Initiation: The Rights of Passage into Young Adulthood.

N

8

Adolescent Development; Adventure Education; Camping; Experiential Learning; Foreign Countries; High School Students; High Schools; Individual Development; Late Adolescents; Program Development; Symbolism

This paper describes the development of an outdoor education camp that assists young people in recognizing new responsibilities and celebrating transition into young adulthood. Using the concept of initiation, the camp marked the beginning of a process which involved adolescents in developing an identity as young adults, increasing personal responsibility, and strengthening personal and group support networks. Students entering upper secondary school participated in the "rites of passage," an initiation process which took place during a 5-day camping trip on the southwest coast of Australia. Key components were based on traditional practices and included the role of elders as guides and mentors, the symbolic journey, physical and psychological challenges, the creation of a vision of self and place, responsibility for self and others, support through networks, reintegration into the school community, and the sharing of experiences through school publications. The outdoor education initiation process could be applied to other settings, including work with troubled youth. (SAS)

1999

ED424069