Covid-19 information
Latest Update: 12/3/2024
For Summer 2025 programming, Rite of Passage Journeys is adopting current public health guidance regarding the management of COVID-19 risk.
Status Updates
COVID TESTING: It is now recommended that only persons with symptoms of illness test for COVID-19 infection. Rite of Passage Journeys is requesting that families carefully monitor health in the weeks leading up to their trip, and if a participant gets sick or displays symptoms of COVID-19 infection, to administer an at-home COVID-19 test immediately. If positive, a second test should be done to confirm that it is not a false positive. A participant who tests double positive in this way must communicate immediately with Rite of Passage Journeys. In order to be able to participate, they must resolve their symptoms and be symptom-free for 5 days.
If a participant tests positive and cannot complete the 5 day symptom-free period, our Covid-19 cancellation policy will apply (you will be able to apply the full refundable amount of your tuition towards a future trip)..
MASKING: The Washington State mask mandate was lifted as of March 12, 2022. In accordance, Journeys lifted mask requirements at basecamp and during programs. Individuals are free to mask according to family practices. If someone does not test positive for covid-19 but does have slight cold symptoms (even if they may be allergies) we ask they wear a mask in the van while driving to destination.
BASECAMP: Journeys continues to coordinate with Songaia Cohousing Community where Rite of Passage Journeys’ basecamp is located. There may be adjustments to Journeys Covid-19 policy if the needs of the community shift.
Peace and wild blessings,
Journeys Board and Staff
COVID-19 FAQ for procedures on-the-trail updates
Official Sources for latest updates:
Latest Update: 4/18/23
For Summer 2023 programming, Rite of Passage Journeys is adopting current public health guidance regarding the management of COVID-19 risk.
Status Updates
COVID TESTING: It is now recommended that only persons with symptoms of illness test for COVID-19 infection. Rite of Passage Journeys is requesting that families carefully monitor health in the weeks leading up to their trip, and if a participant gets sick or displays symptoms of COVID-19 infection, to administer an at-home COVID-19 test immediately. If positive, a second test should be done to confirm that it is not a false positive. A participant who tests double positive in this way must communicate immediately with Rite of Passage Journeys. In order to be able to participate, they must resolve their symptoms and be symptom-free for 5 days.
If a participant tests positive and cannot complete the 5 day symptom-free period, our Covid-19 cancellation policy will apply (you will be able to apply the full refundable amount of your tuition towards a future trip)..
MASKING: The Washington State mask mandate was lifted as of March 12, 2022. In accordance, Journeys lifted mask requirements at basecamp and during programs. Individuals are free to mask according to family practices. If someone does not test positive for covid-19 but does have slight cold symptoms (even if they may be allergies) we ask they wear a mask in the van while driving to destination.
BASECAMP: Journeys continues to coordinate with Songaia Cohousing Community where Rite of Passage Journeys’ basecamp is located. There may be adjustments to Journeys Covid-19 policy if the needs of the community shift.
Peace and wild blessings,
Journeys Board and Staff
COVID-19 FAQ for procedures on-the-trail updates
COVID-19 Cancellation PolicyLatest Update: 9/15/22
As we begin our Fall through Spring programs (monthly teen wilderness program Crow Collective, Community workshops and Leadership Development programs), Rite of Passage Journeys continues to monitor the evolving guidelines, recommendations and mandates regarding COVID-19. In order to foster safety for all, we stay current on any guidelines specific to "youth enrichment activities in guided outdoor recreation" issued by state and local officials, the Olympic National Park and nearby National Forests and Parks. In addition, we consult with other wilderness organizations, professionals in the field, and the residents of the Songaia Cohousing Community on whose land Journeys basecamp is located.
The following is the Rite of Passage Journey COVID-19 policy for Crow Collective Fall 2022 and Spring 2023, effective as of this writing and until further updates are available:
Status Updates
COVID TESTING: To enhance the likelihood that every program participant begins a program Covid-free, each person must provide a negative Covid test taken within 24 hours of the start of the trip. At-home Antigen rapid tests are accepted, as well as PCR tests able to be administered and results delivered within the 24-hour window. (A time-stamped photo of the test or screenshot of the results must be emailed to info@riteofpassagejourneys.org before arrival at program.)
