The Quest

A small group of adults, isolated in a remote mountain location, begins to breathe deeply as each prepares for the journey within. Here the inner critic is silenced and fears met head on, each is facing a personal quest.

Shadow’s dance and fire reflects on somber faces, wood crackles, and eyes follow a smoke trail spiraling upward lost to the blackness. Tension builds as each member of the group prepares to leave the security of camp. They will slip quietly, one by one, alone into the darkness.

Night sounds recede as each concentrates on slowing the heartbeat and breath, locating a deep inner rhythm. They depart with only the clothes on their back, water, a knife and the knowledge and skills learned in preparation for this rite of passage.

Prior challenges have not been easy. Long days and even longer nights have left students struggling near exhaustion, spent physically and mentally.

Through perseverance, they have built the trail, now they must follow it and find the passageway to the innermost place of power held deep inside.

Moving silently beyond where firelight gives way to blackest night the physical self-blends and distorts in shadow. Each merges with the outward landscape, stealthily, a mere sigh of wind, disturbing nothing, displacing neither leaf nor twig.

There is no need for urgency there is no sense of time. Separately each will wander day and night, satisfying only basic physical needs, while processing life’s interruptions, moment by moment. This process guides and connects each individual weaving the thread of the soul through the surroundings binding and embracing the world.

Just as the sun rises and illuminates the dawn, these brave explorers, through their own personal power will overcome the cloak of darkness and illuminate the spirit of fear. They will touch the sacred self.

The quest defines our strength and purpose. We may ignore the call at times, until it howls in frustration, or whispers in the quiet of our dreams, but it will come, unbidden when our need is greater than our fear. It is the place where magic lies, where fire burns in the soul, and tempers and strengthens our will.

The quest is where we will risk failure, for the sake of our desires and dreams, and learn to stand apart. Though we must accept detours and failures along our journey, we do not fear this teacher; but rather embrace its power and transforming process.

 

READ Registration Policies before purchasing camp.

Take advantage of the 5% discount by registering 90 days in advance for 2012!  (Registration now available by installment plan, please contact us.)

The Quest – exclusively for prior EDGE students

The Quest 2012 Dates – California
July 08 – 15

Register by check.

More ♦ Camp Info

  • Eligible Students: graduates of THE EDGE
  • Requirements: medical practitioner’s release
  • Duration: 8days 7 nights
  • Schedule: begins on a Sunday 4:00 pm – ends on a Sunday at 12:00 pm (noon)
  • Location: 4 hours north of San Francisco Bay area, in the northern California mountains at over 6000 feet
  • Accommodations: primitive outdoor camping
  • Meals: included
  • Equipment: a registration packet will be supplied after enrollment; tent and sleeping pad rentals are available for $45
  • Transport: Shuttle service from Medford, Oregon airport $80; Dunsmuir, CA train station $55; and, Weed, CA Greyhound bus station free.
  • Instructors and Staff: Mark Wienert Jr. owner – founder and head instructor;  Steve Tripp assistant instructor and Lifesong volunteer staff.