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A Rite of Passage and Mentoring Program for Boys Ages 10 - 18 In Southern Oregon |
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Origins
What Is Boys to Men?
Boys to Men is a progressive, nonsectarian, non-partisan, non-profit
organization. The program is modeled after the work of the
Mankind Project, an
international non-profit that, through its New Warrior Training
Adventure, has powerfully impacted the lives of more than 40,000 men
throughout the world. For more information on the Mankind Project, you can also
visit the Mankind Project
of the Northwest.Boys to Men is staffed by dozens of committed and trained volunteers and professionals that have undertaken their own journeys of personal development. Our staff create a safe, strong, supportive environment that both nurtures and challenges boys.
Boys to Men was founded in San Diego in 1997. Boys to Men Northwest serves boys in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Alaska.
How it Began
After working with two licensed family therapists for nine months, Boys To Men developed an intensive 48-hour mentor training program to provide mentors with the skills they need to listen, accept, admire, and respond to young men for who they are.We then developed dramatic, life-changing weekend events, where boys and young men are challenged to look at what is working and not working in their lives. Throughout the weekend, they learn to trust themselves and one another, as well as the staff that support them through the process.
The third phase of our program involves the ongoing commitment of mentors—people like you—to support the boys in learning, developing and polishing positive life skills and goals. At regular Boys To Men Journeyman groups, young men have opportunities for facilitated discussion of current life problems; and mentors meet with one another to share the various situations they face with their young men. The entire group often plays together, eats meals together, and has opportunities to talk and laugh together.