If a participant tests positive, our Covid-19 cancellation policy will apply.
If a participant has recently contracted Covid, their ability to attend program will depend on having completed mandated Isolation (see below).
COVID POSITIVE, SYMPTOMS, EXPOSURE: Journeys continues to follow WA State Department of Health’s guidelines for Isolation and Quarantine for COVID-19. If you have recently contracted Covid, your ability to join your journey will depend on having completed mandated Isolation. Please contact us with any questions about your specific situation. Note: If you have contracted Covid and are asymptomatic, your positive test date begins Day0 of your 5-day Isolation; an earlier positive test date could clear you for joining the journey.
MASKING: The Washington State mask mandate was lifted as of March 12, 2022. In accordance, Journeys lifted mask requirements at basecamp and during programs. Individuals are free to mask according to family practices.
BASECAMP: Journeys continues to coordinate with Songaia Cohousing Community, on whose land Journeys basecamp is located. There may be adjustments to Journeys Covid-19 policy if the needs of the community shift.
Peace and wild blessings,
Journeys Board and Staff
COVID-19 FAQ for procedures on-the-trail updates
Official Sources for latest updates:
Covid Update: 6/23/22
As we continue with Summer programs and prepare for Fall through Spring monthly teen program, Crow Collective, Rite of Passage Journeys continues to monitor the evolving guidelines, recommendations and mandates regarding COVID-19. In order to foster safety for all, we stay current on any guidelines issued by state and local officials and the Olympic National Park specific to "youth enrichment activities in guided outdoor recreation". In addition, we consult with other wilderness organizations, professionals in the field, and the residents of the Songaia Cohousing Community on whose land Journeys basecamp is located.
The following is the Rite of Passage Journey COVID-19 policy for Summer 2022 programs and Crow Collective Fall 2022, effective as of this writing and until further updates are available:
Status Updates
COVID TESTING: To ensure the likelihood that every program participant begins a program Covid-free, each person will be asked to provide a negative rapid test taken within 24 hours of the start of the trip. (A time-stamped photo of the test or screenshot of the results must be emailed before the start of the trip.)
If a participant tests positive, our Covid-19 cancellation policy will apply.
In addition to guides testing before departing on a trip, the summer support team, basecamp staff and leadership will be testing weekly throughout the summer programs.
COVID POSITIVE, SYMPTOMS, EXPOSURE: Journeys continues to follow WA State Department of Health’s guidelines for Isolation and Quarantine for COVID-19. Please contact us with any questions about your specific situation.
MASKING: The Washington State mask mandate was lifted as of March 12, 2022. In accordance, Journeys lifted mask requirements at basecamp and during programs. Individuals are free to mask according to family practices.
BASECAMP: Journeys continues to coordinate with Songaia Cohousing Community, on whose land Journeys basecamp is located. There may be adjustments to Journeys Covid-19 policy if the needs of the community shift.
Peace and wild blessings,
Journeys Board and Staff
Covid Update: 3/16/22
As we continue with our monthly teen program, Crow Collective, and prepare for our Summer programs, Rite of Passage Journeys continues to monitor the evolving guidelines, recommendations and mandates regarding COVID-19. In order to foster safety for all, we stay current on any guidelines issued by state and local officials and the Olympic National Park specific to "youth enrichment activities in guided outdoor recreation". In addition, we consult with other wilderness organizations, professionals in the field, and the residents of the Songaia Cohousing Community on whose land Journeys basecamp is located.
The following is the Rite of Passage Journey Covid-19 policy for Crow Collective and Summer 2022 programs, effective as of this writing and until further updates are available:
Status Updates
COVID TESTING: To ensure the likelihood that every program participant begins a program Covid-free, each person will be asked to provide a negative rapid test taken within 24 hours of the start of the trip. (A time-stamped photo of the test or screenshot of the results must be emailed before the start of the trip.)
If a participant tests positive, our Covid-19 cancellation policy will apply.
In addition to guides testing before departing on a trip, the summer support team, basecamp staff and leadership will be testing weekly throughout the summer programs.
