Ashley Rose,  

I want to live passionately. To dance, debate, dream, adventure, sing, read, connect with people, and blow my own mind with how much life I can take in. Whenever I do these things it takes me closer to who I am, what I want and deserve outside of what anyone else wants or has told me to do or be.

Many people travel as soon when they get out of high school. I did. The type of travel we have going on at Teen Journey is like going around the world in 80 days inside yourself without moving a step- complete with all sorts of exotic tastes, smells and experiences. I cant think of a better way to live than jumping into yourself with both feet and to do it with a group of teens is even better! I'm so excited at what's to come.....

Zamir Dhanji,

I'm an interdisciplinary performer devoted to bringing peace through the arts and culture. I perform as a musician, fire dancer, and storyteller, all things that I will share at the Teen Journey camp. My bio is a spoken word piece I wrote for those little "about me" boxes that you have to fill in when you sign up for an account on a website. It represents me, how I see the world, and how I want to myself with it. For me, Teen Journey's is about doing just that, to find your passions and learn how to express yourself through them. One of my passions is writing, so here you go:

With the comprehension of my weakness and vulnerability comes increasing wisdom and strength. 
I am on an adventurous path of learning to weave the sacred web that binds tradition to modernity, polarities at flux within me. I enjoy cloud-watching followed by ant-watching, majesty greeting me with equal grace; a crease on the palm of the Beloved. The innocent scent of children warms my heart, and gives me faith that the creative principle has hope for us yet.

Poetry is a loofah for my soul, once living pores swell under the waters of my yearning, washing my pettieness away. Chocolate is my narcissism manifest material, dark, brown, rich, available for instant gratification, wanton Gaia belied by a humble bean. Playing each note of life's journey a mythical quest- bequeathed to us by a power known as death - resides in the sinews of my spirit, seeking my sincere, solemn request. I relish the unknown because it makes knowing possible. If the spirit knows all then it knows the extent of my unknowing - all is well. I want a partner on the journey through soul, spirit and flesh. To reflect that boundless love existing in each of us, a warm, glowing seed which grows each time its shown itself. Freedom is a state of being often seeking residence in my consciousness. How to be?……free. Free?….how to be. My life was a story whispered into a seashell and held up to the ear of God, a story written on weathered parchments found in holy books, tattooed on the rough skins of indigenous tribes, carved bones stringing a shaman's necklace. What separates us is our ancestors, though in truth, they wrote our stories together, each living a chapter of the saga composed of stars. Breathing the same breath, soaking the same sun, you and I, are one.

Brodie Whitney,

“I enjoy working intimately with people and witnessing the incredible potential of human beings shine through in the world around me.”

Brodie Whitney is a youthful & dynamic peak performance life coach living & thriving in the mountains of BC, Canada. He is a father of two boys, Gwyndon and Elliott, and is engaged in a deeply loving relationship with his beautiful wife, Dawna.
One of Brodie’s greatest gifts is to help people connect to their own passions in life & in livelihood. His ability to see the absolute best in people helps people to see the same in themselves, giving them the courage and the confidence to take charge of their life and live with purpose & passion.
In his practice, Living Fully Life Coaching, Brodie works one-on-one with individuals in or approaching transition to clarify what they really want out of life. Brodie’s total commitment to Living Fully shines through in his warm and enthusiastic nature and inspires others in the discovery of their own ‘emotional juice’ in life. His experience owning and running two companies, a custom furniture company (www.rustiquegallery.com) & his coaching practice (www.lifecoachbrodie.com), allows Brodie to provide expertise and insight into successfully creating a compelling livelihood. Brodie also offers powerful & enlightening seminars, creating group experiences that cultivate the absolute best in people, and offer a fresh perspective on ‘what is possible’ for everyone. Brodie values a deep spiritual connection within himself and to the world around without following any religion. His unwavering daily ritual includes meditation, prayer, toning, ecstatic dance, yoga, and creative visualization.
Brodie loves playing guitar and composing music, writing, reading, dates with his wife, spending time with his children, acting, being in nature, world travel, organic gardening, baseball, woodworking, swimming, dreaming, and learning. He is part of a men’s group that meets bi-weekly & incorporates sacred ceremony, and a member of The Kaslo Players Comedy Improv group.

