Wilderness Guides Council

Nature Immersion Mini-Retreat
2025-06-26 12:30 - 17:30 (America/Boise) | Gwynedd
Adventure Day option for attendees of the 10th Sun Valley Forum
Thursday, June 26, 12:45pm – 5:30pm
4-hour (1/2 day) nature retreat for Forum attendees to take real time out in the Idaho wilderness to experience and explore what it might mean for humans to be “all in” with nature. Program comprises an opening circle, solo nature walk, story council, water ceremony, and a closing with the declaration of planetary interdependence.
We will gather and open the ceremonial space. Each participant will take a solo walk on the land and return to share about their experience. Together we will reflect on the interconnectedness of the living mother earth and how one might deepen to integrate one’s professional work in sustainability with the personal path and life style practices.

Wilderness Quest for Young Adults (18-24)
2025-07-14 06:00 - 2025-07-20 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Marble Mountains, Northern California, CA, United States
This Wilderness Rites of Passage trip is for 18-24 year olds who are ready to mark their transition into adulthood. This is an 7-Day, 6-Night Backpacking trip into the Marble Mountain Wilderness of Northern California that includes 2-Days/2-Nights of Solo time and Fasting. This will be a powerful Rite of Passage journey where they will get to truly be initiated into this next phase of their lives with intention and ceremony.
Who am I? What am I leaving behind from my childhood? Who do I want to become? What are my gifts? What is my calling? Why am I here? This is their moment to sit with those deeper questions, to sit with themselves, to claim who they are, and to call in what they want in their lives and what they want to share with the world.
*Guided Passages operates under special use permit with the Klamath National Forest and is an equal opportunity provider.
Trip Dates: July 14th-20th, 2025
Welcome Home Ceremony with Participants and Parents: Monday, July 21st
Tuition: $1,195

Summer Vision Quest Eryri National Park, North Wales, UK
2025-07-20 16:00 - 2025-07-31 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Ancient Healing Ways, Llidiart Garw, Elisingrug, Talsarnau, Gwynedd, LL47 6UU, United Kingdom
The Vision Quest is an ancient ceremony to mark and move on from one life transition to another. The ancients knew that by crossing these thresholds in wild places we face our fears, see our life pass through and gather our medicine in order to move into the next phase of life.
“Nature mirrors all that we are; it shows us the many faces of dark and light”
Our base is a lovingly restored Barn using natural materials and although ancient, the barn has a modern feel of space and beauty. It nestles in the Nanmor valley, surrounded by ancient woodland, with views of Moel Ddu. It’s a safe and restful retreat base to be immersed in nature while preparing for your Vision Quest. Included – is a well-equipped kitchen/dinning and a camp kitchen. Several bedrooms to share, Plus land for camping.
Underfloor heating. Two bathrooms.
We move out to a base camp in the mountains for your solo time on the forth day, then return to this lovely place for the final two days.
The group will live as a small community, therefore you are asked to be responsible for yourselves. You provide your own food and cook for yourselves. (Closer to the start date we send the address list for you to plan meals together, or alone.) The timing is GMT UK)

Autumn Vision Quest Eryri National Park, North Wales. UK
2025-09-07 16:00 - 2025-09-18 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Ancient Healing Ways, Llidiart Garw, Elisingrug, Talsarnau, Gwynedd, LL47 6UU, United Kingdom