MASKING: The Washington State mask mandate was lifted as of March 12, 2022. In accordance, Journeys will lift the mask requirement at basecamp and during the programs. Individuals are free to mask according to family practices.
BASECAMP: Journeys continues to coordinate with Songaia Cohousing Community, on whose land Journeys basecamp is located. There may be adjustments to Journeys Covid-19 policy if the needs of the community shift.
Peace and wild blessings,
Journeys Board and Staff
Covid Update: 2/22/22
In the process of preparing for Crow Collective teen monthly program and Summer 2022 programs, Rite of Passage Journeys continues to consult with other wilderness organizations and professionals in the field. We continue to update our Covid-19 policy and procedures based on evolving guidelines for youth enrichment activities in guided outdoor recreation from Washington State and local health authorities, and the Olympic National Park. Our deep gratitude to everyone who joined us for summers 2020 and 2021!
Given the evolving nature of the Covid-19 pandemic and State and federal responses, Journeys’ Covid policy for Crow Collective and Summer 2022 will be as follows:
Status Updates
Covid testing: to maximize the likelihood that everyone enters free of Covid-19 as we begin the trip
Update: due to current challenges in consistent ability to receive PCR test results from labs within 72 hours, Journeys wilderness program participants and guides must provide ONE OF FOLLOWING:
Covid-19 PCR lab test and negative results within 72 hours prior to the start of the trip.
Bring or email lab results to info@riteofpassagejourneys.org
OR a rapid antigen test with negative results within 24 hours prior to the start of the trip.
Email test result (if App linked) or a time-stamped screenshot of kit results
In the event a participant tests positive prior to trip launch, please reference our Covid-19 cancellation policy.
Journeys leadership and summer program support team will test weekly from June - August.
Masks will continue to be worn throughout arrival and return gatherings of participants, families and friends, as well as during separate family education gatherings held after guides and participants have begun their journeys.
We continue to coordinate with the Songaia Cohousing Community, Journeys’ basecamp host, to ensure that our basecamp activities (beginning and ending trips with families present) will be safe for all members of the community.
Peace and wild blessings,
Journeys Board and Staff
Covid Update: 10/13/21
In the process of planning for Summer 2022 programs, Rite of Passage Journeys continues to consult with other wilderness organizations and professionals in the field. We will update our Covid-19 policy and procedures based on evolving guidelines for youth enrichment activities in guided outdoor recreation from Washington State and local health authorities, and the Olympic National Park. Our deep gratitude to everyone who joined us for summers 2020 and 2021!
Given the evolving nature of the Covid-19 pandemic and State and federal responses, Journeys’ Covid policy for summer 2022 will be as follows:
Status Updates
Journeys summer program participants and guides must obtain a Covid-19 PCR lab test and negative results within 72 hours prior to the start of the trip. (Rapid tests or at-home tests will not be accepted.) Participants and guides can email results in advance or bring test results to present at trip arrival, to maximize the likelihood that everyone enters free of Covid-19 as we begin the trip. In the event a participant tests positive prior to trip launch, please reference our Covid-19 cancellation policy.
Journeys leadership and summer program support team will test weekly from June - August.
Masks will continue to be worn throughout arrival and return gatherings of participants, families and friends, as well as during separate family education gatherings held after guides and participants have begun their journeys.
We continue to coordinate with the Songaia Cohousing Community, Journeys’ basecamp host, to ensure that our basecamp activities (beginning and ending trips with families present) will be safe for all members of the community.
Covid Update: 8/4/21
Journeys continues to follow the guidelines from Washington State and local health authorities, and the Olympic National Park. Currently, we are approaching end of summer, with all journeys thus far completed safely and on schedule. Should Covid conditions regress and result in public policy restrictions on wilderness group activities, we will contact all registered families with an updated plan. Our deep gratitude to everyone who is joining us for summer 2021, as together we respond and adjust to the evolving conditions. As was our shared experience in Summer 2020, we are confident that, even should conditions change, we have a great chance to complete all of our summer trips
Given the new developments of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has involved increasingly infectious strains of the virus, in addition to a growing uncertainty about the effectiveness of vaccinations to provide comprehensive elimination of transmission, all participants and guides must obtain a Covid-19 test and negative results within 48 hours prior to the start of the trip. Participants will bring test results to present at trip arrival, to maximize the likelihood that everyone enters free of Covid-19 as we begin the trip.
