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

Participants watch the tide come in while safely perched on a large piece of drift wood.

Example Itinerary Days One to Three: Participants will say good-bye to their families and quickly head out to jump on a ferry to the Olympic Peninsula, where adventure and beauty awaits. They go to a beach side campground and set-up a temporary base camp. From the new camp participants spend the next couple days exploring the wild and learning basic wilderness skills. Arts and crafts, songs and storytelling, and laughter will all be incorporated. Days Four to Six: Participants will transfer to a second beach-

side camp site that requires a slightly longer hike in. Backpacks and hiking boots on -- the intrepid explorers will make their way to their own beach. With the help of their mentors the youth will be in charge of designing camp. Participants will experience a short solo (alone time) in nature before returning home to Bothell and their parents.

Financial Aid is Available. Please visit our Scholarship Page for more information.