Contemporary Rite of Passage

For further information please contact Powerhouse Programs here and read below.

JOURNEY TO MANHOOD is a program that dives deeply into the real issues facing families with teenage boys today. Many families have benefited from the powerful experience of father and son spending 5 days in the bush with other men and boys (13-16 yrs). This is precious technology-free time to do something memorable for your family. Mothers are very much a part of this program too, at community departure and welcoming home ceremonies.

It is quite common for boys to attend with step-fathers, uncles, grandfathers or family friends & mentors.

The camp helped me to deepen my relationship with my son, explore my own manhood
and bring me into closer understanding with my wife. WOW! ~ Father

Time in the bush away from the many distractions in life provides an opportunity to look at what’s really important and from this place to deliver an unforgettable experience for all men and boys. Dad’s often comment on how the program has helped them with issues at work, with their relationship with their wife and also to get clear about some questions they have been struggling with.

Whilst the camp is 5 days, the program includes a parents evening a week or 2 prior to the camp as well as a Sunday afternoon reunion 2 weeks after the camp. This supports all family members to integrate the benefits of the program into their day to day lives. During this 3-4 week period we use 4 venues and 18 staff to co-ordinate this once in a lifetime experience. Young men passing through the program can then return on subsequent camps in support of the next group of families (plenty of dads do this too!). Young men stepping into their leadership and service to community regularly comment how much this experience has given them the confidence and the motivation to walk the pathway to healthy adulthood.

What can I say… it was one of the best experiences of my life. ~ Father

What this program is:

• A unique opportunity for each boy to be challenged, honoured and supported to be the best he can be

• A blessing for all boys to confidently set their sails for the calm and the rough seas that life will present them

• A line in the sand that clearly denotes childhood and the freedom & responsibilities that come with adulthood

• Door-openers to all the necessary conversations boys need to have with older men

• A re-setting of intentions and commitments AND

• The very necessary reshaping of relationships when moving from parenting a boy, to parenting a young man

What this program is not:

• This is not just for boys at risk. This is for all boys whether struggling or doing well

• Tree hugging naked dancing in the bush. Nature is a powerful ally and we keep it clothed and real!

• Touchy, feely, weird and wafty. It is grounded and powerful, certainly different because it needs to be to effect such change!

• Churchy or religious-based. There is no religious affiliation or bias. Families from all walks of life are very welcome.

ALL families benefit from this positive, powerful and unique experience. Journey to Manhood creates and acknowledges the boy-to-man shift ‘from dependence into service’ and enables families to build a new foundation for their future. This is a real-life game-changer!

The benefit of doing this work within a school community greatly enhances the outcomes. Building a healthy and supportive ongoing circle of men around these boys gives them a strong container in which to make their necessary mistakes. Plus, mothers sharing the journey develop a unique bond with each other and this provides additional support for the whole family moving forwards.

I have an awareness of a need to let go, to let my son grow-up and take responsibility for himself. ~ Mother