WHY MENTORSHIP & ROP? (cnt’d)


ROP - The Lost Art

For thousands of years people the world-over have practiced traditional, community based rites of passage. Our ancestors did this because they knew that young men needed direct support from initiated men in order to complete their transition into a healthy adulthood. This was seen as an absolutely essential practice in order to maintain the health and vitality of the community - and as such, was highly prioritized. They also knew that young men need time to connect with Mother Nature, to have direct experiences of her beauty, power & love in order to feel connected to their environment and care for the lands they call home. Our ROP and nature-based mentorship programs offer your son these kinds of experiences in order to honour and support his transition from adolescent to adulthood - welcoming him with open arms into the next exciting chapter of his life. Our programs offer the tools and experiences to “play the game of life” with passion, clarity, and purpose - instilling confidence to make good choices in order to bring the best of himself into the world.

- YOUNG MEN -
NATURALLY CARING, CAPABLE & CREATIVE
Despite the bad rap teenage boys get in our culture, we have found that under the right conditions young men are naturally caring, capable, and creative beings. They long to express themselves, to challenge the status-quo, to be seen, felt, and heard, and to bring something fresh into the world.
In their healthy expression young men naturally display affection towards their friends and family, and are fiercely loyal to any person or cause they find kinship with. They enjoy learning about themselves and the world, along with being given opportunities where they can contribute something of value.

SELF DISCOVERY THROUGH OUTDOORS & PLAY
Many boys feel cooped up in traditional school systems and models of education - the outdoors offers endless opportunity for connection, play, physicality and discovery. We welcome boys into experiential learning through play, movement, ritual, reflection & story - challenging them to cultivate their leadership qualities through clear communication, building emotional intelligence, and through practicing the art of deep-listening and team-work. When we are having fun and in an open, curious place - learning and growth are natural by-products!

RITES OF PASSAGE - A TIME-TESTED MODEL
At their most basic form, all rites of passage are characterized by three distinct phases: Severance (leaving the familiar, the old life), Threshold (a time of testing, transformation, ritual and growth), and Incorporation (welcomed home and reintegration back into life). We draw upon this tried and true model for our longer 5 Day ROP adventures, but also weave elements of the Hero’s Journey into our weekly programs to help facilitate growth and a deepening of self awareness for all the boys we work with.

GROWING COMMUNITY - TOGETHER

We have successfully been running young men’s ROP experiences for the last 6 years. We know that it “takes a village” to deliver programs of the highest quality, integrity, heart and care and are dedicated to providing transformative, empowering experiences for the young men in our community.

We are fathers, grandfathers, brothers, uncles and sons ourselves - who care deeply about the well being of our boys, our community and earth. We acknowledge that we are learning ourselves, every step of the way, what it means to be a healthy, strong and compassionate man in this modern day world.
Thanks for being part of the journey with us!

  • “ My son gained a stronger sense of belonging through being at the camp. I feel convinced that he gained a stronger sense of connection to himself and to others in the group, which is important, for he can sometimes feel isolated."

    2018 ROP Parent

  • This (ROP program) is an amazing way to learn more about yourself and meet new people that I guarantee you will love.

    ROP Participant - Age 14

  • “ I am incredibly grateful for the experience these men provided for my son. I can honestly say that it was nothing short of profound. "

    2018 ROP Parent

  • (My son) is not the most outgoing kid but he told me that he really bonded with all the other young men and felt respect and gratitude for the mentors. He thinks everyone should have an opportunity to experience something similar at least once in their lives.

    2022 ROP Parent

  • I was worried about how my son would deal with being away for five days in a place he had never been, with people he had never met, doing things that he doesn't usually do. When I saw him after their return, I asked him how it had been. He just said, "Awesome!" And I knew by the look in his eyes that he had quite a profound and positive experience. There was no need to worry.

    2022 ROP Parent

  • “ I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the program you provided for these young men. My son was deeply moved by the experience and the connections. He went from not wanting to go to wishing it was longer. He was incredibly sad that it was over. Keep going!"

    2018 ROP Parent

  • (Since the program) I noticed he is a bit more in control of his emotions. He doesn't lash out as much. He seems to be more aware of his actions and takes space when needed. He seems to be trying to show up and do things that need doing without me asking, which is nice.

    2022 ROP Parent

  • This is such a great opportunity for our young men to deepen relationships, challenge themselves, and find strength within themselves to face their fears. To experience something that is not often available in our tech/noise filled world.

    2022 ROP Parent

  • Navigating the teenage years is hard, and having an opportunity to look at things from a different perspective is a gift. Experiencing a Rite of Passage has allowed my son an opportunity to show up differently in his life.

    2022 ROP Parent