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Teen Gathering
offering
Wilderness Passage & Advanced Skills
Welcome to our 2026 CA Teen Gathering - offering Wilderness Passage and Advanced Skills Programs!
This year we are going to the beautiful South Warner Mountains. The campground is situated in a tranquil and remote area of northeastern California. Blue Lake was formed from a massive landslide several thousand years ago. Over time, the land filled up with water from snow melt and rain where blue lake is today. Blue Lake is truly deep blue in color and remains ice cold even during the hottest days of summer! The fishing is great, and there's a 3 mile trail that goes around the entirety of the lake.
The campground is situated in a lower part of the mountains, but the entire campground is surrounded by mountain ridges scattered with ponderosa pine, Jeffrey pine, incense cedar, and aspen trees. There was an intense wildfire that came through the area back in 2003, so many of the hillsides near Blue Lake are in the process of regenerating tree stands. Fortunately, the campground was saved from the fire, so there are plenty of big pine trees for shade!
The site is very Primitive with only pit toilets and there is potable water. There are options in the afternoon to spend time on the lake or wander around on the nearby trails, welcome to bring floatation devices, paddle boards, kayaks etc.
We will be offering two courses for Teens that run together ; Wilderness Passages and Advanced Skills. Wilderness Passage is meant for teens ready for a edge pushing “rite of passage” and the Advanced Skills is geared for teens that have completed the Wilderness Passage.
This year we want to make sure we have some time for the group to have social and “gathering” vibe with a mix of teens before and after the intensity of the programs. This creates time to prepare and integrate the experience into daily life—and Teens need this kind of “hang-out” social time in the woods-with no cell phones, off grid deep in this beautiful Wilderness Area.
Wilderness Passage
Every human has four elemental needs: shelter, water, fire and food. Our ancestors were deeply connected to these needs. They knew how to find and create solutions to meet them, as well as how to pass these essential skills on to the next generation. Without this lineage we would not be here today. Our modern world seems to have forgotten much of this. Wilderness Passage is a journey that reconnects youth with these skills, creating confidence, self sufficiency, and transformation. We light the ceremonial fire for each passage and provide parental guidance for supporting this transformation before and after the passage. For teens, aged 12 and up.
Advanced Skills is for experienced teens who have completed 4EEE's Wilderness Passage
This is an offering for teens to push their limits in creating a completely hidden camp with only a knife, blanket, handmade water vessel, and minimal food. The philosophy and mind set of the caretaker and scout will be integrated into this week’s teachings. “Advanced Skills” of counter Tracking, camouflage- and camouflage shelters, stalking, trapping, advanced awareness of concentric rings.
Sunday, June 21st (3-5pm) - Saturday, June 27th (12-1pm).
Parents will drop-off and pick-up at the Blue Lake Campground. As we are hosting a Family Camp at the same site the week before, 4EEE staff will already be on site. We encourage families to arrange carpools with other teens participating. 4EEE unfortunately can't assist with transportation to/from the site.
Any teens travelling from out of State, please contact us at info@4eee.org to discuss best travel arrangements.
We offer sliding scale pricing, subsidized by donations from supporters of our mission. Please select a contribution level consistent with your means. Thank you!
Level 1: $1,000 per person
Level 2 (subsidized): $800 per person
All meals will be provided; please include any dietary restrictions in your registration.
Each teen must bring basic, personal camping gear. A recommended packing list is included below and will be sent out with final instructions and directions as the date nears.
We can't wait to gather with nature and each other around the fire and under the stars!
- Rick Berry & the 4EEE Crew
Recommended Packing List:
Tent or tarp
Sleeping bag and pad
Wool blanket - Arcturus blankets are a great option
Clothing for a week (high temps: 80s-90s, lows: 40s-50s)
Swimsuit and towel
Two pairs of shoes; one can be sandals
Hats, brimmed for sun and beanie for warmth
Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, etc.)
Water bottle (stainless steel is best) - Kleen Canteen single walled is a great option
Mess kit: bowl/plate, eating utensil, metal cup
Journal & pen
Knife (fixed blade) - Mora Companion/Clipper is a great option
Bandana
Sunscreen & Rain Jacket