Jonathan Bean,

currently works in the non-profit sector, working with people from across the lower mainland to help them better their situation through affordable housing, connection to their community and community services, and enhancing their human dignity.  When volunteering for Teen Journey, Jonathan draws on his years of experience in helping teens and young adults discover themselves, their purpose in life, and the deep truths that they can draw out of the life around them.  Jonathan brings his experience with the Canadian Improv Games and improvisational theatre as well as his experience as a theatrical producer to the table, as well as 4 years of experience volunteering with and leading in transformational youth camps and workshops with Youth on Purpose (an organization devoted to transformational work with teens), On Purpose (workshops for adults and families) and the Choose Again Society.  Jonathan brings a balance of playfulness and discipline, and focuses on real-world applications of the inner, personal work that happens at camps and seminars.

Kasia Wilk,

I believe in the potential every human being possesses to be great, to live their life on purpose, and to inspire others through taking a journey towards personal evolution. I am fascinated with the process of personal transformation and self actualization. I feel we are living in times of transition, when the whole world seems to be going through a collective consciousness evolution.

And likewise, the transition from childhood to adulthood can be a process of much confusion and doubt. Stepping into one’s full being and finding our place in the world can be a scary and daunting task. I remember my own transition into adulthood being fraught with uncertainty, doubt, and fear. And yet through transformative experiential experiences, the journey became easier and more meaningful. Teen Journey provides today’s youth with the guidance, support, and inspiration they need to navigate their transformative journeys’ with insight, awareness, and responsibility. To be a part of this process is a blessing, and I am happy to share in the Teen Journey community.

Kai,

I love life! I desire to live abundantly and passionately, with deep vivacity surging through each moment of my life. I believe innovation and music are everywhere, and especially more bountiful in those moments where we stop to look, to listen and to breath deeply of our senses, embracing our being. I believe in experience as the means to understanding and true innocence. Ergo, I believe in travel and action - exploration, learning new things, community, mentoring, self-discovery and time spent alone. 

I have always been fond of the teenage years, and those traversing through them. I have enjoyed working with youth in various community opportunities - mentoring, camp counselling, coaching, teaching/tutoring, etc. I love coaxing out the treasures in others, and especially in youth. I love their adventurous spirits, their open hearts, their bursting potential and their budding curiosity. So excellent! I desire to journey with others as we each continue to seek freedom, understanding and wholeness of self - which often ends up displaying itself through compassion and love for others and the world around us. Come journey on, friends! Life is worth pursuing with every cell of your being. I will look forward to meeting you.

Kevin:

I'm a Metaphysician and Neuro-Linguistic-Programmer, and I've had a passion for personal development since the age of 15.
I'm so happy and grateful to be a part of Teen Journey this year. I remember my teen years as dark and lonely times. What a rewarding feeling it is to have the opportunity to offer the kind of presence at TJ that I would love to have received when I was a teenager.
My Intention for this camp is to have a ton of fun while learning and watching the future leaders of planet earth transform before my eyes!
The fact that you have been called to be here for this 7 day camp means that you have a very special gift to offer the world, and thousands if not millions of people are waiting for you to step into your power and shine, now!

Sobey Wing,

A lifelong student Sobey took his cues from S.E.E.D. Alternative School in Toronto and came to Vancouver and took part in the Wondertree Natural Learning Program called Insight Out which spawned a 7 year project called The EcoCafe Society out of an interest in ethical eco-entrepreneurship. He went on to be an eco-educator for the provincial government of British Columbia for 5 years and he later was involved in a youth empowerment program  called Momentum Youth Project an offshoot of The Power of Hope program in the USA. A post-rave intentional dance community advocate and facilitator featured in various published interviews, podcaster and admin for Tribal Harmonix and co-founding member. Tribal Harmonix with its mandate to encourage new ways of thinking by supporting gatherings, workshops, and special events that raise consciousness of environmental, social, political, spiritual and youth issues had brought many presenters towards audiences including Dorthy Mclean, the Lorian Association, Elders Speak Wisdom Society and more. A coordinator with the annual Intention Retreats which began in 1999 and Earthdance, the global dance for peace held in 300 locations in over 50 cities worldwide. He is also the regional coordinator of the Evolver Vancouver Spore events in conjunction with 35 cities worldwide.
As an advocate of conscious relationships and sacred sexuality Sobey has organized and facilitated 2 series of 7 week “culture labs” alongside Marise Vachon,called Love Sex Intelligence.
In 2004 Sobey received his certificate in Permaculture Design through the Australian Correspondance School through the EcoTech program on the Sunshine Coast BC. In 2005 as part of the Iboga Therapy House on the Sunshine Coast he assisted in facilitating sessions for clients for substance dependency and psycho-spiritual therapy for 3 years. In 2009 Sobey took part in organizing and facilitating a grief ritual for a lost community member working with Tembo Chinook.
Over the past decade Sobey has explored his interests through conferences such as the Bioregional Congress,Community Development Institute, The Gathering of the Tribes, Bioneers, Be the Change Network, Contact Improvisation Dance Festival and festivals such as Burning Man where he has hosted councils to bring together culture crafters. He has also taking on-line courses in Reconnection with Nature, Astrology & 8 Circuit Intelligence. He is currently a student of the Vancouver Gnostic Center.

