Rites of Passage

Hattah’s new Rites of Passage program reflects philosophies from traditional communities, where rituals and ceremonies acknowledge, support, and celebrate young people as they transition healthily into adulthood. These events are designed to mentor students through transformative experiences, helping them grow as individuals.

In 2024, the Hattah experience evolved. While the program's core principles remained the same, students were faced with increased physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. This year, Elders—former participants who had experienced their own transformative Hattah journey—were invited to return and offer their wisdom, guiding the new generation as they undertook their own Hattah adventure. A family gathering with meaningful conversation and a focus on growth and resilience to celebrate the sending-off and the anticipated return, aligning with the profound principles of the Rites of Passage.

The Hattah journey, rooted in these philosophies, aims to equip students with resilience, self-awareness, and a stronger connection to their community—qualities that the program has long been known for. 

Student Reflection, Isabelle

Hattah was a significant rite of passage for me. The experience really tested my ability to work with people I wasn’t well acquainted with. I had to find middle ground during disagreements and learn how to manage the different dynamics in the group. It wasn’t always easy, but by the end of the week, I could see how much I had grown since the first day. Looking back, I started thinking about what I would do differently if I had the chance to do Hattah again and what I would cherish more.

The whole experience, from the thoughtful sending-off process with my parents to the friendships I formed with my peers, felt like a transition from being guided to becoming more independent. Hattah marked a moment where I became more self-reliant and conscious of the bigger picture in life. It was a challenge, but it showed me the shift from having things done for me to taking responsibility for myself. One of the biggest lessons I learned was the importance of spending time alone in nature, even just ten minutes, to bring a sense of peace and clarity that’s hard to find in everyday life. Completing the hike felt like a huge accomplishment and left me with a lasting feeling of pride.

Student Reflection, Allegra

For me, Hattah was a life-changing experience that pushed me far out of my comfort zone, showing me how strong and resilient I can be. The night I spent alone was incredibly transformative. I was so scared at first, but when I woke up the next morning and realised I’d made it through the night, it hit me how independent I could be. This sense of independence didn’t just apply to the physical challenges – it taught me a lot about myself and how I handle tough situations.

There were small rituals, like tying my bandanna each morning, that became meaningful to me, and the compliment circle on the last night was something I’ll never forget. It made me reflect on who I am and how I want to move forward in life. The hike was hard, especially with the knee pain I experienced, but my group’s support made all the difference. I realized how important it is to rely on others when you need help, and that’s something I’ll carry with me.

Hattah gave me the confidence to take on challenges, both in nature and in life. It made me realize how much I want to explore the world around me and showed me that I’m tougher than I thought. Moving forward, I’ll trust myself more and embrace the opportunities that come my way, even if they take me out of my comfort zone.