The Expedition as a Rite of Passage
Initiation in Aboriginal society was a process that took place in stages from puberty to young adulthood. Usually the focuses was on making boys into men, perhaps because girls naturally go through the physical and emotional transformations of menstruation and childbirth whereas boys have no similar experience.
Other societies have similar initiations. The Masai . Read the first chapter of Kim Stanley Robinson’s “Shaman”.
I worked at Wakatipu High School in Queenstown New Zealand for two years. Each November the 100 Year 9 pupils go to spend 5 weeks in a wilderness camp accessible only by a three hour and 10 mile walk in with heavy packs. Teachers come and go (by helicopter), and food and supplies are dropped in. Timetabled lessons run, but there is a heavy emphasis on adventure activities. It is covered by local press and radio and is a huge event in the lives of the children involved.
Similarities between the Aboriginal process and a modern outdoor expedition are also interesting to consider. Could this be a reason why these programmes are so popular amongst adolescent children. This is Eric Maddern’s model from a study he made in 1990.
- Symbolic Journey.
Initiation is a journey from childhood to adulthood which takes place on both real and symbolic levels; departure from home, problems met during the journey and the return of the successful voyager.
- The Challenge.
that includes support and guidance from older people, often role models, as the key factor.
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With new adult knowledge comes responsibility. |
a celebration on return involving all the community (receiving an award even), many of whom may have been sad at the original departure. |
To what degree is it relevant today?
It can be argued that the raw elements in historical initiations have been replaced today by tower blocks, sports stadiums, shopping malls and rock concerts. The expedition usually marks a return to the earth and the basics; living without many modern conveniences.
Growth takes place as a result of having the courage to tackle awkward problems, the confidence to rise to a challenge. Opportunities presented during expeditions help us to learn to turn fear into excitement, pain into courage, confusion into vision and greed into self-discipline. Challenging situations as provided in outdoor adventurous activities provide this.