There was a time, not so long ago, as tribes, we knew the value, the necessity of supporting our young tribe members to engage in a ritual or ceremony acknowledging their stage of life.

This time came when, as their tribe, we recognized the signs of yearning, aching, restlessness, readiness, and desire for autonomy, responsibility, and contribution. They were invited, called, into the wild lands to quest, seek, and ache for guidance, for the vision of their true nature, their soul’s song, gift, and purpose.

Upon their return, we welcomed them home, acknowledged their ordeals, and listened carefully to the collective wisdom they had received.  As elders and their community, we reflected and offered our understanding of the unique gifts they have come into the world with and have been shown during their time on the land. We welcomed them home as contributing, whole, and valued members of the tribe.

Nature’s Resonance is a contemporary version of the traditional Rite of Passage. Intended to re-vision this precious and sacred process to align with our contemporary world. To support young people coming of age, to be seen, heard, acknowledged, and supported, to step into what is and has always been their ecological and soulful truth for them.

The Structure: 

Preparatory Individual Hui: Youth interested in participating will be invited to join us for a one-on-one get-together to answer any questions, see if this program is a good fit, and get to know us a little before meeting in person with a group of people. The meetings will be via Zoom.

There is a questionnaire link at the bottom of this page for the youth to complete and return to begin this process.

First day of Departure: Parents and guardians will be given guidance on how to supportively farewell their youth.

Arrival at the Lodge by 3 pm on the 7th April.

(The lodge has hot showers, a kitchen, and toilets)

The youth are supported to set up their tents before the opening welcoming ceremony, and dinner will be served, followed by some time for connection, fun and rest.

The following two days will be spent sharing guidance and skills to support them in feeling prepared and ready for their solo water fast. In this time, they will also find a place on the land where they would like to do their solo. As guides, we ensure the site they have chosen is safe and appropriate.

A check-in process is established so that the youth can communicate with us if needed, and we can leave water for them

On the morning of the third day, the youth will head to their chosen spot to settle in for their 2 nights of solo fasting on the land.

Upon returning from their threshold experience, they will be supported for two days of welcoming, listening, witnessing, and integrating.

On the eighth day, we leave the camp, and the youth will meet up again with their parents/caretakers.

Guidance will be given to the parents on how to supportively welcome their youth back.

Follow-up: The participants will be invited to join online throughout the next year for 4 group meetings to support ongoing support, connection, and integration. In December 2026, we will regroup either online or in person for the final reflection of their journey to this point, and to support their inspirations and dreams for the years to come.

The specific lineage-holders of knowledge that this training takes particular inspiration from are: Dave Talamo with Wilderness Reflections; Steve Foster and Meredith Little with The School of Lost Borders; Joanna Macy with The Work that Reconnects; Marshall Rosenberg and Nonviolent Communication, Jon Young with Wilderness Awareness School; Bill Plotkin and the Animus Valley Institute; Ron Kurtz and Hakomi Mindful Somatic Psychotherapy, and S.N Goenka with the Vipassana Meditation Centre.

What we provide: Accommodation, meals, (gluten-free plant-based), tents if needed, hot showers,  toilets, guidance,  and supportive company.

What participants provide: Tents and other camping equipment (list provided upon registration), sense of humor, humility, and openness.

Rites of Passage Main Guides:

Toni McErlane – Ecotherapist, Counsellor, Mediator, Nonviolent Communication (NVC) Facilitator, Aunt

Holly Bracknall – Ecotherapist, Rites Of Passage Guide

REGISTER FOR YOUR 1:1 PROGRAM INTERVIEW HERE

This Program is Fully Funded and limited to 8  participants ages 15 to 21 years of age.

Please contact toni@restorativerelationships.co.nz   for application info