Meaghan

My name is Meaghan and I am thrilled to be a mentor at Teen Journeys this year! I am 25 years old and was born and raised in Hamilton Ontario. I am a singer-songwriter and teacher of spirituality. This will be my first year at the camp and I am really excited to get to know you each of you as we play, connect with nature and learn incredible new things about ourselves. If you have any questions, concerns, dreams or inspirations that I can help you with please feel free to let me know! I will be happy to help you in anyway that will support you having an amazing journey during your week at camp.

Angelika,

I love helping people fall in love with themselves and their life. I love what nature and especially animals have to teach us. I basically skipped teenage-hood after I lost my mother to cancer at age 12; I had to grow up overnight without a role model.  Because of this, I appreciate the opportunity to mentor the participants of TJ and to contribute in providing a safe environment to become all you can be.

I bring gentleness, kindness and vivaciousness as well as creativity through Shamanism, Reiki, Holistic Nutrition, Song, Dance and Play.

Mentors from Previous Teen Journey

Craig Wanless,  

To live life with joy, peace, purpose and passion. And laughing all the way. Music speaks to me and makes me feel alive and dance awakens my soul. Life is about experiences. And what better way to experience life and something new and exciting then to do it with friends, all committed to the same purpose. As a teen I certainly looked for this. I sought it out in back alley break dance crews, gangs, the rave culture and anywhere else I thought I could find myself in. And while I may have felt a part of something, it was a band-aid fix. And the feeling never lasted. Which left me feeling frustrated, angry and alone. I know now that when I'm on purpose and committed to myself, I'm know who I am and I'm pumped to be sharing this amazing experience with all of you and can't wait for camp.

Melanie Ratard, BA, Registered Professional Counsellor,

You know that feeling you get when you feel totally at peace, and completely on fire… all at the same time? Bringing that into my life as much as possible is what it’s all about for me. I’m passionate about dancing, yoga, music, art and creating magical experiences. I love cycling, kayaking, hiking, camping –just about anything outdoors in nature. I felt soooo lost as a teenager! I longed for someone or something to rescue me from the feeling that I just didn’t belong anywhere –that my loneliness would swallow me up. That struggle within myself became my call to seek –a call that has since led me through many rites of passage with many mentors. I’m stoked that you’re thinking about (or already have!) jumped on board this Teen Journey (it will truly be amazing)! I’m excited to now be a mentor myself and to be of service to you. See you at camp!

Richard Hahn,

As a shy and quiet teen, I watched other teens experience life while I sat on the sidelines where it was 'safe.' I witnessed outgoing peers who were willing to risk expressing themselves, seemingly free from fear of being judged. I often wished I could be like them, living my life large and expressing myself. I have been involved in expressive personal growth workshops for the last ten years.I do energy work, based on four years of learning Pranic healing in Canada and India. I blend this energy work modality with three years of transpersonal counselling training at Clearmind International, and am currently registering to become a certified as a registered professional counsellor. I have also studied acting and perform and record as a throat singer---a vocal technique which sounds much like a didgeridoo. I am excited to encourage confidence, joy and passion in all people.

Theresa Pasiechnyk,

In July of 2009 I graduated from the Transpersonal Psychology and Counseling Program through Clearmind International Institute. It was the memories of my own teenage struggles and the strong desire to help teens that inspired me to register for the counseling program in 2006.

I have a big love of life, which is fueled by humor, compassion, honesty and an authentic connection to those around me. I live my life by being and living the change that I would like to see in the world.

I am honored to be a part of Teen Journey and I fully bring my heart and my passion to the camp.