A RITES OF PASSAGE FOR TEEN BOYS
(AGES 13-15)
Young teens face physical, emotional, and social transitions that challenge their sense of identity and self-confidence, as well as decision-making ability. This can be a confusing and disorienting period for boys.
The thinking muscle is not as developed as others. Immature judgment and decision-making follows. Boys test limits, become physically aggressive, and experience frustration with controls.
Ancient rites of passage were traditionally instituted to help boys deals with these issues and prepare to be responsible, productive members and leaders of society. This practice is generally missing in our modern era.
First Rites - Young Men Rising is a three-day introductory rite of passage. Using ritual, council and time in wilderness, boys begin to process personal and cultural realities. They gain an appreciation they are a beloved child of God. Their lives have purpose and meaning. Their job is to discover and live this out.
At our Rolling Ridge (WVA) wilderness reserve site, boys will be supported as they test their physical, emotional, social, and psychological boundaries. They will learn skills and techniques to help them grow self-confidence, deepen character, and appreciate the importance of leadership competencies. We will encourage them to explore their innate spirituality and develop resilience.
Following this experience, we recommend boys remain engaged in an ongoing journey to healthy young adulthood. They will be supported through ongoing meetups, service projects, as well as by returning to support the next wave of youth.
We invite men from the boy’s community to participate in mentor training. This will prepare them to provide support during and following this event – for example, by guiding regular gatherings in our Council format, either in person or online via Zoom.
Faith communities are also invited to recruit mature, spiritually grounded men to apply to participate in the rites as a mentor. All mentors must participate in an intensive 8-hour training hosted by our rites partner, Journeymen, and submit to a full background check process. Men who are accepted and successfully complete the training, may participate in the rites and continue as mentors in the community.
DATES & COSTS
Mentor Training: August 4, 2022
Mentor Training Cost: A donation of $150 - $200 to cover costs would be gratefully received. DONATE HERE
First Rites: August 5-7, 2022
First Rites Cost: $300
Our goal is money never constrains participation. Let us know if financial aid is needed.
FAQ
Who is Illuman DC?
Illuman DC is a certified chapter of an international non-profit organization, founded ten years ago by Franciscan Fr. Richard Rohr, to continue the Men’s Rites of Passage he developed and conducted for fifteen years. These proved transformative in helping men heal wounds that constrain their ability to live authentic, fully human lives of love and service.
Why we partner with Journeymen, Seattle?
Illuman DC recognizes the crucial formation that occurs in the early teen years, when boys are transitioning into adolescence. First Rites is a new and first step for Illuman DC to help boys move into the next stage of healthy masculine fullness. Journeymen (https://journeymen.us/about/) shares a great deal with Illuman, except it focuses primarily on youth, offering rites of passage, council, wilderness wanderings, and other similar practices to help youth develop into healthy human beings. Nicky Wilkes, one of the founders went through the Illuman Men’s Rites of Passage in 2017 and is aligned with Illuman’s mission. We are partnering with Journeymen, due to their extensive and recognized work with youth. Journeymen will conduct training and screening processes for all mentors and staff.
What is a rite of passage?
A rite of passage uses ritual, nature, reflection and challenge to mark the transition from one phase of life to another. Although it is often used to describe the tumultuous transition from adolescence to adulthood, it does refer to any of life’s transitions. We refer to this move into adolescence as “First Rites” to mark when boys begin rising into young men.
Our son doesn’t want to go!
It is important to us that your son/boy says “Yes” to the experience. We’ve found that it can often be detrimental to the boy and the group when brought to an experience against their will.
That said, it is not uncommon for a boy/teen to initially resist an experience proposed by their parent or guardian. In this case, our team is always willing to hop on a call to chat with you and/or your son about the experience, and answer any questions/concerns they might have before making a decision.
We’ve found that once a boy has a better understanding of what he’s committing to and who he’ll be engaging with – he is much more empowered to make an informed decision that is in his overall best interest.
We don’t have any camping gear!
Not a problem! We do our best to accommodate each family’s needs and, with enough notice, can try to find any items that you might need for the experience.
Do the First Rites teach a particular religion?
No. We encourage the participants to explore their spirituality as a source of strength and self-esteem, and to connect to the natural world. We hope each one will emerge with a sense of belonging in the universe.
How are mentors selected?
Men who wish to support this initiative as mentors are asked to contact Dan Harris to start (pharris@me.com). All mentors must participate in an intensive 8-hour training on August 4 hosted by Journeymen and submit to a full background check process. They may participate in the weekend Rites, or only provide mentor support after the weekend.