Co-Ed Wilderness Vigil in the Sacred Valley of Peru
2026-03-15 - 2026-03-21 | KDOL Saltspring Island, Mount Tuam Rd., Saltspring Island, British Columbia, Canada
This Wilderness Vigil is a structured program combining ancient rite-of-passage traditions with modern wilderness therapy practices. Participants undergo a three-phase journey (Severance, Threshold, Incorporation) including 3 days/nights of solo wilderness experience supported by comprehensive safety protocols and professional facilitation.
This program honors both indigenous Andean traditions and pan-cultural vision quest practices, conducted in partnership with local Q’ero communities and in accordance with Wilderness Guides Council ethical standards.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
Participants will:
Develop self-reliance through extended solo wilderness experience
Practice mindfulness and presence through structured solitude and nature immersion
Navigate life transitions using wilderness as mirror and teacher
Build resilience through voluntary discomfort and weather exposure
Cultivate inner clarity through removal of external distractions
Connect with nature as a source of guidance and reflection
Integrate experiences through structured storytelling and witnessing
Therapeutic Goals:
Process life transitions and threshold moments
Clarify personal values and life purpose
Release outdated patterns and beliefs
Strengthen connection to inner wisdom
Develop practices for ongoing self-reflection
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Phase 1: SEVERANCE (Days 1-2)
Objective: Prepare participants physically, mentally, and spiritually for solo experience
Activities:
Opening council and intention setting
Land orientation and site selection
Safety briefings and emergency protocols
Phase 2: THRESHOLD (Days 3-5)
Objective: Facilitate transformative solo wilderness experience
Format: 3 days/3 nights solo fasting vigil (water only, food modifications available)
Phase 3: INCORPORATION (Days 6-7)
Objective: Integrate solo experience and bridge to daily life
Activities:
Threshold return ceremony
RISK MANAGEMENT & SAFETY PROTOCOLS
Environmental Hazards & Mitigation
Altitude (12,000 ft):
2-day acclimatization before solo
Participant screening for altitude sensitivity
Evacuation plan for altitude sickness
Pulse oximeter monitoring available
Weather (Rainy Season):
Comprehensive weather briefings
Quality shelter requirements (10×10 silnylon tarps minimum)
Wool/synthetic clothing requirements
Lightning safety protocols
Flash flood avoidance site selection
Wildlife:
Participant education on local fauna
Food storage protocols (though fasting)
Scorpion/spider prevention practices
Medical & Emergency Protocols
Pre-Quest Screening:
Comprehensive medical history form
Mental health assessment
Prescription medication management
Dietary restriction accommodations
On-Site Safety:
Satellite communication device (Zoleo)
First aid station at base camp
Evacuation insurance required
Local medical contact established (Clinica Cusco)
Emergency evacuation plan (30-minute to road access)
Participant Safety Gear:
List provided upon registration
Psychological Safety
Screening Process:
Application and interview required
Mental health history reviewed
Previous wilderness experience assessed
Support system evaluation
Support Protocols:
Daily welfare checks
Option to return to base camp anytime
Post-quest integration support (30 days)
Professional referral network available
CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS
Indigenous Partnership
Program conducted with permission from local Q’ero communities
Land use fees paid to Comunidad Campesina de Maras
Local guides hired as cultural liaisons
Traditional offerings ceremony included (despacho)
Cultural protocols and taboos respected
Ethical Framework
Acknowledgment of traditional vision quest origins
Respect for Andean cosmology and practices
No appropriation of specific indigenous ceremonies
Clear distinction between inspired-by vs. traditional practices
Economic benefit to local communities prioritized
POST-PROGRAM SUPPORT
Integration Offerings
30-day email support included
Group video call at 2 weeks
1:1 integration session available
Resource list for continued practice
Referral network for ongoing support
PROGRAM PRICING
Standard Tuition: $2,199 USD
Includes all programming, meals, local transport, and 30-day integration support
Does not include: flights, personal gear, evacuation insurance, gratuities
Early Registration: $1,799 USD (before Jan, 2026)
Need-Based Scholarships: 2 spots per program at 50% reduction
Payment plans available

Summer Vision Quest Eryri National Park, North Wales. UK
2026-07-19 16:00 - 2026-07-30 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Ancient Healing Ways, Llidiart Garw, Elisingrug, Talsarnau, Gwynedd, LL47 6UU, United Kingdom
The Vision Quest is an ancient ceremony to mark and move on from one life transition to another. This Vision Quest will take place in the mountains of Snowdonia, in North Wales.
The Venue
Our base is a lovingly restored Barn using natural materials and although ancient, the barn has a modern feel of space and beauty. It nestles in the Nanmor valley, surrounded by ancient woodland, with views of Moel Ddu. It’s a safe and restful retreat base to be immersed in nature while preparing for your Vision Quest
Included – is a well-equipped kitchen/dinning and a camp kitchen
Several bedrooms to share, Plus land for camping.
We move out to a base camp in the mountains for your solo time on the forth day, then return to this lovely place for the final two days.
The group will live as a small community, therefore you are asked to be responsible for yourselves. You provide your own food and cook for yourselves. (Closer to the start date we send the address list for you to plan meals together, or alone.)
There is a very good local shop in the village a couple of miles away
Porthmadog is the closest small town with a wider range of shops include a good health food store, camping shops and a large supermarket with some organic food.
Cost – Sliding scale between – meaning a couple of scholarship places at the lesser fee – £1150 to £895 (non refundable & non-transferrable deposit of £250, unless the vision quest is cancelled) This includes all accommodation and camping (in your own tent) and the welcome meal.

Autumn Vision Quest Eryri National Park, North Wales. UK
2026-09-06 16:00 - 2026-09-17 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Ancient Healing Ways, Llidiart Garw, Elisingrug, Talsarnau, Gwynedd, LL47 6UU, United Kingdom
The Vision Quest is an ancient ceremony to mark and move on from one life transition to another. This Vision Quest will take place in the mountains of Snowdonia, in North Wales.
​Our Venue
Our base is a lovingly restored Barn using natural materials and although ancient, the barn has a modern feel of space and beauty. It nestles in the Nanmor valley, surrounded by ancient woodland, with views of Moel Ddu. It’s a safe and restful retreat base to be immersed in nature while preparing for your Vision Quest
Included – is a well-equipped kitchen/dinning and a camp kitchen
Several bedrooms to share, Plus land for camping.
We move out to a base camp in the mountains for your solo time on the forth day, then return to this lovely place for the final two days.
The group will live as a small community, therefore you are asked to be responsible for yourselves. You provide your own food and cook for yourselves. (Closer to the start date we send the address list for you to plan meals together, or alone.)
There is a very good local shop in the village a couple of miles away.
Porthmadog is the closest small town with a wider range of shops include a good health food store, camping shops and a large supermarket with some organic food.
Cost – Sliding scale between – meaning a couple of scholarship places at the lesser fee – £1150 to £895 (non refundable & non-transferrable deposit of £250, unless the vision quest is cancelled) This includes all accommodation and camping (in your own tent) and the welcome meal.
