Youth Vision Fast 

Perhaps the most important task for young people today is to find and face their deepest inner truths, their strengths and weaknesses, and ask the critical questions, “Who am I to be in the world, what do I have to offer as an adult?”

Many modern societies have lost the traditions that provide ceremonial witnessing and honoring of this rite of passage. The result can be a confusing attempt at self-initiation, a testing of the extreme limits of feeling and behavior, from ecstasy to revolt to a dance with death. And an alternative, for many, is just conforming, accepting the status quo--the search for an authentic self-knowing never takes place. An initiation ceremony in a wilderness setting provides a unique mirror for that deep self-exploration.

Every summer Lost Borders offers a vision fast for young men and women ready to confirm their entry into adulthood. In the 11-day course, for ages 16 – 21, the students undergo a traditional wilderness rite of passage, bringing their questions, their concerns, their wisdom and their dreams. Alone and together, within a circle of elders, they find through the ceremony a way to mark initiation into adulthood.

A blending of ancient and modern practices and teachings, the vision fast requires a willingness to live alone in the high desert of the Inyo Mountains for three days and nights without food. It is a valid confirmation of maturity for young people, the experience of a lifetime, in which they may discover profound bonds with nature, self and community. Each participant returns from the solo time with a story and may choose to invite his or her parents to take part in the incorporation ceremonies.

Youth Guide Training

Participating in and witnessing the child-to-adult rite of passage in the wilderness is the best training for those who want to be guides for young people. Together we will support and witness the intentions of a group as they confirm their readiness to become men and women in modern American culture.

Trainees assume the role of staff members living with the group and helping out in many different ways during the course. We take only two trainees keeping a good ratio of youth to adults and ensuring that there is room for all to learn. The specific purpose of the training will be to develop the skills and attention needed to assist participants safely through the three phases of the passage rite, and to understand the unique nature of the role of guide for young people.

Trainees will meet together with guides before and after the youth fast to review their experiences and confirm their readiness to work with young people in the future.

For more details, contact the School.

For specific offerings, visit our Calendar or Course List.