Programs

I. The WomanQuest Introductory Quest

DATE: June 1-5, 2011

COST: $550 ($50 discount for registration before March 15, 2011)

LOCATION: Roses Creek Wilderness, near Little Switzerland, NC

DEPOSIT: A non-refundable $100 deposit holds your place.

CEUs: 20 credits through Appalachian State University for social workers & therapists

REGISTRATION: For more information or to register, please contact Pam Noble by email: info@womanquest.net, by phone: 828-264-6255.

Women from the US and Canada - coast to coast - and from diverse backgrounds and spiritual traditions have come to Nature through WomanQuest to seek clarity in navigating life transitions, opening to new possibilities, healing wounds and relationships, and discovering gifts and life purpose.

A vision quest is an initiation. The word initiation comes from the Latin word, initium, meaning a going in or entrance, and a new beginning.  In the initiatory process ceremonies are performed to mark a rite of passage or transition to this new beginning. 

During our five day, four night introductory quest, participants experience the three phases of the traditional vision quest – severance, threshold and incorporation.  Each woman is led on her own journey of separation from a former way of being in the world – a symbolic death -- and into a vision for the new.

Sitting in safe Council around a fire, participants are guided in their preparation for a 24-hour solo quest on the land, learning practical wilderness skills as well as quest traditions and ceremonies.  Upon return from their solo time, again they sit in Council where they are witnessed into greater being through the mirroring of their stories.   Story sharing and reflection in Council confirms the significance of each woman’s transformation, making it possible for her to incorporate this new beginning into her life.

Before returning to her family and community, each woman is encouraged to generate a plan for incorporating her new vision, especially in terms of seeking support and taking next steps. Often, because of the deep bonding that takes place in WomanQuest, participants will form a circle of support following the quest.

Women build a closer relationship with nature as they camp on the land in tents or in an open, rustic structure.  All activity is gentle and appropriate for women of different ability levels.  No camping or outdoor experience is required.  Meals are simple vegetarian fare and are served from the outdoor kitchen operated by Base Camp support. 

II. The Four Shields:

Navigating the Stages of Life’s Transitions

DATE: September 30-October 3, 2010

COST: $350 for the 3 day experience, with a $50 discount for registration by August 15, 2010. A non-refundable deposit of $100 will hold your space.

LOCATION: Roses Creek Wilderness, near Little Switzerland, NC

CEU’s: 12 CEU credits will be available for social workers and therapists through Appalachian State University.

REGISTRATION: For more information or to register, please contact Pam Noble by email: info@womanquest.net
or by phone: 828-264-6255.

The Four Shields, corresponding to the four directions and the four seasons of each year, mirror the growth cycles of all of life, and particularly human nature. The journey begins in the south, in the season of summer, the place of the child and the body, innocence and abundance. As summer turns to fall, the child enters adolescence in the west -- the development of psyche and introspection, the place of rites of passage into adulthood. During winter, the north phase of taking on the responsibilities of family and community, life is reflected in the giveaway and the gifts of elderhood. As winter turns to spring, the east shield becomes the place of new birth, enlightenment, and the final rite of passage, or death.

Participants will be given tasks for nature walks in the Roses Creek area, then sit in Council and small groups to share their stories and have them mirrored.

All activity is gentle and appropriate for women of varying experience. No prior camping experience is necessary. All food will be simple vegetarian fare.

III. Additional Offerings

Medicine Walks

A Medicine Walk is a wander in Nature with a specific task or inquiry, supported by a circle of seeking women. Through immersion in Nature and mirrored reflection of experiences, women find new insights into their life’s vision and purpose.

LED BY: Pam Noble and Teri Wiggans

WHEN: Wednesday, July 28, 2010, 10-4:00pm
           Wednesday, August 18, 2010, 10-4:00pm

WHERE: Heavenly Mountain, Boone, NC

COST: $40

To register: Email Pam Noble: info@womanquest.net or call: 828-264-6255.

Healing Through Nature : Embracing the Wisdon of the Four Directions

Medicine walks in nature will spiral us deeper into the wisdom of the four directions. Nature will mirror our abundance, empowerment, integration, and connectedness as we intentionally set foot and soul on this healing journey towards wholeness.

Guides: Karen Hamilton, Pam Noble and Teri Wiggans

WHEN: April 8-10, 2011

WHERE: In the Blue Ridge Mountains, TBA

COST: $350 (A $25discount for registration before February 15, 2011)

REGISTRATION: A $100 deposit (nonrefundable) will hold your space. Make checks out to: Pam Noble and Mail to: 238 Margaret Ridge Rd., Boone, NC 28607

Many thanks to Lorayn DeLuca for her creative photographic contributions to the WomanQuest web site.

To view her credits, click here