By Program Type

Suggested age range: 15-18
Location:  Umtanum Canyon, Eastern Washington.
Tuition: $350 includes camping and food.  $150 non-refundable deposit required to register.
Staff:  Paul Abodeely & Deb Zucker

The Youth Soul Quest weekend is based on the three-stage model of Severance, Threshold and Return that applies to all rites of passage ceremonies. This program provides an opportunity for young people to discover themselves and their gifts, and to bring back stories that help them hold a sense of purpose. The program is structured as a rite of passage ceremony, and includes time spent alone in nature, storytelling, and incorporation time with youth and parents. On Friday afternoon and evening, the group will work with the Medicine Wheel and set intentions for a solo walk from dawn to dusk. On Saturday, the young people will wake at dawn and spend the entire day alone on the land. On Sunday, there will be time spent in council sharing the stories and touching the wisdom that they hold for each young person. 

Staff: Paul Abodeely, B.A., has been working with youth in schools, social service settings, and the outdoors for over 15 years. An apprentice in the Rites of Passage guide training program, he has led programs with Rites of Passage and with related organizations. Paul is skilled at supporting and empowering young people as they face the challenges of becoming healthy and successful adults. He brings authenticity, joy and wholeness, in addition to a deep familiarity and ease with the natural world, to his work with young people. 

       Deb Zucker, ND, LMP, is a licensed naturopathic physician, educator, and wilderness guide. She is the founder of Vital Medicine, an integral medicine clinic and educational center, and adjunct faculty in Bastyr University's Naturopathic Medicine and Counseling and Health Psychology departments. Prior to becoming a physician, Deb worked for a number of years in outdoor and experiential education with youth and young adults, leading wilderness expeditions, facilitating groups, training trip leaders, and creating a summer camp for disadvantaged teens. Deb is currently completing the Rites of Passage guide training program.