Ventura Wild Registration Form

Rite of Passage for female-identifying youth

Stepping Stones, offered January 2026 - June 2026

Program Dates: January 7 - June 13, 2026
Schedule: 15 weekday sessions, 2 Saturday sessions, 1 two-night backpacking trip
Group Size: Maximum of 10 participants
Eligibility: Female-identifying youth ages 11 - 13
Cost: Charter funds accepted and scholarships available
Pay in Full: $1,395 (due at registration)
Payment Plan Option: $1,450 total
- $400 non-refundable deposit due at registration
- 4 monthly installments of $262.50 (January – April)

Please be sure to read the full program description, including session dates, here.

A Rite of Passage is a ceremonial celebration marking an important transition in a person’s life. For youth, it honors the shift from childhood into adolescence, cultivating a stronger sense of identity and connection to community.

Offered in collaboration by Ventura Wild and Thrive Wellness Workshop, Stepping Stones is a 6-month journey designed to support female-identifying youth through this transformative period. Rooted in nature, ceremony, and authentic relationships, the program offers a rich environment for self-discovery and connection.

Through crafts, games, wilderness skills, and collaborative activities, participants deepen their connection to themselves, their community, and the natural world. Council circles woven throughout the program offer space for reflection, insight, and personal growth, inviting youth to explore how the elements of nature can serve as meaningful guides. Together, these experiences nurture self-awareness, build confidence, and foster a lasting sense of belonging.

The journey culminates in a powerful two-night backpacking trip in June, honoring each participant’s transformation with intention, celebration, and ceremony.