North Star Rites of Passage founders, Michael and Jackie Campbell have over 50 combined years in the youth development field. Providing guidance to youth through teaching, vocational preparation, college preparation, and a vast array of workshops designed to help youth transition from adolescence into adulthood. Including but not limited to Rites of Passage – Retreats, in school, and after school programs.
Program duration varies among organizations, ranging from weekend immersion retreats, to 12 week programs, all the way up to programs lasting the entire school year.
The philosophy undergirding what we do is firmly planted within the concept of African Rites of Passage. Its primary goal is to facilitate our children’s knowledge and understanding of self – who they are and what they are about – the purpose, and meaning for their existence as they progress through life.
The goal then is to provide African-American students with the tools and skills with which to minimize the forces that seek to destroy them but at the same time, allow them to achieve self-respect, self-discipline, physical, academic, mental, and emotional success based on the principles of MAAT, and the Nguzo Saba. Coupled with the Ma’atian virtues, the focus of values includes Responsibility, Decision-Making, Problem Solving and Conflict Resolution.
As trained Effective Black Parenting Training facilitators we feel we offer a balanced approach to supporting organizations serving populations of color.
AKOFENA "sword of war "
symbol of courage, valor, and heroism The crossed swords were a popular motif in the heraldic shields of many former Akan states. In addition to recognizing courage and valor, the swords can represent legitimate state authority.