Join 4EEE instructors for a week long Teen Wilderness Passage experience in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Wilderness.

This program is for teens age 12-15 to learn and experience self-reliant skills. The focus of the week is building and sleeping in a debris hut, making friction fire, tending fire, and learning about needs versus wants.

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.

Attending a Wilderness Passage program is also where the foundations are set for teens wishing to participate in Teen Quests, Teen Treks or Teen Scout programs.

As this may be considered a “coming of age” tradition – we at 4EEE know that this is not that and is an attempt to create a “rites of passage”. We can only offer a slice of a passage to our youth because traditionally this would have been done through the family and community village.

Through this experience we hope to instill the seeds that teens can share with their community and that these skills help them in finding their vision.

Those teens that have attempted/succeeded in sleeping in a debris hut are encouraged to participate in this program. There are additional layers of teaching, experiences and skills that aren't offered in this format.

Program Details:

Parents will drop-off and pick-up at the Burton Educational Preserve in Nevada City. Teens will travel with 4EEE staff less than an hour away to the Sierra Nevada mountain wilderness.

Arrival: Sunday, June 16th, 1-4pm.

Departure: Friday, June 21st, 4-5pm.

Meals: All main meals included - dinner on Sunday; breakfast/lunch/dinner on Monday-Thursday; breakfast and lunch on Friday. * Please pack any snacks or beverages the participant would like in addition to meals (granola bars, hot chocolate, tea, etc.) *

PRIOR EXPERIENCE STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. * Please contact us at info@4eee.org prior to registration if you have not participated in our programs before! *

We held a zoom meeting for Parents/Guardians of teens either registered or interested in participating in the Teen Wilderness Passage weeklong program.

We shared more about what this program can offer your teen and how you as parents/guardians can support them. If you'd like a copy of the recording, please contact Tam at tam@4eee.org. The recording is intended for parents/guardians only.

Join 4EEE instructors for a week long Teen Scout Games which will push experienced teens to deepen their skills in the areas of awareness, tracking, survival, stalking and movement in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Wilderness.

This program is for older teens age 15-17 that have attended a Wilderness Passage, Teen Trek or Teen Quest.

Join us for an edge pushing adventure! Teen Scout is designed for teens who have experience with wilderness skills and want to take their skills to another level. We will be making hidden camps and playing Scout awareness games. This environment will push teens to bring together and deepen their skills in the areas of awareness, tracking, survival, stalking and movement - in the rush and excitement of "game on" with peers

Program Details:

Parents will drop-off and pick-up at the Burton Educational Preserve in Nevada City. Teens will travel with 4EEE staff less than an hour away to the Sierra Nevada mountain wilderness.

Arrival: Sunday, June 23rd, 1-4pm.

Departure: Friday, June 28th, 4-5pm.

Meals: All main meals included - dinner on Sunday; breakfast/lunch/dinner on Monday-Thursday; breakfast and lunch on Friday. * Please pack any snacks or beverages the participant would like in addition to meals (granola bars, hot chocolate, tea, etc.) *

PRIOR EXPERIENCE STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. * Please contact us at info@4eee.org prior to registration if you have not participated in our programs before! *

Bring the entire family to Butte Lake this summer for campfires and wilderness survival skills.

Welcome to our 2024 CA Family Camp! This week is for the entire family, all ages welcome!

Youth 4 years and younger are with parents, ages 5-7-will have morning and shorter afternoon sessions, youth ages 8-12 will be together and teen aged 13-17 will be on separate adventures. Everyone comes together for meals, councils, campfires, and ceremonies. The main focus is learning wilderness survival skills, the sacred order of Shelter, Water, Fire, Food.

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 first person (family deposit) + $500/additional

Level 2 (subsidized): $800 first person + $400/additional

Level 3 (subsidized): $600 first person + $300/additional

All meals will be provided; please include any dietary restrictions in your registration.

Each family 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

Program Details:

Recommended Packing List -

• Tent (with rain fly and ground cloth)

• Tarp and rope (for additional rain protection)

• A sleeping bag for each participant (please bring extra blankets as it can get cool!)

• Sleeping Pad(s)

• Bathing Suits and towels

• Rain Gear and Additional layers for warmth in various weather conditions

• Hat

• Two pairs of shoes (one can be sandals)

• Flashlight / headlamp

• Bandana / blindfold

• Water Bottle (1 per person minimum)

• Eating Utensils: Bowl, plate, cup / mug, spoon, fork

• Toiletry items (biodegradable soap only please)

• Journal and writing utensil

• Bug repellent, preferably natural/non-toxic

• Non-folding carving knife (we have some to borrow or purchase if you do not have one)

• Sunglasses and sunscreen

• Large blanket for your family to use during group circles / meal times (optional)

• Any primitive skills you are currently working on (optional, but encouraged!)

• A book to relax with

If it can't get dirty, do not bring it!