Imagine a world where every child grows up knowing exactly who they are, where they come from and the unique gifts they bring to the world. This isn’t just a dream—it can be a reality, thanks to an empowering stream of Rite of Passage ceremony from the Sweet Medicine SunDance (SMSD) tradition, that nurture our development throughout life.
In this article, we will look a two of these ceremonies for younger children that can transform their lives and plant seeds of identity and confidence that will grow for years to come.
A Journey to Self-Discovery
Between the ages of 6 and 12, children are on a magical quest. They’re stepping out of the cozy confines of their family homes and beginning to explore the larger world. We can think of it as a treasure hunt—one where they gather stories about who they are and where they come from, all while discovering their special place in the world. Two particular ceremonies support this quest. The “Born To” Ceremony offers children the stories and traditions of their mother’s lineage. The “Born For” Ceremony takes children on an adventure through their father’s lineage.
These ceremonies celebrate the unique contributions each child can make to their family legacy. As children honour their heritage, they gain the confidence to step into the world, ready to share their gifts and talents.
Why These Ceremonies Matter: Embracing Identity and Heritage
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s all too easy for children to feel disconnected or lost in the shuffle. These rites of passage offer a chance for children to see themselves as integral parts of a rich family history and future. By recognising their roots, they’re empowered with a strong sense of identity and belonging.
Mariagrazia leads the Children’s Lodge at Earth Lodge in Italy where ceremonies such as these have been offered for 30 years. She told us, “The children get to experience and understand who they really are, not only how people see them, but who they really are. They can meet themselves inside, they start to have an inner dialogue and really understand how they work. This allows them to choose how they approach a situation. They learn, even though they’re very young, they learn that they always have a choice.”
An Invitation to Discover Earth Lodge Australia
If you’re a parent eager to support your children in exploring transformative experiences such as these, you are warmly invited to join us at the very first Australian Earth Lodge family camping retreat.
From September 24th to 28th, we will gather on a beautiful property bordering the Conondale National Park, on the Sunshine Coast. While the children are in Kids Lodge, discovering who they are and their connection with the natural world around them, parents will embark on their own evolutionary journey in Adults Lodge. Together, we will learn, grow and strengthen our connection to ourselves, each other and the Earth. This is a unique opportunity to explore powerful rites of passage in a beautiful setting surrounded by like-minded individuals.
The “Born To” and “Born For” rite of passage ceremonies described above are usually done within the family home when many family members can be present. At Earth Lodge this year we will offer another way for the children to explore their place within their family and what they are bringing from their family lineage into their own evolving identity.
Exploring Home & Connection
Exploring the theme of the “Born To” ceremony, the children will be invited to create a model village, with their own home at the heart of it. This village will be filled with tales of the love, and the care of the women of their family. By understanding these stories, children gain a profound sense of belonging and connection, knowing they are cherished and supported by the heart of their mother’s line.
Adventuring out Into the World
They will also have the opportunity to explore the theme of the “Born For” ceremony by crafting “staffs of power,” symbolic tools that represent the skills, triumphs, and wisdom handed down through generations. Through this exploration, children find their place in the family, recognising the strengths that empower them to explore the world their way.
A World of Growth and Transformation Awaits
The “Born To” and “Born For” rite of passage ceremonies are just two examples of how the Sweet Medicine SunDance tradition honours and celebrates identity from an early age. These rites of passage can have a profound impact on children, helping them discover their place in the world and empowering them with a strong sense of self.
Join us at Earth Lodge Australia for an unforgettable experience that will nurture your child’s growth and development, while also strengthening your family’s bond. Reach out to our Earth Lodge team, and discover a world of growth, healing, and transformation waiting for you and your loved ones. Let’s begin this wonderful adventure together.
