Rites of Passage is an old phrase. Our ancestors, the Native Americans, the Africans and many of the worlds cultures know its value.

Over time, many of us have lost the wisdom of the Rites of Passage. Now is the time to bring it back. Our ancestors knew how to live with the Earth. In todays world, we are forced into technology, materialism, subdivisions, cell phones, computers and on and on. It gets harder and harder to connect with Nature and our own natural cycles.

The Rite of Passage is a time to honor the individual that is in "change". There are 6 phases involved: Acknowledgment, Separation, Discovery, Silence, Initiation and Celebration.

We travel into the wilderness and we find ourselves, our true selves.

We will learn the Medicine Wheel and how it affects our lives. We will connect with the 4 Elements of Air-Water-Fire-Earth. We will learn how to make fire from our bare hands. We will think about our lives. We will spend time alone. We will discover who we are. We will learn to honor ourselves. We will begin to live.

During the silence phase, we will adventure into a time of quiet. The native people call it the Vision Quest. It is the most powerful experience that we know of. It is the climax of the Rite of Passage Journey. Once complete with the Vision Quest, the person will have transformed themselves into something new. This new person is one who they, themselves has designed.

Very powerful.

The Sweat Lodge is an ancient initiation, where hot rocks are brought into a small confined area. Within the lodge, we sing, silence and focus on our lives. It is a purification ceremony. It is cleansing.

Upon return, the person is greeted by some of his family members and life-long mentors. They meet "for the first time" ... again.

This journey is not for the light at heart. It is ceremony and ritual and it will change our lives... should we give it a chance.

Are you ready?

We invite you to join us.

Rocks and Ropes climbing camps offer a unique experience in exercise that fosters both teamwork, individuality and a safe, directed interest in a sport that lasts for years. We offer three courses that are a comprehensive introduction to climbing, including ropework, technique, equipment care and responsibility for oneself and others. Two of the courses include climbing on Mt. Lemmon with certified climbing guides.

Join the Museum of Northern Arizona’s Discovery Program for a summer full of creative and meaningful exploration. The wonders of the Colorado Plateau will be an inspiration as you join experienced local educators for a hands-on tour of the region’s traditions of fine arts, natural sciences, and Native cultures. Week-long classes for youths ages 4 to 17 are offered each summer. Registration opens each year around the beginning of April. Contact the Discovery Program for this year’s classes and registration information. Let your creativity and curiosity run wild this summer!

Outdoor Adventure Programs Grades 6-12
5 Day 4 Night Overnight Outdoor Adventure Camp - Escape the heat, make long lasting friendships, develop your outdoor skills, and grow as a team member and leader! Travel to Sedona and the Grand Canyon! $495
June 1-5 Tuesday-Saturday (entering 6-8th grades) June 14-18 Monday-Friday (entering 9-12th grades)
July 5-9 Monday-Friday (entering 6-8th grades) August 2-6 Monday-Friday (entering 9-12th grades)
8 Day Arizona Teen Tour (Hotels and Camping)
Saturday June 19 - Sunday June 26, 2010 $2,700
Our "Best of Arizona" tour visits exciting destinations throughout Arizona. Highlights include: a professionally guided Jeep tour, Slide Rock State Park, hiking in Sedona, camping and horseback riding in The Grand Canyon, and water skiing on Lake Powell.

Chauncey Ranch YMCA Camp in Mayer, Arizona

Sunday, June 10th – Saturday, June 16th, 2012

Children who have epilepsy or seizure disorders are often ridiculed and tend to have low self esteem. Camp Candlelight is one week of summer camp activities that allow campers the opportunity to have fun, free from judgment, while developing a sense of self-worth, independence and personal responsibility.

Camp Candlelight features activities such as rock climbing, zip-lining, making S’mores around the campfire, horseback riding, arts and crafts and nature hikes. More important than the activities, Camp Candlelight is an opportunity to bond with other children who experience the seizure disorder.

Children ages 8 to 15 with a primary (or secondary) diagnosis of epilepsy, are eligible to attend Camp Candlelight. The Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona and our generous supporters have committed that no child will be denied a summer camp experience due to financial limitations, full and partial scholarships are available for those who qualify.

While epilepsy may be equal in prevalence to cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease combined, it is one of the most historically underfunded and misunderstood disorders known. Epilepsy can carry with it a host of psychological and social problems – depression, rejection, anger, frustration – that for most children are more difficult than the disorder itself. Some children manage with drugs, some will grow out of it, but for almost thirty percent of individuals with epilepsy, seizures are a part of their everyday lives.