Mission & History
Since 1968
Supporting Life’s Transitions
We foster self-discovery, community belonging, and connection with the natural world. Through contemporary rite of passage experiences and education, we mentor youth, adults and elders through life transitions, initiating soulful leaders for the next generation.
Our vision is a world of vibrant, multi-generational communities in which each life stage and the transitions between them are honored, in which all people are guided to recognize and give their gifts in service to a thriving planet.
Rite of Passage Journeys first took root in Chicago in 1968 at the Institute of Cultural Affairs (ICA). It was that radical history of social activism that was the tradition which catalyzed our programs.
The earliest inspiration for Journeys was a heartfelt commitment to maintaining healthy communities and supporting individual growth and responsibility within this collective context. Early members knew that strong communities create vital, vibrant, healthy societies. They understood that community is fundamentally sustained by traditions, rites of passage, stories and symbols. In their work around the globe, they found that communities that are strong in these realms are cohesive and able to remain strong and adaptable to the needs of their members.
Members of the ICA considered the question, “How can we restore this cohesion in our American culture, and our own communities?” They conceived of an answer that would eventually affect many lives and the organization itself in remarkable ways - they started with a rite of passage program for their 12-year-old children.
Over the years, the annual “Sixth Grade Trip” evolved into a tradition, with journeys spanning Canada, the Appalachian Trail, the Colorado Rockies, Montana’s Crow Reservation, and Mexico. As interest grew, the program opened to the public and expanded to serve older youth and adults.
A 1985 trip to Washington’s Cascade Mountains inspired Journeys’ permanent move to the Pacific Northwest and the development of more standardized programs. Under the 26-year leadership of Stan Crow, the organization continued to grow. In 2006, Journeys amicably separated from the Institute of Cultural Affairs to become an independent nonprofit. Today, our mission and vision remain rooted in the same founding belief that has shaped Journeys from the beginning: that meaningful transitions, strong communities, and individual growth are essential to a thriving world.
The Foundation of Our Work
Our Four Pillars
We use rites of passage to help people deepen their relationships with our four pillars. We believe through strengthening these relationships, we can begin to re-weave the torn fabric of our society and solve the real problems that face humanity.
Self
Explore personal beliefs and values • Identify one’s unique strengths and challenges • Make sense of one’s life story • Recognize passions and interests • Discern sense of calling and purpose in life • Cultivate openness and creativity • develop the virtues of compassion
Community
Understand one’s place in family • Cultivate healthy communication and leadership skills • Understand and accept responsibilities • Cultivate transparency and authenticity in one’s relationships • Cultivate appreciation for and skills for engaging with diversity
Nature
Establish a personal connection with the natural world • Understand and appreciate the importance of natural processes, cycles, and rhythms • Develop a sense of responsibility toward the Earth • Model practices of living lightly on Earth • Offer opportunities for awe and wonder
Sacred
Explore spiritual beliefs and clarify one’s own • Help create an environment that honors individual spiritual beliefs and supports on-going exploration • Discover and experience self-generated rituals and ceremonies to honor and come closer to the sacred realm • Cultivate gratitude
Remembering Our Elders
Our First Mentors
Stan Crow
1939-2009
Stan was Journeys’ first executive director, and left an indelible legacy that still shapes the work we do today.
We see Stan live on at Journeys when facilitating his favorite team-building exercises, engaging in theatrics, singing songs or, perhaps most fondly, when quoting one of his enduring quips: “We’re going to do it like they’ve been doing it for thousands of years. We’re going to make it up as we go along.”
Fred Lanphear
1935-2010
As Fred’s wife Nancy writes, “[Fred’s] heart and voice were always seeking to support and enable others to see their lives as significant and a critical part of Planet earth, our home.”
For 30 years, Fred mentored and supported the youth who moved through Journeys. His passion for both people and planet radiated even in his final years, when he remarked: “It has been an amazing summer! In my wheelchair, I have been able to go outside almost every day…”
The Land We Share
Welcome To Basecamp!
Our Basecamp is located at Songaia Co-Housing Community, an intentional community in Bothell, WA (near Seattle). On this beautiful land, we share 11 acres of wooded hillside, sunny meadows, and fruitful orchards and gardens.
We’re grateful to Songaia for extending their food, flowers, and support to us as we work together towards the goal of establishing deeper, stronger communities.
Photos courtesy of Songaia Co-Housing Community.
Be Part Of Something Bigger
Join Our Village
Participate. Volunteer. Intern. Guide. Mentor. Commune.