Full presentation discussing history and types of rites of passage, as well as specific benefits to adolescents. Difficulties of adolescence are explored, with consideration of the need for a healthy transition into adulthood. Finally, the adult community is challenged with the opportunity of establishing rites of passage ceremonies for the youth in their community.

1. CREATING
ADOLESCENT
RITES OF PASSAGE
How to Plan and Coordinate Events
that Bring Honor and Healing to Youth
USJT Adolescents Conference Las Vegas, 2006
William G. DeFoore, Ph.D.
Institute for Personal & Professional Development,Addison, TX

2. Rationale and Theory
Types and Examples of Rituals
Skills and Methodologies
OVERVIEW

3. 1.Separation—Birth, adolescence,
leaving home, marriage, death
2.Transition—Learning appropriate
behavior for new phase being
entered
3.Incorporation—Participant is
formally admitted into the new role
PHASES OF
RITES
OF PASSAGE
Source: A. Van Gennep The Rites of Passage

4. •Loss of safety/security of childhood
•Loss of innocence—sexual experience
•Loss of bond with parents
•Challenge of peer relationships
Pressure
Rejection
Judgment
EMOTIONAL LOSS
AND CHALLENGE
OF ADOLESCENCE

5. •Various “pictures” of adult life
•How attractive is “growing up”?
•Challenge of adulthood need to be
presented in a way that appears:
Encouraging
Adventurous
Emotionally fulfilling
FACING
ADULTHOOD

6. PROBLEMS RELATED TO
LACK OF APPROPRIATE
INITIATION
•Depression, violence, suicide
•Substance abuse, sexual promiscuity
•Desperate search for identity
Gangs
Cliques
Popularity
Outcasts, misfits, “wierdos”

7. •No elders
•Abusive rituals
•Substance abuse
•Hazing/harassment
•Forced sexual encounters
•Initiation through acts of violence
RITES
OF THEIR
OWN

8. •Taking responsibility for facilitating rites
of passage—guidance
•Recognizing the power of ritual and
ceremony—structure
•Being conscious in and of the process (it
happens anyway—unconsciously)
•Honoring the shadow elements of
adolescence—”ashes time”
ROLE OF
PARENTS
& ADULT
COMMUNITY

9. •Expressing, showing love
•Demonstrating honor and respect
•Willingness and ability to provide a
grounded optimistic view of adulthood
•Leadership skills in planning & facilitating
Avoid alcohol
Choosing the participants
Match the ritual to participants
SKILLS
AND
COMPONENTS

10. •Value of same gender groups
To honor adolescent’s gender
To strengthen a sense of identity
To establish a strong sense of
community and connection
•Storytelling
Participants/elders sharing their
journey, stories about their mentors
Keeping stories brief and relevant
SKILLS
AND
COMPONENTS

11. TYPES AND
EXAMPLES OF
CEREMONIES
•Australian Aboriginal Model
Maddern (1990)
Symbolic Journey
The Challenge
Opening the Door to the Dreaming
Responsibility
Community Participation

12. TYPES AND
EXAMPLES OF
CEREMONIES
•Quinceanera—Hispanic
•Bar/Bat Mitzvah—Jewish
•Vision Quest—Native American
•Adventure Education programs
•School/church sponsored programs
•Men’s/women’s gatherings
•Family/friend creations

13. TYPES AND
EXAMPLES OF
CEREMONIES
•Personal experience
18th. birthday
Men’s gatherings
•Professional experience
Client’s self-designed process
Father-son weekends
•Ideas, processes and sample rituals
Sweat lodge
Art work, mask making
Dancing, singing, playing music

14. TYPES AND
EXAMPLES OF
CEREMONIES
•Ideas, processes and sample rituals
Finding a “sacred place” in nature
Solitary time, fasting
Native American visualization
Sharing of meaningful adventure
and nature experiences
Discuss relationships with
mother/father and mentors
Read about and discuss rites of
passage from other cultures

15. Web Resources
WilliamDeFoore.com
Goodfinding.com
AngerManagementResource.com