When is the Youth Rites of Passage Gathering?

The event begins at 6pm on Thursday, October 16th and concludes at 11am on Sunday, October 19th. While we understand some peoples’ schedules may force them to arrive late or depart early, we encourage all participants to stay and participate for the full time to maximize their experience.

Please note that the preceding Monday (October 13th) is Indigenous Peoples’ Day, so some folks may have an extra shortened week as they plan to arrive onsite by Thursday.

Who will be there?

We are in communication with many various organizations from across North America and around the world that do rites of passage work. As people register, we will share the names of the groups that are joining us here on the website!

Where does this take place?

Holiday Home Camp is a youth camp facility located near Lake Geneva, WI. Roughly 1 1/2 hours north of Chicago, the camp grounds sit on the north shore of the beautiful Lake Geneva. The facilities include a large cafeteria overlooking the lake, large and small group indoor meeting spaces, and plenty of outdoor spaces for sports, lakeside strolls, and fireside circles.

We have rented several cabins that each offer ten bunk beds and a washroom. Cabins will be separated by gender (men’s and women’s cabins) and we will work with all participants to ensure everyone feels comfortable with their sleeping arrangements - there are limited private bedroom options as well.

How do I get there?

Holiday Home Camp is located approximately 75 miles north of Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (following I-90 W). It is also located 50 miles southwest of Milwaukee’s Mitchell Int’l Airport (following I-43 S).

We will do our best to coordinate carpools among participants. Please reach out if you can offer a ride or will need a ride to or from the site.

How much does the Gathering cost?

The cost of this event is $650. The price includes three nights of lodging, three daily meals, and all event activities. We are offering an Early Bird discounted price of $550 for anyone that signs up before August 1st.

We do not want anyone excluded for financial reasons. If you know you belong with us at the Youth Rites of Passage Gathering and require financial assistance, please speak with us about scholarships, payment plans, and other possibilities.

What about meals?

All meals will be catered by the camp’s kitchen staff and eaten in the camp cafeteria. We will have dinner on Thursday evening, 3 meals for Friday and Saturday, and breakfast on Sunday. Meal times will offer opportunities for networking and getting to know fellow participants in an informal setting.

If you have any dietary restrictions or requirements please inform us when you register.

This is the Youth Rites of Passage Gathering. What if my organization does rites work with adults, elders, or other non-youth?

We acknowledge that Rites of Passage is a community event, and there are many phases of life. While we are primarily focusing on organizations that work with teens and young adults, we welcome ALL groups focused on rites work to join us. We need the wisdom of our elders and the support of the full community.

Is this event specific to any gender, religion, or political beliefs?

We are striving to create a container that is reflective of the world’s diversity. We acknowledge many different cultures around the world have their own ways of doing rites work, and we want to open our doors to as wide an audience as possible.