We link initiatory practices in nature with therapeutic resources within communities. Hence, our curriculum is designed to return the student with methods that can be combined with existing institutions, agencies, churches, practices, and credentials. The emphasis is on the challenge of life transitions, the borders we all must cross. Courses are kept small and intimate and, as a rule, co-educational.

Every course is designed to utilize the teaching power of nature, self, council, and the initiatory passageway itself. Various “teachings” are kept to a minimum. Every apprentice must learn to bake the basic cake before adding the “frostings.” We are an “open university” offering continuing education for those who wish to enroll simply because their lives have brought them to a crisis or crossroads. Their need does not have to be training, although all training must begin with existential learning. Training courses sometimes carry prerequisites (previous courses at Lost Borders or comparable courses elsewhere). For students of certain colleges and institutions, education credit can be arranged.