Rites of Passage Programs
The Hero Project re-creates epic adventures of some of the worlds most famous Heroes and Heroines, so that we may place our feet in these ancient footsteps. By doing so we come to realize our passions awaken to our heroes within!
“Kids come in at the beginning with a chip on their shoulder, and by the end, they’re giving face-to-face apologies with microphones in front of 150 students, crying with joy and relief, hugging each other. It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen.” -Chad Novak, PhD, School Counselor
Transformational Events |
Cultural-Adventure Programs |
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An Epic DayEpic Days are large group, rites of passage for up to 100 students and 25 adult volunteers. Each of our day-long, experiential, rites of passage events are uniquely designed for each group to be fun, safe and promote inclusion in order to address the issues of bullying, violence, substance abuse, historical trauma and suicide.
The days are very exciting with lots of run around games, activities and cool music. They are also very emotional. Through the highly structured event, youth are able to uncover the underlying pain that influences them to make self-destructive choices. An Epic Day creates the safety needed for students to be themselves and the courage to ask for forgiveness of those they hurt. The overwhelming feelings of compassion and forgiveness are powerfully transformative for an entire school in just a day’s time. Epic Day Events, include:
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8-Week CycleThe 8-Week Cycle is designed to follow up the Epic Day events or as a stand alone program. These rites of passage programs are designed around traditional stories and teachings highlighting heroic qualities and values of the tribe, or the community, as selected by key stakeholders, professionals and elders.
Both traditional and adventure activities are built around the stories selected. Each day’s activities are designed to highlight the deeper character values in each story, such as respect, hope, forgiveness or sacrifice. By placing their feet in the footsteps of these epic storylines, students come to awaken their heroes within. Up to 10-students register for the program as a pledge class and go through the 8-Week Cycle together. A formal graduation ceremony is held at the end complete with a 30-minute highlight film that shows the student’s adventure of self-discovery to their parents, teachers and fellow students. An indoor version of the Hero Project’s, 8-Week Cycle can be developed for use in adverse weather conditions. The model can be developed in any community, native or non-native, urban or rural. 8-Week Cycle, Services include:
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Program Replications
The Future Human
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Winnebago Hero Project Southern Ute Hero Project
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