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Men’s Wilderness Quest

June 22, 2024 - June 30, 2024
$2500

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 then gather on Saturday, June 22 at 1:00 pm, at a campground near Salida, Colorado.  We’ll spend one night there, then move to our base camp in the Rocky Mountains 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 and practices, present information about conducting personal ceremony in nature, and help participants 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 the campground for one last night before the group ends by noon on Sunday, June 30. We’ll schedule an online pre-trip meeting about a month before the quest begins, and a follow-up online meeting about a month after it ends, to support participants on their journeys.

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

Program Fees

Tuition*
$2250 (Register by May 22)
$2350 (Register after May 22)

You can register with a $400 non-refundable deposit, with the balance due 30 days before the program begins.  See our Policies page for more information about deposits, refunds, and payment options.

Food and Camping
$150 covers camping/lodging costs and some food.  We’ll supply all the base camp dinners.  Participants are responsible for their own breakfasts and lunches.  The group will take up to 3 meals at restaurants, which participants are responsible for.

Low fee opportunities

Two low-fee places available for $995 Tuition plus $150 Food and Camping. Two additional lower-fee places are available for $1525 tuition plus $150 Food and Camping.  Please inquire before registering.

*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.

Men’s Wilderness Quest Testimonials

The experience was intense and beautiful. I’d recommend this to anyone for almost any reason. I experienced nature, community and spiritual insight. The program was so well rounded. It incorporated spiritual and social aspects necessary for navigating any society at any time. – Jack B.

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.

This is the kind of off the grid, immersion into nature and soul searching mission that I wish every man could experience. – Simon R.

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