“ Show me your youth and I will show you the future of your nation”. - Georges Vanier
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4;<F? I@ #IHN?HNM TEEN JOURNEY – A Journey Like No Other! ......................................3 Why is Teen Journey necessary? .................................................................4 How Does Teen Journey Make A Difference? ..............................................8 The Teen Journey Story: .............................................................................11 Where We Are Heading: .............................................................................12 You Can Make A Difference… ....................................................................14 Come Join Our Journey..............................................................................15 Vision ..........................................................................................................16 Intention ......................................................................................................16 Mission .......................................................................................................16 Contact Us: .................................................................................................16
4??H *IOLH?S
â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A Journey Like No Other!
We assist teenagers in successfully crossing the bridge into adulthood. Teen Journey is a global community of dedicated, loving and conscious people who have come together with the intention of being of service to the future caretakers of our planet: our Youth. Teen Journey is a transformational, experiential program for young people in search of freedom, self-discovery, inspiration, truth, wisdom and personal-empowerment. With the aim of creating a paradigm shift on every level, the barometer of success at Teen Journey is the quality of relationships people have with themselves, each other and with the planet. Teen Journey has developed Rites of Passage for todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s young people that are relevant to our modern world. Teen Journey goes far beyond an ordinary teen camp experience. While incorporating many of the fun activities that we have long come to associate with camp, including the opportunity to create deep, long-lasting friendships, there is also the invitation for each individual to truly look into who they are and what it means to be a human being. The values we are holding shape the community that we are creating: a community of responsible, future leaders. We engage internationally renowned, inspirational speakers and teachers who facilitate gatherings and workshops with us. We maintain the community throughout the year by developing monthly events and circle shares as follow-ups with the teens. Mentors provide a balance of ongoing practical and personal support for the teens, and remain connected to the families and communities that surround them throughout the year.
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Why is
4??H *IOLH?S
necessary?
The truth is, there are a lot of challenges on our planet and it is reflected in our communities and in our youth. Some of our own observations and experiences are: •
The world is undergoing major shifts and the best way to prepare youth is to empower them to become selfinquiring individuals who can exercise integrity in each moment of choice.
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The level of consumerism and advertising has never been higher and there are far more means to become easily dissociated than deeply connected. Youth are often hinging their identity on superficialities and are driven to exploit themselves and one another for acceptance and contact.
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Suicide rates are rising due to the inability of young people to process pain or find a community that provides them with a sense of support and belonging.
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Youth are overwhelmed with information from media and society, but lack wise and empowered mentorship to help them understand, decipher and navigate the complexities of this information.
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There is a lack of trust between youth and adults in our society. Many of these rifts have been caused by adults who themselves have not had the guidance they needed.
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The exchange of wisdom from elder to youth has been lost. TV and computers act as an artificial community that serves to separate us from honouring the voice of the youth and connecting with the wisdom of the elders.
• •
Without guided rites of passage, young people are creating their own initiation processes that are dangerous and self-destructive such as gangs, drug abuse, unsafe and too early sexual activity.
At this pivotal point in their lives…young people wake up and look around to see the world in a whole new light. They find themselves caught between two opposing forces…the pull towards togetherness and belonging, and the push outwards for autonomy and freedom. This is the moment – between childhood and adulthood, when they must decide for themselves who they are and what course their lives will take.
"I am more in touch with who I am, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m able to open up to those around me." Liam, 18
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How Does
4??H *IOLH?S
Make A Difference?
Through a variety of safe, but profound exploratory tools…such as meditation and vision questing, sculpture and art exercises, sweat lodges and fire walking, teens face and move beyond their fears to discover their true nature. These new rites of passage are essential for them to step into the unknown with self-acceptance and a new trust in their own inner guidance. Accepting their own unique essence … experiencing interconnectedness with all living beings, inevitably leads a person inward to an understanding of their own soul’s purpose. With the realization of their unique gifts, each teen sees that they have much to contribute to their community and the world. Everything at Teen Journey begins with intention. Taking risks and stepping into the unknown allows us to move beyond our fears and trust the next step into our power and creativity. At Teen Journey we team with renowned local and international leaders, mentors, and facilitators. These highly qualified, dynamic people are committed to their own and to the teens’ unfolding. Chosen precisely because they “walk their talk,” they provide direction and nurture each teen as a whole individual. Teen Journey is also a global community that connects young people from around the world so that they can learn from each other through their differences, their commonalities and their dreams. Teen Journey doesn’t stop there…The summer program is followed by twelve months of youth circles that expand and deepen the understanding gained in the summer. Special events allow them to be mentored by world class leaders in many different areas, from arts to alternative sciences, to mythology and indigenous wisdom. Mentors provide ongoing support throughout the year, making themselves available to the teens as a calm, safe confidante in times of change and confusion.
