School Programs
With over 50 years of experience in rite of passage education, we partner with schools to design immersive programs that strengthen students’ social-emotional skills, leadership capacity, and connection to the natural world.
Each Journey blends nature immersion, solo and group reflection, communication and teamwork practice, and intentional acknowledgment of milestones such as graduations or coming-of-age transitions.
Through challenge, adventure, and mentorship, students learn to take healthy risks, navigate change with confidence, and cultivate empathy and resilience. Educators tell us their students return more grounded, self-aware, and connected—to themselves, their peers, and their learning communities.
“Our 8th grade class trip with Rite of Passage Journeys met or exceeded every expectation. The students had an experience that struck a wonderful balance between adventure and reflection, individual growth and community cohesion, challenging situations and quiet moments, structured activity and free exploration. Through four nights of backpacking on the spectacular Olympic coast, the magic of ocean and rock worked subtly on attitudes and strengthened capacities. Daily conversations in a circle, gracefully led, probed questions of community, morality, moving on to high school and more. Each of the four Journeys leaders contributed strongly to the success of the trip. Their ability to model good citizenship, to embody outdoors skills and ethics, to lead the group as a whole, and to meet individual students - authentically and with heart - in moments of need, crisis or triumph was notable. All of them helped make the trip both meaningful and fun. The students returned home changed, more in tune with each other and better prepared to take on the next phase of their lives. ”
Programs for Middle Schools
Rite of passage work is essential in schools because it provides a meaningful structure to support students through the many significant transitions they experience. At this age, young people are navigating rapid physical, emotional, and social changes—often without clear cultural guidance. A well-designed rite of passage program offers intentional space for reflection, mentorship, challenge, and celebration, helping students make sense of who they are becoming. It reinforces a sense of belonging, purpose, and responsibility while honoring their growth. By marking these transitions with intention and support, schools help students build resilience, self-awareness, and a deeper connection to their community.
Rites of Passage
Rite of passage work is essential in schools because it provides a meaningful structure to support students through the many significant transitions they experienceAt this age, young people are navigating rapid physical, emotional, and social changes without clear cultural guidance. A well-designed rite of passage program offers intentional space for reflection, mentorship, challenge, and celebration, helping students make sense of who they are becoming. It reinforces a sense of belonging, purpose, and responsibility while honoring their growth. By marking this transition with intention and support, schools can help students build resilience, self-awareness, and a deeper connection to their community.
Nature-Based connection
Being in nature brings many meaningful benefits during any critical time of growth and transition. Immersed in the natural world, students can step away from distractions and reflect on their identity, values, and place in the world. Nature encourages resilience, curiosity, and a sense of wonder—qualities that support emotional and social development. By facing challenges outdoors and participating in intentional ceremonies, students build confidence, develop a deeper connection to themselves and others, and gain a clearer sense of their transition from childhood into adolescence.
Team Building & Leadership
Middle school is a perfect time for students to explore their voice and start stepping into creativity and leadership. In a natural environment, students are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones and face shared challenges, fostering trust, communication, and collaboration. Group activities like hiking, problem-solving tasks, and cooperative games create opportunities for youth to practice leading and supporting their peers. This allows them to understand different leadership styles, develop empathy, and recognize the value of every team member—skills that are essential for confident, compassionate leadership in their school and community.
We specialize in Waldorf and Montessori programs!
We provide opportunities for Waldorf and Montessori schools to bring their students together in an immersive experience of connection. In these programs, students gain deeper awareness of self and understanding of necessary building blocks needed to step into a collective, caring community. Through changing landscapes, students endure physical challenges and deep reflections from nature itself. Ultimately bringing forth a profound togetherness both internally and externally. With our trained staff, we can create programs that are specific to your values as a school and classroom. Both Montessori and Waldorf have definitive characteristics that align with Rite of Passage Journeys in very unique ways.
Waldorf
Connection to Nature
Inner-growth and self-discovery
Rhythm and Rituals
Experiential, hands-on learning
Story and imagination to creating meaning
Montessori
Connection to nature and the real world
Independence and self-direction
Observation and self-reflection
Inner discipline
Whole person development (mind, body spirit)
program options
Backpacking the ozette triangle
basecamp trip
Custom Programs
Traverse throughout the beautiful Olympic Peninsula, experiencing both the majestic coastal forest and breath-taking sea stacks. This easy to moderate, 9 mile trail loops you along wooden boardwalks, sandy and rocky shores, with tons of wildlife and rich archaeological and cultural significance to generations past and present.
Having a basecamp experience allows for the group to settle into one spot and dive deeper into whatever curriculum or topics on the agenda! Either come to Rite of Passage Journeys basecamp or set up a Basecamp at a beloved state park. Either way, there will be the comfort of coming back to the same place while exploring the local areas of the natural world and what it means to be in community.
High Schools
Public and Private School
Any youth organization looking to deepen their connection to the natural world
Customize your own program in partnership with us!
Can't find what you're looking for?
〰️
Can't find what you're looking for? 〰️
Frequently Asked Questions
Resources
-
What is a Rite of Passage school program?
For any school age, and any group who is wanting to build a lasting connection to self, others and nature.
What is the purpose or goal of the program?
Intention setting
How can your school schedule a program?
Choose from one of programs above or schedule to chat about creating your own custom program
-
What are some focuses in the curriculum and tools you use?
nature -based, experiential learning with focus on reflection of self, community and nature. Great for team-building, self development, goal and intention setting and preparing for any next phase of life. All based around nature activities, games, reflection, and embodiment practices.
-
Description text goes here
-
Item description
-
Description text goes here
-
Description text goes here
-
Description text goes here
