Solo Crossing

Ages 15 - 18  |  August 3 - 23, 2024  | Return to Youth Programs

"Journeys trips are truly life-changing. They teach leadership, responsibility, trust, teamwork and self-growth, through in-depth councils and wilderness skills. The guides on the trip were powerful role models, and respected and treated us like adults. I'm incredibly grateful to have been able to spend such a full 3 weeks in the beautiful outdoors with such inspiring people." - Grace, Age 16 

 


A 3-week backpacking adventure designed to help teens navigate the road toward young adulthood with confidence and clarity

Solo Crossing is a chance for teens to imagine how they want to be as adults, and then explore and practice what this means to them and their families, friends and communities. On the backcountry trails of Western Washington, participants are challenged in mind, body and heart, within a supportive community of peers and mentors.

During three exciting weeks, teens develop a range of personal and interpersonal skills. A long backpacking trek lets them practice teamwork and wilderness skills. Solo time, journaling and nightly talking circles help them connect to and articulate their deeper thoughts and dreams.  Individual mentoring helps youth name the transition that they are engaging in on this journey.

Mid-program, the youth embark on a solo vigil when they leave the group setting to be fully in their own company. Guided by nature and personal quiet, they contemplate letting go of their life as a child and looking forward to living courageously as an adult.

After the vigil, their new insights are tested and integrated during a second backcountry trek. Throughout the program, each participant has an adult mentor – a journey guide – who helps them articulate their gifts and their dreams.

During the final stage of the journey, participants sit in a council circle telling epic stories of their Solo Crossing and sharing visions of their future. Mentors, peers, and elders offer support as they talk about how to make their rite of passage relevant to their new lives.

 
 

PROGRAM DETAILS

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Ages 15 - 18
All Genders

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 August 3 - 23, 2024

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Olympic National Park
Program starts/ends in Bothell, WA

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$3495.00; Deposit $600.00
Financial Aid is currently available


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DOWNLOAD THE PROGRAM POSTCARD >

 

Questions? Check out our FAQ page or send us a message!

 
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Participants enjoy Nature Sit-Spots and Journaling activities.

Participants enjoy Nature Sit-Spots and Journaling activities.

Sample Itinerary

Week 1  |  Participants, Parents or Guardians, and other members of the participant's community say good-bye during a send out ceremony at our basecamp in Bothell. Participants then head off to the woods for a 5- to 6-day backpacking trip in the Olympics during which participants will learn wilderness, leadership, communal living and reflection skills. This stage is a preparation for week two.

Week 2  |  Participants begin to take on more responsibilities, taking ownership of many of the daily leadership tasks as they hike in to the Olympic Coast. Once on the beach, and a temporary base camp is set, participants will journal, make expressive art, and prepare for and complete a 48-hour solo vigil. 

Week 3  |  Participants complete the coastal leg of their journey, then second to last day return to basecamp in Bothell for a Council of Elders and other closing activities, in celebration of their journey and learnings. They reflect on the skills that they are bringing back to offer their communities as young adults. On the final day parents will return to Journeys for an incorporation ceremony before the program close. 

 

Skills Introduced

 
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Teamwork  |  Self Reflection  |  Nature Connection  |  Backcountry Skills  |  Campfires  |  Campskills

 

Program Outcomes

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  • Improved self-confidence

  • Group communication and problem solving skills

  • Understanding and taking responsibility

  • Ability to listen to intuition

  • Creative self-expression

  • Leadership and teamwork skills

  • Improved physical strength and personal resolve

  • Knowledge of natural history of Northwest terrain

  • Low-impact camping techniques

  • Understanding of a healthy and appropriate path to adulthood

  • Completion of a transformative rite of passage    

 

Solo Crossing Staff

solo crossing 2023 guide team

 

Mitch glover

Program Coordinator

A West Coast native, Mitchell Glover believes that the natural world can provide us with the means to find our own path to bliss. After an unforgettable 16yr career as a Navy Deep Sea Diver, he began toward his next move as a mentor, lover of nature…

 

natasha kraus

Program Guide

Natasha is a California suburbs kid gone wild. After graduating from the Claremont Colleges with a degree in Cognitive Science and Linguistics, Natasha wandered around the country from Alaska to New York, looking for her longing…

 
 

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