Note: As of 9/25/20, there is one space remaining for this program.
- This event has passed.
Fall Wilderness Quest
November 14, 2020 - November 22, 2020
$1595
This nine-day Fall Wilderness Quest is set in the beautiful wilderness of the Funeral Mountains of Death Valley National Park. In consideration of the need to keep things simple at this time, we have changed base camp location to a site that requires only a higher-clearance vehicle, with a one mile dirt road drive-in base camp. Four wheel drive is not required.
Rites of Passage has offered the Wilderness Quest, with its roots in pan-cultural ceremonies and teachings of the vision quest or vision fast, for over 40 years. With a focus on reconnecting with nature, finding authentic depth and meaning, healing old wounds, and marking significant life changes, the program will appeal to men and women in any life stage. The first 3 days are Severance or preparation time for the solo. Meeting in Council sessions, the group will explore a range of subjects related to the Wilderness Quest solo, including safety-related issues: flora/fauna, weather-related concerns (heat, cold, lightning), essential first aid, our buddy system, and tarp-tying. The group will also explore eco-spiritual tools that can be of great value in preparing, such as the Medicine Wheel teachings, exploration of Intent and purpose, self-generated ceremonial practices, and teachings from the Death Lodge. Group members will have several hours to follow their calling to find a solo site to hold them in the wilderness for days and nights. The final 3 days, following the return from the solo, will be devoted to taking the necessary steps of return or Incorporation in a fully conscious way. This process begins with a Council session where each participant has the opportunity to tell the story of their Wilderness Quest solo and to receive essential feedback and confirmation from staff regarding what has been achieved.
Schedule
The program will begin on Saturday, November 14 at 1 pm…but we invite people to come and set up anytime after 10 am. We’ll be spending the first night at a campground in Shoshone, California,. The next day, we’ll move to the back country for 6 nights, returning to spend one last night at a local hot springs before the program ends by noon on Sunday, November 22. We’ll schedule an online pre-trip meeting about a month before the quest begins, and a follow-up online meeting about a month after it ends, to support participants on their journeys.
Please read The Rites of Passage Wilderness Quest for a detailed explanation of the elements and stages of the journey.
Program Fees
Tuition*
$1495 (Register by October 14)
$1645 (Register after October 14)
To register you can pay a $350 non-refundable deposit, and the balance will be one month due before the trip begins.
Food and Camping
Due to concerns about Covid-19, participants will need to provide most of their own food and cooking gear for the program.
We have reduced the charge for food and camping, leaving just a fee of $100 for two nights at a campground (before/after the back country), and for food following the solo. This food will be stored in our vehicle for 6 days before being prepared on day 7 of the program. Food for the first 3 days of the program will be the responsibility of the participants. We feel that this approach will maximize safety for everyone.
Base camp just requires a higher-clearance vehicle, not 4 wheel drive–see program description.
Low-fee Opportunities
Two low-fee places available for $895 Tuition plus $225 Food and Camping. Please inquire before registering.
Low-fee Opportunities
Two low-fee places available for $895 Tuition plus $225 Food and Camping. Please inquire before registering.
*Transportation is not included in these fees and is the responsibility of the participant. We will refund your deposit if we cancel the program.
Staff
Mike Bodkin, the Executive Director of Rites of Passage, has guided people into nature for personal and spiritual development for over 35 years.
Susan Wofsy has worked in Africa and Latin America in the field of international development, and as a wilderness therapy staff member with young people. She trained as a Wilderness Quest guide with Rites of Passage.
It was a sacred experience, all that I hoped for and more than I could have asked for or imagined. –Gretchen V., Fall 2018
The quest echoed so much of my life, in ways that allowed me to see it and understand it in new ways. I will always cherish it and I believe it will enrich and deepen my world for many years to come.–Bob E., Fall 2018
