders has created a sliding scale for all its programs and trainings in an effort to keep our courses affordable to a wide range of people. We set forth no criteria and trust that each individual will pay what they feel is appropriate.

Scholarships are available.

Tuition: $1800 - $3500 sliding scale
Deposit: $500 (Non-refundable & non-transferrable unless seminar is cancelled)
Extra Fees: $150 Camping Fee