Ventura Wild

Rite of Passage for female-identifying youth

Stepping Stones, January 2025 - June 2026

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A Rite of Passage is a ceremonial celebration marking an important transition in a person’s life. For youth, it honors the shift from childhood into adolescence, cultivating a stronger sense of identity and connection to community.

Offered in collaboration by Ventura Wild and Thrive Wellness Workshop, Stepping Stones is a 6-month journey designed to support female-identifying youth through this transformative period. Rooted in nature, ceremony, and authentic relationships, the program offers a rich environment for self-discovery and connection.

Through crafts, games, wilderness skills, and collaborative activities, participants deepen their connection to themselves, their community, and the natural world. Council circles woven throughout the program offer space for reflection, insight, and personal growth, inviting youth to explore how the elements of nature can serve as meaningful guides. Together, these experiences nurture self-awareness, build confidence, and foster a lasting sense of belonging.

The journey culminates in a powerful two-night backpacking trip in June, honoring each participant’s transformation with intention, celebration, and ceremony.