From Current Mentor

Wow, not sure if I can put it into words. This weekend I had a chance to meet some awesome boys, who gave me something I will never be able to pay them back ...only hope to pay it forward.. My heart and soul was touched in more ways than I can express into words. I am thankful to be a part of this group of men who are changing the lives of these boys-men. I had an opportunity to meet and get to know some men who are shinning lights in today's dimly lit world. Thank you all for making a difference.

I was blessed to be in the presence of three new jmen on the ride back home to CT. The three of them are quiet to begin with, and most of them slept on the way home, however I did notice that one boy seemed to leave a part of him behind, a part that might of been keeping him down. I saw life in him that I had not seen in him prior to the weekend. I am looking forward to getting to know this next group of jmen.

Also I thought I might add, for anyone who had doubts about this weekend I want to share something. We had ended the weekend, most of the jmen were gone, and the cleanup had started. I was heading to the cabins to round up my troops who were sweeping them out. On my way I found one boy alone in the brook. I noticed his eyes were all red and glossy. I asked him what was the matter, and he said " I don't want to leave".

From New Mentor who brought his Stepson

It's 48 hours since we sloshed away from Green Mountain Camp. Images of hundreds of spirit-filled moments swirl around my heart. Illuminated eyes of boys and men pass before the eyes of my mind. Many times over the past couple days, as I've tried to share something of the power of the ROPAW, tears trickle joyfully down my cheeks. My boy-son embodies his new identity as JourneyMan, proudly examining his talisman and declaring his determination to staff the next weekend. We both smile at one another as our eyes meet ... we've discovered a new kind of sight, I guess. We see ourselves, our relationship, with new eyes. Nothing will be the same; the entire world has been brought back to life, along with our hearts, and together we walk our path with renewed trust, hope and love. I am full of gratitude for the whole-hearted men and boys who have touched me in beautiful and unforgettable ways!

From A New Mentor who brought his Son

My experience of the last BTM weekend was so amazing I have a hard time finding enough amazing words to describe it.

As you know my son is autistic. Before the weekend my wife Christina and I have been struggling dealing with the changes Shawn has been going through. He has struggled with his brother and sisters every day. Shawn and I were having a difficult time finding common ground. Shawn and I just could not find anything to do but argue. I often felt like I was failing him.

Back to the weekend. The one thing he said on the ride home was "Dad, if you want I can stay up if you want to talk". I almost crashed the car hearing these words. When my wife and I went to bed that night Shawn came up and gave me a huge hug. I am getting emotional as I wright this. Well guess what, my wife started crying.

As the week has gone on, Shawn has been absolutely amazing with his younger brother and sister, acting as if he is the older brother. I wish you men could see it. My wife cried again last night because she can't believe it. Shawn and I have hugged every day since and all he wants now is to spend time with me.

What he received from the mentors, the drumming, the animal naming, the sweat lodge, and the Talisman necklace, has changed this boys life and everyone around him. I love how he wears his necklace with pride. He looks forward to his next meeting and so do I.

Shawn and I left that weekend with a lot more than common ground. I didn't think it would last longer than a day for Shawn. With Shawn's disabilities things rarely ever stick. But this had a big impact on his life, which he will never forget.

I have to say I love you all for your compassion and thoughtfulness you all shared on that weekend. My wife and I can't thank you enough.

I would love to share more of the hilarious stuff Shawn has said but this email is long enough.

I almost forgot my wife wants me to bring all the boys at Shawn's school to a BTM weekend.

From New Mentor

Clearly it’s hard to put the weekend experience into a paragraph, but I can only say that the boys were amazingly frank and honest and the skills of the trainers and facilitators very impressive. I especially enjoyed the walk and talk and the sword blessings. Some very profound issues involving deep shame were explored in a way that I could never have imagined when I was their age. I must say that when I headed for the pool ,I decided not to go in., simply to stay in one piece,-and I used to be Lifeguard! But I saw at that moment the exuberance of young boys in its purest form. I asked one boy on the last day if he had ever gone to a summer camp before. He said he had. I then asked him how did it compare to this weekend. He said this was so much better. Why? Because here the men were fun and really cared about him and his personal struggles..

Congratulations to all you men and the brave boys for creating such a memorable experience.

From New Mentor

It was great to meet you and feel the energy of the group of men who gathered for this special event. Dylan and I talked the whole way home about many things that came up as a direct/indirect result of the weekend. He liked it a lot. The most important things that I know of that he mentioned he got out of it that he shared during the truth telling sessions that he shared with me concerned his tendency to "stuff his emotions" and his grief over the seperation/divorce that he feels. This is very big for him and I'm sure will inspire great discussions with his therapist. Feeling all the honesty, integrity and vulnerability of all the men present was an amazing experience for both of us. I am sure this event will provide inspiration for many talks to come.

From an Elder

How does one even begin to describe the rich and beautiful experience that occurred this weekend? These words are for every boy and man that was present at this life affirming event.

I observed the power and transformation that can occur in our lives when we come together to celebrate the magnificence of “Man” and reveal our basic goodness. Both love and water flowed and seeped into the deepest parts of my soul and the earth. I saw things that I could not have seen in my youth – not so much in terms of limits but of possibilities. My heart was opened as I experienced the love and light of others and radiated my own love to those around me. I saw in your reflection hope for our future as I observed you helping others and pushing up to the edge of your limits and giving 100%+. In your reflection I saw my own strengths and places where I can grow. As an elder I have been enriched by the wisdom of your youth.

My take away is that our life experience ultimately manifests and enriches our unique and special gifts. Of these the greatest gift is love.

From a Staff Man

The weekend was proof that men can give birth... they can give birth to joy, connection, love, and truth. It was a joy to watch men coming back to Life and giving new Life to boys. It was a joy to watch boys sharing directly and honestly, giving birth to themselves and healing the wounds of men. It was a joy to see the giving flow in both directions. and to experience the rejuvenation of Spirit.