Any family unable to receive test results prior to the trip will need to contact Journeys ahead of time, so we can obtain a rapid test for your participant to take upon arrival at our basecamp. We understand that all tests have the possibility to return false positives, so if a participant with no symptoms gets a positive result on the rapid test, we will ask that your family go to the nearby urgent care clinic to obtain a second rapid test for confirmation of your ability to join the trip.
Status Updates:
Journeys’ basecamp and our trip locations are currently in Phase 3. Washington State Phase 3 allows us to operate in our traditional way with the use of proper screening, masking, physical distancing, and surface sanitizing.
On May 30, 2021, as per Governor Jay Inslee, Washington moved to a statewide reopening, with all counties in Washington in Phase 3 of the Healthy Washington: Roadmap to Recovery.
Olympic National Park continues to require commercial outfitters bringing groups into the park to abide by state and local coronavirus guidance (last summer they issued their own guidance specifically for inside-the-park activities).
We continue to coordinate with the Songaia Cohousing Community, Journeys’ basecamp host, to ensure that our basecamp activities (beginning and ending trips with families present) will be safe for all members of the community.
Vaccinations continue to increase in availability, providing families additional options as they strengthen their ability to manage their Covid health risks. At this time, we do not foresee that there will be any vaccination requirements to participate on Journeys’ trips.
Covid Update: 7/15/21
Journeys continues to follow the guidelines from Washington State and local health authorities, and the Olympic National Park. Currently, we are mid-summer, with all journeys thus far completed safely and on schedule. Should Covid conditions regress and result in public policy restrictions on wilderness group activities, we will contact all registered families with an updated plan. Our deep gratitude to everyone who is joining us for summer 2021, as together we respond and adjust to the evolving conditions. As was our shared experience in Summer 2020, we are confident that, even should conditions change, we have a great chance to complete all of our summer trips.
Status Updates:
Journeys’ basecamp and our trip locations are currently in Phase 3. Washington State Phase 3 allows us to operate in our traditional way with the use of proper screening, masking, physical distancing, and surface sanitizing.
On May 30, 2021, as per Governor Jay Inslee, Washington moved to a statewide reopening, with all counties in Washington in Phase 3 of the Healthy Washington: Roadmap to Recovery.
Olympic National Park continues to require commercial outfitters bringing groups into the park to abide by state and local coronavirus guidance (last summer they issued their own guidance specifically for inside-the-park activities).
We continue to coordinate with the Songaia Cohousing Community, Journeys’ basecamp host, to ensure that our basecamp activities (beginning and ending trips with families present) will be safe for all members of the community.
Vaccinations continue to increase in availability, providing families additional options as they strengthen their ability to manage their Covid health risks. At this time, we do not foresee that there will be any vaccination requirements to participate on Journeys’ trips.
Covid Update: 5/18/21
Journeys continues to follow the guidelines from Washington State and local health authorities, and the Olympic National Park. As health conditions currently improve, we are preparing to run all of our programs on the assumption that it will be safe to do so, and are excited for the opportunity to support youth again this summer. Should Covid conditions regress and result in public policy restrictions on wilderness group activities, we will contact all registered families with an updated plan. Our deep gratitude to everyone who is joining us for summer 2021, as together we respond and adjust to the evolving conditions. As was our shared experience in Summer 2020, we are confident that, even should conditions change, we have a great chance at being able to run trips again this summer.
Status Updates:
Journeys’ basecamp and our trip locations are currently in Phase 3. Washington State Phase 3 allows us to operate in our traditional way with the use of proper screening, masking, physical distancing, and surface sanitizing.
On May 13, 2021 Governor Jay Inslee announced that Washington state is moving toward a statewide June 30 reopening date, and that all counties in Washington will move to Phase 3 of the Healthy Washington: Roadmap to Recovery reopening plan effective May 18 until June 30. [Advances remaining counties to Phase 3]
Olympic National Park has notified outfitters bringing groups into the park that we are expected to abide by state and local coronavirus guidance (last summer they issued their own guidance specifically for inside-the-park activities).
