An invitation to participate in the
4th International Gathering of Wilderness Guides

April 14th - 20th, 2009

Dear Colleagues,

We warmly invite you to join us at the 4th International Gathering of Wilderness Guides. This unique event will be held in the rugged sky island of the Chiricahua Mountains in southeastern Arizona. By bringing together Rites of Passage guides from around the globe in such a spectacular place, we believe that this Gathering of guides and wilderness professionals will foster community and deepened commitment regarding wilderness landscapes, and our work within them.

Theme
The theme for the Gathering is Re-Membering. There is much that is expressed through this particular spelling:

• to re-member ourselves as part of the natural communities that surround us
• to remember our ancient roots as Rites of Passage guides
• to remember our individual role as a Rites of Passage guide
• to re-member ourselves as part of a community that honors the cycles of life

In this Re-Membering, we will be stepping across a threshold from familiar wilderness guiding notions, ideas, and techniques - to a place where we all will be exposed to new and expanded stories and practices through interaction with peers and professionals from many different cultural backgrounds and their unique ways of working with Rites of Passage:

• in Africa: work with ex-combatants, people affected by Aids; work with at-risk youth
• in Australia: bringing Rites of Passage into the business world
• in Europe: incorporating Rites of Passage into psychiatry; conducting Rites of Passage work through governmental agencies
• in North America: conducting Rites of Passage programs in private schools; and 4H Clubs

Pre- and Post- Gathering Workshops
We will be offering pre and post gathering events and workshops that will cover exploring wilderness areas, encountering different cultures, and experiencing different ways of working in the field.

Agenda
The agenda is designed to provide opportunities for deep discussion between individuals, in small groups, and as a whole community, inspired by what it means to be involved in the incredible, humbling work of guiding individuals and groups in wilderness settings and beyond. You can find a tentive agenda here.

A Gathering for All the Family
We encourage families with children to attend. There will be some organized activities for children and youth. For the very young ones, we are, with the help of participating mothers, organizing a baby sitting schedule and will provide a suitable place where this can happen. There will be suggestions of activities and events for partners of wilderness guides (who are not involved in the work directly).

Wilderness Guides Council
The Wilderness Guides Council will hold their 2009 Gathering immediately before the 4th International Gathering.  This abbreviated 24 hour event will allow the WGC to take care of internal business before moving into their role as one of the co-sponsors of the 4th International Gathering.

Global Rites of Passage, the producer of this Gathering, is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization. We appreciate donations that support the various purposes.