COMING OF AGE PROGRAM

Tell me and I'll forget.
Show me, and I may not remember.
Involve me, and I'll understand.
Native American Proverb

The Coming of Age program is an eight month program created to for 7th-9th graders, ages 12-14 as they become initiated into adulthood. Participants will meet two weekends per month for one-half day or longer for planned special events. A variety of fun and rewarding activities encourage learning and growth, the creation of healthy relationships and the fostering of community. These include games, community service projects, life skills and spiritual retreats.

Coming of Age is the time in a young person's life when one is transitioning from childhood to adulthood and discovering his or her identity and how they live in the world. The CSL community supports and honors this unfoldment by:

~ Acknowledging and honoring the pivotal points the youth in our community have reached and the trials they will confront

~ Validating the process and providing structure and support for the participants in their questioning and decision making

~ Challenging youth to stretch and test the edges of their comfort zone

~ Making this a positive time of growth as they explore important questions about life, meaning, spirituality and relationships.

Highlights

Youth/Mentor Partnership
Trained and screened mentors will act as guides and confidants, selected by COA Wisdom Council to support youth on their journey.

Great Adventure Ropes Course
Realize greater abilities, practice problem solving, and cooperation while being fully supported in the process.

Sweat Lodge
A powerful ritual honoring the process of growth and change.

Guided Vision Quest Weekend
One's time alone with Spirit in nature to face and conquer one's fears and gain clarity on one's life direction. 

"My Life is my own! I decide which path to take and by so doing, eliminate other paths. I must symbolize for myself that I am intending to make a passage... to come of age."
Past Participant

TOP

• Explore and form values and beliefs that have heart and meaning.
• Question life, meaning, spirituality and relationships.
• Expand their vision of the world through experiences and challenges.
• Learn about Religious Science and how to express and experience it in everyday life.
• Create special friendships with others who are going through the same changes.
• Discover the powerful and magical gift of who they are and how to share that in the world.

"Lay yourself open to the elements, to yourself, to spirit, to the uniqueness of your calling. Spirit bids you, come with your fears and courage to receive the gift of Vision, to return with clear eyes to your walk along this earthly path."

Archie Fire Lame Deer on the challenge of the Quest

More Coming of Age information

Expectations

Parents and Guardians are expected to support their youth in this program by reserving dates and assuring attendance at all events; valuing and supporting the youth's participation and providing transportation. Ongoing parent support will be provided throughout the program.

Youth are expected to attend and participate in every event with the understanding that as individuals and as a group they are committed to the process they have undertaken.

Mentors are expected to attend and participate in all events and to be fully present for their youth, using good communication skills and exercising exemplary judgment.

Cost
The cost of the program covers the guided Vision Quest weekend, the professional staff for the ropes course, the Sweat Lodge, and other materials. Scholarships will be available for those who need them. 

Mentors
Mentors are adult volunteers. Each youth is assigned a mentor as a personal support person throughout the experience. A mentor goes through the process with the youth acting as an example and a guide. They have no parental or facilitation role in the program. A mentor is there solely to offer encouragement and a seasoned example of calm amid the exhilaration and angst of the transition.

Application Process 
Mentors, youth and parents apply by filling out an application form. The form can be obtained at the open registration table at Sunday Services during May and June, or by contacting Debbie at debbies@cslseattle.org or 206/527-8801, ext. 259