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Mission
The Stepping Stones Project's mission is to guide and support youth through long term mentoring and contemporary rites of passage. Vision The Stepping Stones Project's vision is to support generations of authentic, integrated human beings committed to healthy, heartfelt relationships with self, friends, family, community and nature. |
OUR GOALS & COMMITMENTS
- Helping youth develop a strong sense of self and solid internal compass
- Deepening our connection to nature
- Promoting authentic relationships
- Incorporating a Village-Model that includes youth, family and community
- Addressing key developmental tasks of childhood and adolescence through curriculum and practice
- Creating an intergenerational village of resources and support
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“This is the phase of life in which most contemporary people get stuck – |
How does SSP hold 'Coming of Age'?
Our unique program offers long term mentoring, contemporary rites of passage, nature connection & family support.
In the 21st century Bay Area, Stepping Stones offers today’s youth a contemporary coming of age experience, starting in pre-adolescence and culminating during the teen years/9th Grade. Conscious mentoring calls in the need to develop and recognize this true self rather than just letting it happen. The long-term nature of the group helps to develop confidence, self-esteem, and the capacity to engage in meaningful relationships with peers, family, community, and nature.
Stepping Stones is committed to guarding a space for youth to play freely, make mistakes, and develop a true sense of 'self', friendship, and spirituality. SSP prepares youth to make healthy choices and have positive experiences in high school, and lays the foundation for them to ultimately cross the threshold of initiation into adulthood.
The program offers an opportunity for youth to explore themselves within the contexts of spirit, psyche, culture, biology and nature. The curriculum provides the four elements traditional cultures saw as key to preparing for adolescence:
Under the guidance of two Stepping Stones Leaders, a group of 8 youth meet regularly through their middle school years and often into high school. Our groups are historically same grade, same gender, similar geography/location, and are offered independent of schools in evening hours. (Read Program Details)
Stepping Stones is committed to guarding a space for youth to play freely, make mistakes, and develop a true sense of 'self', friendship, and spirituality. SSP prepares youth to make healthy choices and have positive experiences in high school, and lays the foundation for them to ultimately cross the threshold of initiation into adulthood.
The program offers an opportunity for youth to explore themselves within the contexts of spirit, psyche, culture, biology and nature. The curriculum provides the four elements traditional cultures saw as key to preparing for adolescence:
- mentoring by a non-parent
- positive sense of authentic self within a group
- grounded relationship with nature
- personal code of honor
Under the guidance of two Stepping Stones Leaders, a group of 8 youth meet regularly through their middle school years and often into high school. Our groups are historically same grade, same gender, similar geography/location, and are offered independent of schools in evening hours. (Read Program Details)
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“During youth a blossoming and budding forth tries to happen from inside out as each young person encounters what is seeded in them and gifted in their soul.” |
HISTORY
The Stepping Stones Project began in 1999 when a number of independent rites of passage leaders connected through their work with Spirit Rock Meditation Center’s teen program. Inspired by the interest and demand from youth and their families, project founders developed a multi-year program and curriculum, launching the Stepping Stones Project as a 501(c)3 non‐profit in 2002. Since its inception as a non-profit organization, SSP has served over 700 families throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
Check out Program Details for video highlights and info on group structure, meeting content/calendar and what we do when we meet. Visit the Youth Portal for language and pictures to share with your child and Testimonials to hear youth, parents and the community voices. All our videos can be seen under Resources.