From August 1st – August 15th, 2026, a group of high school girls, and the facilitators, Maya and Tess, are setting out on a diverse and multi-layered adventure along Vancouver Island, the westernmost flank of British Columbia, Canada. After arriving at the remote Vancouver Island, we will take a float plane to Nootka Island on the western coast of Vancouver Island which is only accessible by boat or plane. The group will hike the length of its Pacific shore and through the headlands of a pristine maritime environment. Participants will sync with the rhythms of this land as we track the tides, listen to the orchestra of the wildlife, and move together as one habitat, slowly becoming more in tune and comfortable with one another and the land we are meeting. Along breathtaking views, the coastal trek walks alongside the beaches and rocky shores as the trail weaves in and out of the headlands.

Personal growth on this Rite of Passage trip is headlined by a 48-hour solo in this gorgeous place. Group and individual facilitation will provide space for participants to process topics such as relationships, values, needs, adolescence, and past choices. Opportunities will be created for participants to discover their confidence in expressing themself while taking accountability for actions and decisions, identifying inspirations, practicing regulation tools, and embracing the female identity in today’s complex society.

At the south end of this island, we will take our second float plane of the trip, which delivers us to a remote hot springs. These thermal healing baths offer views of the sound, rest, spaciousness, and blissful soaking. During our two nights here, we will literally and figuratively allow the teachings of the solo to soak into us. Our last journey of this trip takes us by boat to Tofino as the group starts to create conversation around what it will look like returning to our lives, as we are now not the same human who started on this trip. We take time to reflect on the past 14 days and give thanks to the land that has housed us so graciously.

There is a reason why women gather in circle together. To be witnessed by others, to be reflected back in great strengths and joys, and to choose to be courageous through vulnerability is the heart of this rich and complex trip. We are not here to and cannot make this journey of life alone… we are here to learn how to be among each other.