Young Men Coming of Age groups in Live Oak Park?

Has anyone had any experience with the mentoring groups for young men that meet at Live Oak Park, run by Keith Weinstein and Eilyahu Sills? I'll be moving back to the East Bay soon (after 10 years in the foothills), and am wanting to put a lot of support in place for my almost-16-year-old son, who is smoking way too much marijuana, gravitates to the wrong kind of friends, and is teetering on the edge of a real downward spiral. Or if not these groups, any recommendations for alternative mentoring groups or ideas about how to find a good mentor? My son's passion is electronic dance music (dubstep, etc), so someone involved in that world would be the perfect match. Thanks! Terry

Girls groups for preteens?

I am looking for a girls group for girls around ages 10-13. My daughter would like a place where she can talk with other girls about entering putberty, feelings about her family, wanting more independence, and so on. She doesn't have any serious clinical issues, is looking for more a support group kind of thing. Any one know of anything like that around Berkeley?

The Coming of Age program begins in Fall or Winter of 6th or 7th grade, with 6 to 10 same-gender and same-grade youth forming a group. Under the guidance of two Stepping Stones leaders, the group meets twice a month until the fall of 9th grade.

My daughter is just finishing the program. I can't recommend it highly enough. Check out their website for more details. http://steppingstonesproject.org/pages/coming_of_age_overview (415) 383-6888 Stepping Stones Fan

Rite of Passage group for teens?

Some time ago I saw a web page for an east bay young teen group, a rite of passage experience. Now I cannot find them. Any clues?

SSP offers an extended Coming-of-Age Mentorship Program for middle school youth (6th, 7th, & 8th grade). They focus on providing youth with a connection to the natural world and the experience of a Village like community. They have overnight camping activities and bi-monthly meetings with trained, lively leaders. Group size is 8 students. The program lasts through middle school and includes support for parents as well as youth. The program culminates in a Rites of Passage ceremony. Stepping Stones goals are to build character, have fun and create a healthy community environment for youth and parents.

Parent and Youth Information evening to meet young graduates of the program, parents and mentors:

Monday September 14th 6:30 to 9 pm (tea & cookies @ 6)
San Rafael Community Center, 618 B Street,San Rafael, CA 94901

Wednesday September 16th 6:30 to 9 pm (tea & cookies @ 6)
Live Oak Community Center (Fireside Room)
1301 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA 94709

Friday September 18th 6:30 to 9 pm (tea & cookies @ 6)
San Francisco County Fair Building (Gallery Room)
9th Ave and Lincoln (just inside the park)
San Francisco, CA 94122

Wilderness Reflections offers wilderness rites of passage trips each summer for teens 15-19 years old. We also create ongoing transitions programs in schools for 8th and 12th graders (schools or parents contact us to co-design a program that fits their student body and school). These school programs are 2-10 months duration. For more info visit our website at www.WildernessReflections.com or email info@wildernessreflections.com

The Stepping Stones Project runs coming of age groups that span the middle school years (2-3 years long). Their focus is on meeting developmental needs not provided for in mainstream society/school/community. We seek to help 12-14 year olds cultivate their relationships with self, community and nature. Groups meet approx. once every 2-3 weeks with day-long and overnight wilderness trips. See more at www.steppingstonesproject.org or write to info@steppingstonesproject.org.

Hope this helps, Dave

Biracial teen groups in eastbay?

Does anyone know of any teen groups that are specifically for biracial teens and the identity concerns they have? (Not only black/white but also latino/white, asian/white). I would prefer not to go through Kaiser. Thanks. anon

"Young women (only) are invited to join a Body Positive Group meets Fridays, 4th period in Portable 4. Please join us!"

This club is formed by teen girls from BHS who are concerned about the low self-esteem many teen girls have about their bodies and touches on all their concerns about themselves and how they are perceived and how they perceive themselves. If your daughter goes to BHS, she might want to check this out. --jahlee