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THE WEEKEND

A rite of passage. A hero’s journey. A weekend that changes how a young man sees himself.

Where it all Began!

In 1990, a group of men in [region — confirm] began talking about something they kept seeing in their own lives and in the young men around them: there was no clear, honored path from boyhood into manhood anymore. Sports, scouts, and school offer structure, but nothing marks the moment a young man is recognized — by other men — as someone stepping into responsibility.

At the same time, fewer young men were spending real time outdoors, unplugged, and tested. So that group of men built one: a weekend in the wilderness where young men are met by adult role models who show up, pay attention, and expect them to rise to the occasion.

That weekend became YMAW. Over 35 years and 1,000+ young men later, it still runs on the same idea: young men rise to the level of what’s expected of them, when the right men are there to expect it.

Challenge.

Mentorship.

Acknowledgement.

Every young man at YMAW is expected to conduct himself with honor and integrity for the weekend. In return, he’s met by a team of screened, trained adult men whose only job that weekend is to show up for him.

Safety

Every young man is supervised by trained, screened volunteers at all times, in a structured environment built for exactly this kind of challenge.

Growth

He’ll learn real wilderness skills and experience what it means to be counted on as part of a team of men.

Fun & Games

It isn’t all serious. He’ll play hard, eat well, and go home tired in the best way.

Friday

Arrival

On Friday afternoon the young men will travel by bus to a wilderness site a couple of hours from Vancouver.  Upon arrival, the men at the site will separate the young men into teams of about 10. Each team will be assigned two men who will remain with that team all weekend and ensure their safety.  As their first task, the young men will build their camp and get settled. Once complete they will gather around a fire, eat a meal, and get acquainted.

Saturday

The Quest

On Saturday the young men will go on a quest, a set of challenges that involve teamwork, problem-solving, competition, and integrity.   It will be an opportunity for each young man to discover his capabilities.  During this quest, the young men will begin a conversation that will allow them to see what may be in the way of putting these capabilities to use in their lives. That night they will have an amazing feast and ceremony.

Sunday

Acknowledgement

On Sunday morning the young men will participate in a sweat, bringing respect for local native culture and giving them the opportunity to complete the conversation begun during the quest. This will lead them to what we call future work where they will look at who they want to be in the world.  After a hearty breakfast, we will acknowledge each young man for his contribution to the weekend. Then we will play a game of honour where the young men will have the opportunity to experience, perhaps for the first time, what it is like to play full-out against adult men. We will snap a group photo, strike the site, load the bus, and have them home before dark.
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Frequently Asked Questions

It’s natural for parents to have concerns about their child’s readiness for a new experience, especially if it involves challenges or risks. However, the Young Men’s Adventure Weekend is designed to be age-appropriate and to provide a safe and supportive environment for participants. Your son will be supervised by trained leaders and will have the opportunity to learn and grow at his own pace.

While the cost of the program may seem like a barrier, there may be options to help make it more affordable. Many organizations that offer adventure programs, including the Young Men’s Adventure Weekend, offer scholarships or financial assistance to families in need. It may also be possible to fundraise or seek out sponsors to help offset the cost.

While it’s important to balance school, extracurricular activities, and free time, the Young Men’s Adventure Weekend is a great opportunity for your son to unplug and recharge. The program encourages participants to disconnect from screens and other distractions and focus on the present moment. It can be a refreshing and rejuvenating experience for teenagers who are often under pressure to juggle multiple commitments.

Safety is a top priority for the Young Men’s Adventure Weekend. Participants will be supervised by trained leaders who are experienced in working with teenagers and will be prepared to handle any emergencies that may arise. The program also follows all necessary safety protocols and guidelines to ensure the well-being of all participants.

While it’s natural to be hesitant about trying something new, the Young Men’s Adventure Weekend is designed to be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for all participants. Your son will have the opportunity to learn new skills, challenge himself, and have fun in a supportive and inclusive environment. Even if he’s never done anything like this before, he may surprise himself and discover a love for outdoor adventure!