We continue to coordinate with the Songaia Cohousing Community, Journeys’ basecamp host, to ensure that our basecamp activities (beginning and ending trips with families present) will be safe for all members of the community.
Should need arise, as in Summer 2020, we will secure an alternate basecamp location in Kitsap County, closer to our trip routes.
Vaccinations continue to increase in availability, providing families additional options as they strengthen their ability to manage their Covid health risks. At this time, we do not foresee that there will be any vaccination requirements to participate on Journeys’ trips.
Covid Update: 3/17/21
Journeys continues to follow the guidelines from Washington State and local health authorities, and the Olympic National Park. As health conditions slowly improve, we are preparing to run all of our programs on the assumption that it will be safe to do so, and are excited for the opportunity to support youth again this Summer. Should Covid conditions worsen and result in public policy restrictions on wilderness group activities, we will contact all registered families with an updated plan. Our deep gratitude to everyone who joined us in summer 2020, as together we responded and adjusted to the evolving conditions, and were able to safely run half our trips. From that experience we are confident that, even should conditions worsen, we have a great chance at being able to run trips again this summer.
Status Updates:
Washington State is currently in Phase 2, and has announced it is planning on moving all counties to Phase 3 on March 22, 2021. Phase 3 allows us to operate in our traditional way with the use of proper screening, masking, physical distancing, and surface sanitizing
Olympic National Park has notified outfitters bringing groups into the park that we are expected to abide by state and local coronavirus guidance (last summer they issued their own guidance specifically for inside-the-park activities)
We are continuing to coordinate with the Songaia Cohousing Community to ensure that our basecamp activities (beginning and ending trips with families present) will be safe for all members of the community
Should need arise, we will secure an alternate basecamp location in Kitsap County, closer to our trip routes
Vaccinations continue to increase in availability, we are hopeful that families are able to strengthen their ability to manage their Covid health risks. At this time, we do not foresee that there will be any vaccination requirements to participate on Journey’s trips.
Covid Update: 10/14/20
Journeys continues to follow the guidelines from Washington State, health authorities and the Olympic National Park. We continue to prepare to run all of our programs as long as it is safe to do so, and are excited for the opportunity to support youth and mentors again for Summer 2021. Should a change in public policy arise, making it clear that we will need to offer a schedule change, we will contact you with an updated plan. Our deep gratitude to everyone who joined us Summer 2020 on this chaotic and rewarding journey, as together we responded to the evolving environmental and societal conditions, making necessary adjustments to safely offer youth, mentors and families these opportunities.
Status Updates:
On July 28, 2020, Governor Inslee extended indefinitely the pause on on counties moving ahead in the Safe Start Washington plan
King, Snohomish and Kitsap Counties are currently in Phase 2
Should need arise, we will secure an alternate basecamp location in Kitsap County, closer to our trip routes
Covid Update: 8/2/20
The status of all Youth trips for summer 2020 is now known, and we continue to work with the guidance from public health authorities to keep open the possibility of hosting fall Adult programs. Our deep gratitude to everyone who has been on this chaotic and rewarding journey with us this summer, as together we responded to the evolving environmental and societal conditions, making necessary adjustments to safely offer youth, mentors and families these opportunities.
Status Updates:
On July 28, Governor Inslee extended indefinitely the pause on on counties moving ahead in the Safe Start Washington plan.
King, Snohomish and Kitsap Counties are currently in Phase 2 (Kitsap’s application for Phase 3 was paused mid-process).
Covid Update: 7/7 and 7/8/20
Journeys continues to follow the guidelines from Washington State, health authorities and the Olympic National Park. If it is clear that we will need to offer a schedule change, we will contact you with an updated plan. We continue to prepare to run all of our programs as long as it is safe to do so, and are excited for the opportunity to support youth and mentors.
