FAQ

Not necessarily. Rather, we become aware of the unfolding story and observe with curiosity what happens. The process of change may not come as we (or others) expect.  The shifts can become apparent at later stages when they are awakened.  

The magic in this work comes through drawing attention to the ordinary experiences we have and the inevitable change that arises throughout life. There is often a concern that we must produce or present something after a ceremony, that we should come out the other side transformed. But ceremony works in other ways; giving us space and time to find the awe and wonder in the ordinary, building resilience for the ongoing journey of life.

The days will be spent focusing on a different theme each time. There will be a practical element to it, for example learning different ways of making fire, or crafting with willow, and also a reflective aspect, where we may ask them to share their thoughts and experiences, or to set intentions. We will co-create small rituals along the way to mark important ideas, or to draw attention to the magic in the every day. 

There will always be lunch prepared and eaten together, with some foraging for those interested. There will hammocks and some time to spend in the woods as they like.

All this builds up to the final gathering where they will be challenged by holding a night vigil; tending a small fire through the night. Accomplishments like this give them powerful and tangible proof that they are no longer "a child". (We will always be there for them should they need us at any stage through the night). 

We hope it will be fun and challenging and that they feel a sense of their own strength and resilience at the end, with maybe a better sense of who they are and how they want to step on to the path of adulthood; an inevitable step we all must take. 

Being alone in nature allows us to really be with ourselves and notice how we are when we encounter wind, darkness, wildlife, possibly rain. To stay up all night tending to the fire brings challenges that may enable us to learn something about ourselves and to move past self-limiting stories. 

Discovering that "we are bigger than the story we tell ourselves" is a huge part of the Rites of Passage Programme. Spending a night alone, with minimal shelter, tending a fire, is something that young people will feel they "can't do". Testing their capacity to navigate challenging experiences is another crucial part of Rites of Passage experiences, including the inevitable tiredness that follows.

A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place, and final payment is due by September 1st. If you cancel your place before September 1st we will give you a refund minus the €300 deposit. After September 1st up until the day before we start we will offer a refund of half the cost. After the start of the programme we are unable to offer a refund. This is necessary to ensure the quality of the programme and to meet all of the expense needs. 

With safety in mind, we reserve the right, in orange or red weather warnings, to postpone the gathering and offer another alternate day.

Each day will begin at 11am. The end time will be 6pm except for the Winter Solstice where we will finish at 4.30pm. Should there need to be any change to the times plenty of notice will be given.

The first gathering is 2 days but NOT over night. Each day will run from 11am to 6pm.

The last gathering is an overnight with parents/guardians/family members joining us for the second half of the second day.