August 21-23, 2009 - Dummerson, Vermont

We held our Second Annual Rite Of Passage Adventure Weekend (ROPAW) in VT on August 21-23. It was a transformative weekend. We initiated 28 boys from all over the Northeast & Canada supported by a staff of 69 (which included 19 Journeymen—many of whom went through their ROPAW in VT last year) from all over the US (California, Minnesota, Atlanta, North Carolina, DC, New York, New England) and Canada. All the boys really stepped up to the challenges and for that they each earned the title of Journeyman. This was the largest event in Boys To Men’s thirteen year history.

There were many powerful moments during the weekend. From the men who stepped up to tell their truths to model for these new boys. To the building of trust by showing our vulnerabilities as well as through play. To the celebration of the boys' journeys and official cognition of them as new Journeymen, with fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, & mentors presenting the talismans to their boys. We had wild drumming. And on Sunday Morning the new Journeymen had the privilege of a sweat lodge in their honor. We had youthful energy and elder energy and all this held together with a good dose of truth, trust, and love.

Boys to Men helps make boys better men AND helps make men better men.

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