Status updates:
We have secured an alternate basecamp location in Kitsap County, closer to our trip routes
On July 1, Olympic National Park opened for backcountry travel
On July 8, Olympic National Park opened all areas of the park to backcountry travel
For any Washington State, health authorities or Olympic National Park updates requiring program changes, guide teams need 5 days to arrive and prepare for your journey
Journeys continues to update Covid-19-related FAQs with trip safety protocols in response to the latest health authority guidance
Covid-19 Update: 6/29/20
Journeys continues to follow to guidelines from Washington State, health authorities and the Olympic National Park. We continue to prepare to run all of our programs as long as it is safe to do so, and are excited for the opportunity to support youth and mentors. As soon as we are certain of your program's start, or if it's clear that we will need to offer a schedule change, we will contact you with an updated plan.
Status updates:
We have secured an alternate basecamp location in Kitsap County (already in Phase 3 — required to send off our programs)
On June 18, Olympic National Park extended their backcountry travel closure through June 30
Guide teams need 5 days to arrive and prepare for your journey
Journeys continues to update Covid-19-related FAQs with trip safety protocols in response to the latest health authority guidance
Covid-19 Update: 6/5/20
Journeys continues to follow to guidelines from Washington State, health authorities and the Olympic National Park. We continue to prepare to run all of our programs as long as it is safe to do so, and are excited for the opportunity to support youth and mentors. As soon as we are certain of your program's start, or if it's clear that we will need to offer a schedule change, we will contact you with an updated plan.
Status updates:
Snohomish County, our basecamp location, officially entered Phase 2 as of June 5
We need to be in Phase 3 in order to conduct our programs
There is a mandated minimum 3-week period for each Phase
Guide teams need 5 days to arrive and prepare for your journey
On June 5, Olympic National Park extended their backcountry travel closure through June 18
Journeys continues to update Covid-19-related FAQs with trip safety protocols in response to the latest health authority guidance
Covid-19 Update: 5/22/20
Thank you for your patience as we navigate the evolving progress in opening directives from health authorities. In the state of Washington, as per the governor’s stay-at-home order, we are transitioning to Phase 2. Each phase requires consistent data of at least three weeks. What that means for Rite of Passage Journeys summer program is awaiting the official Phase 2 start date (to be announced the week of 5/26), then tracking forward three weeks for potential Phase 3 approval to begin programs. Should your program start date fall either before the possibility of approval or soon thereafter, we will contact your family with an offer of an alternative program date to consider.
We are watching and adhering to the guidelines, and are prepared to run all of our programs as long as it is safe to do so, and excited for the opportunity to support your youth. We are grateful that your family chose to meet Journeys in risk and opportunity (yours in the finances of securing your registration, and ours and our guides in being fully prepared to run your program), and we sincerely appreciate your continued support and patience during this time. As soon as we are certain of your program's start, or if it's clear that we will need to offer a schedule change, we will contact you with an updated plan.
Covid-19 Update: 4/1/20
Rite of Passage Journeys is committed, first and foremost, to the safety and well-being of our communities, and especially our youth. We will continue to monitor developments, and will only run our trips if we are confident that we can do so safely. We rely on the guidance of public health authorities in assessing these issues of safety and risk, and we are also committed to following the consensus of organizations who similarly serve youth in this wilderness exploration format. We will continue to work with consultants and partner organizations to combine our experience, perspectives and resources to find the best way forward through this crisis.
Covid-19 Organizational Statement from Rite of Passage Journeys 3/18/2020
Official Sources for latest updates:
Community Programs STATUS
Currently, Journeys has moved most of our Community Programs to the web, scheduling a few courses best presented in person in “standby mode” monitoring public health and state guidelines to assess closer in if we will be able to gather together safely. Please see our updated Community Program Cancellation Policy to understand our current approach to handling the various risks of cancellation or public closures.
Summer programs STATUS
Currently, Journeys is preparing to run our summer Rites of Passage programs. Please see our updated Wilderness & Intensive Program Cancellation Policy to understand our current approach to handling the various risks of cancellation or public closures.
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EXPLORE OUR PROGRAMS
Our summer youth programs, for ages 8 – 18, help young people navigate the journey from childhood to adulthood in a supported, mentored way.
Our adult programs, for ages 18 and older, grew out of the strong need we saw to guide adults through their own rites of passage — for transition does not end at age 18.
These programs foster the presence necessary for authentic connections, which are essential in our relationships with all beings.
In the spirit of creating community & increasing the availability of rite of passage experiences, we offer memorable presentations, unique workshops, and impactful events.
