The Apprentice Journey

A fun-filled introduction to wilderness and community, for children ages 8-10!

Set in the beautiful Olympic Mountains of the Pacific Northwest, The Apprentice Journey is the perfect back-country introduction to our wilderness rites of passage programs for young people.

Traditionally, apprenticeship is a time of experiential learning. In many cultures young people left home to study a particular craft such as basket making, carving, or the healing arts. Quite often, with a mentor's guidance, the students would learn as much about life as they did about their craft, thus acquiring the personal assets that would help them pass through future ordeals. Mythologically, an apprenticeship is also a time of nourishment; it's an oasis near the edge of a desert, where the traveler may gather strength and drink from the waters of wisdom, before heading out into the unknown expanses of a larger world view.

Under the guidance and encouragement of our experienced staff & elders, participants will learn to cultivate a variety of interpersonal and wilderness skills.  This happens in a challenging, yet supportive environment. As a result, children will come away with resources that will aid them in their day to day lives as they approach the mysteries of adolescence.

Skills Introduced

• Working cooperatively
• Creative self expression
• How to care for wilderness
• Wilderness living & hiking skills
• Communication and problem-solving within a community
• Self-reflection
• Improved self-confidence
• Natural history of the northwest mountains & rivers