We have cancelled this event because of Coronavirus and the need to shelter in place. Please check our online workshop listings for programs that will take place this spring.
- This event has passed.
Colorado Men’s Wilderness Quest
June 20, 2020 - June 28, 2020
$1720
Are you feeling the call to quest? To discover your wild soul? To be initiated as a man? If so, join us in a deep, challenging and transformative rite of passage over 9 days, including 3 full days of solo time in the wilderness.
Rites of Passage has been guiding men on wilderness rites of passage for over 30 years. These deep transformational journeys into the heart of nature and the hearts of men have had an enormous impact on the men who found the courage to say “yes” to the inner call.
This is a classic Wilderness Quest program in the tradition of Rites of Passage, which has offered this program for over 40 years. The first 3 days are Severance or preparation time for the solo. Meeting in Council sessions, the group will explore a range of subjects related to the Quest solo, including safety-related issues: flora/fauna, weather-related concerns (heat, cold, lightning), essential first aid, our buddy system, and tarp-tying. The group will also explore eco-spiritual tools that can be of great value in preparing, such as the Four Directions teachings, exploration of Intent, self-generated ceremonial practices, and teachings from the Death Lodge. Group members will have several hours to follow their calling to find a solo site to hold them in the wilderness for days and nights. The final 3 days, following the return from the solo, will be devoted to taking the necessary steps of return or Incorporation in a fully conscious way. This process begins with a Council session where each participant has the opportunity to tell the story of their Wilderness Quest solo and to receive essential feedback and confirmation from staff regarding what has been achieved.
Please take a look at our articles on The Men’s Wilderness Quest for more inspiration and information.
Schedule
The group will gather on Saturday, June 20 at 1:00 pm, at a campground near Salida, Colorado. We’ll spend one night there, then move to our base camp in the Rio Grande National Forest on Sunday, where the group will spend more time together in preparation for the solo. Using Council to hold the group in a loving and conscious way, we’ll introduce eco-spiritual tools such as the Medicine Wheel, present information about the environment and safety issues, and help the men to clarify and claim their purpose before the three-day solo begins. After the solo, we’ll work with each man to distill the symbols and teachings from his individual story. We’ll return to Salida for one last night before the group ends by noon on Sunday, June 28.
Please read The Rites of Passage Wilderness Quest for a detailed explanation of the elements and stages of the journey.
Program Fees
Tuition*
$1495 (Register by May 20)
$1645 (Register after May 20)
To register you can pay a $350 non-refundable deposit, and the balance will be one month due before the trip begins.
Food and Camping
$225 covers all food and camping/lodging costs except for up to 3 restaurant meals.
Low-fee Opportunities
Two low-fee places available for $895 Tuition plus $225 Food and Camping. Please inquire before registering.
*Transportation is not included in these fees and is the responsibility of the participant. We will refund your deposit if we cancel the program.
Mike Bodkin, the Executive Director of Rites of Passage, has guided people into nature for personal and spiritual development for over 35 years.
Tom Anderson is a husband, father of two, wilderness quest guide, and the Managing Director of a regional affordable housing development company. In all he does, he is drawn forward by the desire to make a difference in the world by building better communities.
The experience was intense and beautiful. I’d recommend this to anyone for almost any reason. I experienced nature, community and spiritual insight. The experience was so well rounded. It incorporated spiritual and social aspects necessary for navigating any society at any time. – Jack B., Men’s Quest 2017
This experience helped me forgive myself and others, and prepare for a new life with my family, responsibilities and self. I highly recommend this experience. – Bill B., Men’s Quest 2017
This is the kind of off the grid, emersion into nature and soul searching mission that I wish every person could experience. – Simon R., Men’s Quest 2017
