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YOUTH RITES OF PASSAGE

The Youth Rites of Passage (YROP) is for young men ages 14-16.

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“You know after any truly initiating experience that you are part of a much bigger whole. Life is not about you henceforward, but you are about life.”


― Richard Rohr, Adam’s Return: The Five Promises of Male Initiation

July 22-26, 2023

South Fork, Colorado

The Youth Rites of Passage (YROP) are initiation rites that have been adapted and adjusted for teenage boys from Illuman’s Men’s Rites of Passage (MROP) model.

 

The preferred age range is 14-16, but we will consider ages 13 and 17.

 

These rites are intended to prepare each boy emotionally and spiritually for what lies ahead in adulthood. Through the use of trusted council, mythology, contemplative prayer, and simple ritual, the rites team and the elders will provide the structure and support for the boys to begin individuating away from the security of home and childhood, and step forward into a deeper understanding of their duty toward and benefits from the community that will continue to gather around them as men.

 

One (or more) adult males must accompany the boy: father, grandfather, uncle, surrogate, etc...

The fee is $150 per adult and $150 per teen boy.

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To sign up, please email the coordinator, Andrew Rice at ariceokc@gmail.com.

By return email, you will receive an application and medical waiver which need to be filled out, signed and returned, instructions on how to submit payment, and directions to the retreat site.

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DEADLINE TO REGISTER: May 31st, 2023

Man in Nature

WHAT IS MEN'S RITE OF PASSAGE?

Almost 20 years ago, Richard Rohr, Stephen Gambill, along with others created a retreat experience in the wilderness that came to be known as the Men’s Rites of Passage (MROP).  Tapping deeply into universal truths and practices, the MROP is now regularly offered in Australia, Germany, Great Britain, The Czech Republic, all over the United States, and new countries are being added.  Thousands of men have gone through this deeply transformative experience already, and the movement is growing.

If the youth are not initiated

they will burn down the village.

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African Proverb

IS MROP RIGHT FOR ME?

Acceptance to the MROP is based on perceived readiness for a deep encounter. In the Men’s Rites of Passage, images and ritual are used from a variety of religious traditions. Though our primary orientation has developed from the Judeo-Christian heritage, the universal nature of what the MROP addresses continually demonstrates that if something is true, it is true, and will resonate in human hearts all over this globe.

I showed up, got into my beginners mind, and was transformed.

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Scott Johnson

Man Hiking in Wilderness

WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS?

The MROP is not just another event to attend.  It is a decision that for many comes out of a sense that they are ready for “something” even if they are unsure what that is; see if in your “gut” God is inviting you into this adventure. You might also talk to others who have gone through the MROP. Contact us if you’d like to be connected with someone.

The Men's Rites of Passage blew me away.  It was so much more than I could have imagined it would be, and it prepared me to face a major trauma which hit me soon after my trip, putting me in a far better place than I would have otherwise been. Years later I’m still so grateful for the indelible mark this trip had on my life.  My spouse and my kids are all glad that I went…

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Past MROP Participant

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