Men’s Wilderness Quest

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.

Please read The Rites of Passage Wilderness Quest for a detailed explanation of the elements and stages of the journey.

*Transportation is not included in these fees and is the responsibility of the participant.  You will need a higher clearance vehicle for the program, but not a 4 wheel drive vehicle.

Mike Bodkin, the Executive Director of Rites of Passage, has guided people into nature for personal and spiritual development for over 35 years.  He also directs the guide training program at Rites of Passage.

Tom Anderson is a husband, father of two, wilderness quest guide, and and a Senior Vice President of a national 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.