Children in the Bay Area are not going back to the classrooms for the foreseeable future and will benefit from opportunities to escape their screens and connect with peers in Nature.
Puberty is a crucial age for boys to progress past stumbling blockssuch as self centeredness, self importance and / or projections of mother and father. To triumphantly claim their ability to deserve all the successes their future self holds for them. To confidently stride toward their desired path and realize their own individual purpose and meaning of life. To expand their capacity to tolerate the full spectrum of feelings from the depth of grief to the unbridled wings of love. The Rite of Passage Pod is a much needed support system for boys and their parents to navigate a vital transitional time in their lives.
STARTING FALL 2020
Consisting of: Day long “fun adventures” facilitated in the Great outdoors where ever possible every two weeks (Sat or Sun TBA), culminating in a triumphant 5 day wilderness vision quest next summer. This is often when the “breakthroughs” happen. Expert guests invited periodically to teach Nature based survival skills such as fire making and foraging. 3 Parent meetings Marking ceremony to conclude the group and recognize the rite of passage and transformation taken place.
Ages around 13-16 years old. Capacity 8 boys.
Principles of non-violent communication
Group exercises to deepen their ability to listen, self-reflect and empathize, whilst negotiating their differences and difficulties.
Understanding and expression of difficult emotions such as anger, shame and guilt.
Embodiment practices such as yoga, chi gong, breath work, surfing, kayaking.
Unpacking potential taboo subjects such as sexuality, self harm, alcohol / drugs use.
Reasons for bullying
Effects of Social Media - No phones policy in group
Responsible around safety and Covid restrictions (protocols discussed with parents and boys prior to first meeting).
Free zoom “open house” meeting on Monday 8/17 6pm to discuss details of the process and answer questions.
Tuition and Scholarship Group of 7 or 8 - $100 / 6 hour meeting - billed at start of month Group of 5 or 6 $120 / 6 hour meeting 3 parent meetings on zoom (2 hour) $25 per family. 5 day summer trip - $1000 includes 4 nights camping, all food, transport and support councellor. One partial scholarship available per group - please inquire.
Eric has worked as a mentor for adolescent boys for many years and the past 7 years as a councilor and somatic psychotherapist. He has had experience treating PTSD, eating disorders, cutting, trichotillomania (hair pulling), generalized anxiety, depression, OCD and working with the LGBT community.