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Rite of Passage group for teens?

Aug 2009

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?


My son Dan and other young men went through a coming-of-age boys to men group for 6 years - they chose to extend the program through high school. I can say unequivocally that Stepping Stones Project was one of the best things that ever happened to them. Dan has lifelong friends and skills, connections and memories from this extremely thoughtful, smart consortium of leaders. I recommend this highly for your kids and for kids and families you know, and hope you'll pass on info to them if you are in the San Francisco Bay Area.

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
RSVP or for more information mike@steppingstonesproject.org or site at steppingstonesproject.org (415) 454-3548 Mary
Hi, In regards to the Rite of Passage group, maybe you were thinking of this: http://www.steppingstonesproject.org/ Diana
Both of my teenagers have participated in the Stepping Stones Coming of Age Project. It has been a fantastic experience, especially for my daughter. The two leaders guide the girls in the group toward the kinds of interactions and values that our family supports -- kindness, honesty, compassion, appreciation for nature, self-awareness. I highly recommend the group -- there are some scholarships available. Check it out at http://www.steppingstonesproject.org Betsy
Hi, I am connected with two rites of passage groups, both of which may have posted at times on BPN:

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?

Oct 2008

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


I'm not sure if this is what you are looking for, but: My friend's son was involved in the group Youth Together for his 4 years of high school. He found it to be a very positive and rewarding experience and was really able to vocalize his experience of being a youth of mixed races (latino/white/asian). If your teen is at Berkeley High, there is a group there that meets regularly. Here is the web link. http://www.youthtogether.net/about/history.php3 anon

General Issues for Teen Girls

In response to the mother looking for a "general issues" teen girls' support group. In the BHS Daily Bulletin a couple of weeks ago, I noticed a club that has recently started up:

"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


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