4-H Adult Leadership Training Program

“I love helping young people discover new ways of experiencing their relationship to the natural world and to each other. I love listening to the stories and seeing their hearts and minds open to new possibilities. I deeply honor the young people who dare to go alone into the wilderness and return with great gifts for us all.” -Larry Hobbs, ROP Guide

How to become a 4-H Rite of Passage Guide
To become a 4-H Rite of Passage Leader, potential candidates must join 4-H, successfully complete all 3 levels of training, complete First Aid certification and become familiar with 4-H programs and philosophy.  Participants must also demonstrate knowledge and skills required to be an effective Rite of Passage guide.  See the requirements: Leader Certification Checklist

How long will it take for me to become a guide?
This will depend somewhat on the trainee’s skill level and will vary based on how often Rites of Passage are held, how many times the trainee is able to attend and whether or not the trainers feel the trainee is ready.  Starting with the 4-H Adult Rite of Passage, the entire process generally takes about two years.

Level 1: Adult Training & Personal ROP
The 4-H Adult Rite of Passage parallels the format of the 4-H Youth Rite of Passage with the additional task of learning the role of the facilitator.  Each adult will experience a three day and night fast in a wilderness place and go through the same steps/processes as the Youth.  However, throughout the training, the trainee must wear two hats: apprentice to the initiatory process and the one who is being initiated. Warning: It is not always easy to wear both hats!!  This training gives the participant an understanding of how the principles of the vision fast can be applied within the 4-H community. 

On the first day of the training (the training is one week, including both surrounding weekends), we convene at a wilderness basecamp.  The first three days are given over to preparation (severance).  Morning and afternoon meetings are the norm.  Instruction includes: the mirroring dynamics of elder’s councils; screening and preparation of candidates in four areas: physical, psychological, mental, and spiritual; the four shields of human-nature; the sacred and the profane; the dynamics of fasting; self-generated ceremony; the power of taboos; the “death lodge,” the “purpose circle,” the mirror of nature; and the shaping and confirmation of intent.  Trainees go out looking for a place to fast and set up communication stone piles with their “buddies” during this severance time.  On the fourth, fifth, and sixth days the trainee lives alone and fasts in a wilderness place (Threshold).  On the morning of the seventh day, the fasters return from the wilderness to basecamp and a celebratory feast is held in a nearby town (Incorporation).  On the eighth and ninth days, each story is told in the council of elders.  The elders witness, mirror meaning, and empower intent and then we look at the process that has just unfolded from a training perspective. Trainees are encouraged to learn the form and process of the traditional Rite of Passage, and then to give it their own unique expression within life and work.

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Preparation (Severance) 

Your vision fast begins as soon as you decide to do it.  The more thoughtful and honest you are with yourself, the more you will get out of the experience.  Spend time thinking about why you want to do the vision fast.  Write in a journal or talk to a trusted friend about your intentions.  It is highly recommended that you complete the Day Walk described in the Handbook.  You may also want to read The Roaring of the Sacred River by Stephen Foster and Meredith Little. 

Questions to consider as you prepare for your vision fast:
from John Davis and Nancy Jane of School of Lost Borders

• What is the purpose, intention or focus of your fast?
• What do you hope to gain; what are you willing to give up?
• What transition are you going through at this time in your life?
• What “old skins” or self-images is it time to shed?
• What previous transition, not fully completed, needs to be completed now?
• With what do you need to reconnect?
• What do you seek at this point in your life’s journey?
• What is the greatest gift you could give yourself during this vision fast?
• Who are your people; whom do you feel called to serve?
• What is the greatest gift you could bring back for your people and your place?
• What inner tools and resources do you bring on this quest?
• What are your strongest fears or resistances; how might you sabotage your journey?
• What am I going to mark, claim, celebrate or confirm? What is my intent? Who will benefit from my training? Who are my people?

Threshold (Solo Time)
The traditional 4-H Rite of Passage Solo is based upon the following guidelines (taboos): no company, no food and minimal shelter.  Within these guidelines leaders will assist you in planning for the solo experience that meets your needs.

Incorporation (Return)
Your guides will assist you to authentically mark what you have done on your Rite of Passage.  You will return immediately to civilization to have a celebratory feast in a nearby town and then return to the wilderness to tell your stories to the elders council and begin to prepare for the return to your new life.

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Level 2-part A: Mirroring Workshop

At least one time each year, a 3-day Mirroring Workshop is offered to those who have completed the Level I Training.  The 3 days will be spent in a mixture of teachings, exercises and stories.  You will learn to mirror for intent and empowerment, to elicit personal “mythos” through the expression of story, to utilize the “elder’s council” as an incorporation tool for self and group empowerment, and to listen and respond to the four personas of human nature, that is, to mirror.  There will be times alone in nature without food or shelter that will envoke in you and your fellow trainees the stories and myths of your, and our collective, true natures.

Level 2-part B: Basecamp Assistant
After you have completed your own 4-H Rite of Passage, your next step is to assist in basecamp.  You can do this during either an adult or a youth trip.  Assisting in basecamp includes participating in all components of the trip with additional training during the three days the fasters are on their solos.  It is a great opportunity to see what happens behind the scenes during a 4-H Rite of Passage trip.

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Level 3: Co-leading a 4-H Rite of Passage Trip

Co-leading a trip with an experienced leader is a chance for you to apply all the skills and knowledge you have gained.  You will be responsible for all aspects of the trip including logistics, recruitment of fasters, set up and flow of the week, screening individuals for safety, mirroring etc.  This is an important step on your path and is a critical chance for you to get a true feel for what it means to be a 4-H Rite of Passage Guide.

Equipment
The trainers make no provisions for meals or accommodations.  Participants are responsible for their own meal preparation including cooking/eating utensils as well as a tent, sleeping bag etc. Download the suggestions for what to bring here:

4-H Rite of Passage Equipment List

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Adult Training Program Reading List

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