4 Day Immersive Experience
For Middle School Boys (Entering Grades 7 – 9)
Four days in length, the Wayfinders is an introductory, rite of passage experience specifically designed for male-identified middle schoolers. Middle school is marked by many changes individually and socially, including new freedoms of expression and increased choice in academic, extracurricular and social activities. This transition introduces new challenges for students and their families, as well as new opportunities for guided personal and community growth.
This course is not your typical summer camp. Boys will be encouraged and supported to test their physical, emotional, social and psychological boundaries, growing in their self-confidence, refining their leadership capacity, and deepening in character. Youth who participate in the Wayfinders Week are encouraged to stay engaged in the journey to healthy young adulthood through ongoing meetups, service projects, and returning young men supporting the next wave of youth who come through the camp.
“We love the sense of empowerment that this trip gave to him. We can see a new sense of confidence and increase in self esteem both in his physical body and his emotional/spiritual self.”
– Parent
“There really are no words that do justice to how much gratitude I have for Journeymen to be a part of my son’s life – thank you – never underestimate the impact you are making in so many lives.”
– Parent
This transformational week will help boys:
Build meaningful relationships with peers and adults
Learn and refine key life skills
Become aware of their social-emotional boundaries
Establish a solid, positive self-identity
Increase self-esteem through positive life-changing experiences
Improve physical strength and personal resolve
Deepen their connection with nature
Wayfinders
Do You Hear the Call?Do You Hear the Call?
This course is not your typical summer camp. Boys will be encouraged and supported to test their physical, emotional, social and psychological boundaries, growing in their self-confidence, refining their leadership capacity, and deepening in character.
FAQ’s
A rite of passage is a ceremony and marks the transition from one phase of life to another. Although it is often used to describe the tumultuous transition from adolescence to adulthood, it does refer to any of life’s transitions (Births and Beginnings, Initiations, Partnerings, and Endings or Death). There are many passages in our lives we can choose to mark and celebrate.
Not a problem! We do our best to accommodate each family’s needs and, with enough notice,can try to find any items that you might need for the experience. We have also teamed up with the WTA (Washington Trails Association) and on occasion have access to their lending ‘Gear Library’.
It is important to us that your child says “Yes” to the experience. We’ve found that it can often be detrimental to the child and the group when brought to an experience against their will.
That said, it is not uncommon for a teen to initially resist an experience proposed by their parent or guardian. In this case, our staff team is always willing to hop on a call to chat with you and/or your child about Journeymen + One Village, the experience, and answer any questions/concerns they might have before making a decision.
We’ve found that once youth have a better understanding of what they’re committing to and who he’ll be engaging with – they are much more empowered to make an informed decision that is in their overall best interest.
Journeymen Institute is not affiliated with any religious group or church.
We look to our external and internal environments for inspiration, wisdom, and guidance. Finding our place in nature is both fun and healthy.
Journeymen is committed to maximizing inclusion and access for participants who are unable to afford our courses and are otherwise qualified to enroll.
In recognition of historic and ongoing economic disadvantage, participants identifying as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, & Person of Color) may opt to waive Course Fees (except the required $25 processing fee), and/or pay what you wish/can toward enrollment.
We believe that finances should not prevent anyone from receiving the support they need to thrive. Simply select the “Financial Aid” option during the registration process.
All mentors participate in an intensive 8-hour training and submit to a full background check process.