Stepping Stones Project

The Stepping Stones Project’s mission is to guide and support youth through long term mentoring and contemporary rites of passage.

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

The Stepping Stones Project Coming of Age Program is a 2-3 year mentoring program for 6th – 9th grade youth. The SSP ‘village’ provides a much needed support system through the important and challenging transition from childhood into adolescence. Our program offers a unique long term approach that addresses key developmental tasks as youth cross this threshold. By creating meaningful contemporary rites of passage, youth and their families have a powerful space to engage authentically with each other and the greater earth community.

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 in 2002, SSP has served almost 900 families throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

Information