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"I learned that I can stand strong and know that I have a place in the world." â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Emmalee, 17
Teen Journey
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“Teen journey is a journey into the wisdom of the heart to discover who we really are.”
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Inspired in 2009, the vision of Teen Journey came to Ela Rezmer in a remarkable and unexpected call from her heart to create a community where teens could fully explore and discover themselves, their talents and their value. The necessity of continuing TJ was reinforced by the shocking loss of one of her son’s closest friends: a brilliant student and talented young man who committed suicide at age 17. No one realized the depth of his confusion and isolation. More than ever, Ela was determined to continue creating a program to support young people from all walks of life.
Ela began gathering people who are passionately committed to themselves and their inner journey; people who also have the desire to share their gifts and wisdom with teens. These mentors help and guide young people through their own personal journey of self discovery. Without hesitation these leaders came to Teen Journey giving their time, their stories and their inspiration. The group of volunteers and mentors that answered this call includes elders from first nations around Vancouver as well as elders from Africa and Peru - people committed to bridging tribal wisdom with modern culture. Many people have contributed their time and energy to Teen Journey, including people like Malidoma Somé and Dr Vernon Woolfe – people who are passionate and renowned professionals in their respective fields. As an organization we already exist in the global village. We are re-connecting with the roots and traditions of the cultures around us as well as drawing on the wisdom of sages and scientists. Each of the passionate and committed volunteers and leaders of Teen Journey brings a lifetime of self-exploration and mentorship to our community and its events.
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Where We Are Heading: • In the coming year we will create events for the participants of Teen Journey as part of the annual community program. Events in the past have ranged from discussions with senior artists that have stepped through their own creative fires, to more formal workshops from world-class speakers and teachers like Dr. Vernon Woolfe. • Our on-going plan includes facilitating one or more international gatherings for the young people of Teen Journey. Locations that have been offered include a Tibetan colony in India, a village in Kenya, and a space with the ancient cultures of Peru, among many others. • And we also work with self-motivated teen participants on a local level to create artistic and cultural “events” – created by teens, for teens. And, as always, Teen Journey will… • Continue to empower young people to become self-inquiring individuals who can exercise integrity in each moment of choice. • Provide mentorship for those teens who want to work towards a vision of their future professional lives, supporting each to live up to their endless potential. •Re-connect young people with the elders of their own cultures, as well as the “When we are no longer able to elders of the cultures around them.
change a situation,we are challenged to change ourselves.” - Victor Frankl
•And prevent the sense of separation and confusion that can lead to selfdestructive behaviour by creating a community where they can belong and have a voice.
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Every mentor, leader and volunteer has come together around a common cause: to be of service to youth. The underlying purpose and vision of Teen Journey constantly attracts new and remarkable people. We would like you to be one of them.
All TJ mentors and facilitators  are highly qualified, dynamic people who are committed to their own and to the teens' unfolding. Chosen precisely because they "walk their talk", they provide direction and nurture each teen as a whole individual.
"My mentor was fantastic - could not have possibly been better. All staff were helpful and inspiring. Thank you so much!" - Sara 17
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Our youth’s journey.
In the interest of inspiring and empowering teens to be the remarkable, creative adults the next generation needs, we are seeking individuals and organizations who would like to support our vision. There are a number of ways that you can contribute. Here are some suggestions: • • • • • • • •
Sponsor a teen from a low income or single parent family Support a talented teen Sponsor a teen at risk Sponsor the visit of an international teacher or mentor Donate food and supplies for an event Set up a bursary in your name A donation of your choice Global Connection Programs
If you have any questions and would like to talk to us more about becoming a benefactor to help support the continuing evolution of Teen Journey, please feel free to contact us:
4??H *IOLH?S SOCIETY Phone: 604.261.4155 Email:teenjourney@hotmail.com Website: teenjourney.org Join us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TeenJourney
“Vision” To take a journey to the wisdom of the heart so we can discover our gifts and share them with the world.
“Intention” To empower and inspire youth through self realization and connection with the global village.
“Mission” To provide both practical and personal mentorship to the youth involved in Teen Journey. To grow relationships that can bridge the generation gap – between youth, parents and grandparents. To rebuild a relationship of trust between youth and adults, and create a safe space where young people can create their own history. To connect the youth of Teen Journey to an international community, and give them an opportunity to experience new cultures and perspectives.
Contact Us: Phone: 604.261.4155 Email:teenjourney@hotmail.com Website: teenjourney.org Join us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TeenJourney