Father and Son Retreat (Ages 9 to 12)
August 1-3, 2008
near Estes Park - Colorado


New Pathways
In our work, boys have shown us how deeply important their father's are to them. When examining their wounds and longings, often there is a father at the base of them. Because the father/son relationship is so important, we have organized a weekend retreat specifi cally in support of men and their sons.

Fathers and Young Sons
Fathers and their young sons will spend most of their time having fun, learning about nature and being with their fathers in playful, engaging activities. Boys will experience the power of simple rituals. They will witness mature men in a council circle, speaking truth, listening with heart, providing support.

Fathers will be encouraged to share stories of their own boyhoods, to express some of the joys and fears, and to help their sons to recognize the manhood that awaits them. Boys will be gently invited to talk about their lives, their hopes and dreams, the stories that most attract them.

It is our hope this gathering will become a tradition that gently and joyfully guides boys into their adolescence and manhood. We believe the passage into manhood among the most important a boy will make in his life. Although he may not recognize it, a boy approaching manhood benefi ts greatly from an aware father standing with him. We encourage and support the partnership.

Fathers and sons will have time away from each other, with the other fathers and sons, to do personal work. In some cases, the stories and processes need to be separate, with more orchestrated encounters when fathers and sons come back together.

Coming Together
There will be a spirit of celebration. Each of the men, and their sons, stepsons or nephews, will gain a new understanding of this most primary relationship. It is one each of us has struggled with, embraced at times, shunned other times, but has eventually come to appreciate. In the power of council, ritual, wild nature and soulful community, the beauty of fathers and sons will bless us all.
Blessed indeed is the man who hears many gentle voices call him father!

    Lydia M. Child

Details
Participants will begin at 10am Friday, and return by 3pm Sunday. Fresh, wholesome meals will be provided, starting with Friday dinner and ending with Sunday lunch. Directions and a gear list will be sent to you upon receipt of your registration.

Staff
Jason Geoffrion, Bob Stein, Michael Herrick and staff. You can view biographies of our staff here.

We look forward to your stories of the beauty and challenge of being fathers and sons in the modern world.

 Cost
We offer a sliding scale registration ranging from $350-500. We ask that you pay what you can afford and help with scholarships. We know that this program is worth the $500, but we want to assure that everyone who wishes to attend is not held back due to financial consideration.

A minimum non-refundable deposit of $100 is required to hold your reservation and assure you of a spot in this gathering. Meals are included. Space is limited to 12 participants.

If you wish to set up a payment plan or inquire about a scholarship, please arrange with the MLA office prior to the event.

Deposit: (non-refundable)
$100reserves your participation
Fee:
before July 4th$350-500
July 4th to July 18th$425-500
after July 18th$500
on-site Payment$550
Cancellation:
before July 4thfull refund (minus deposit)
July 4th to July 18th75% refund (minus deposit)
after July 18thno refund

Registration
Register on-line for this program using PayPal's secure website:

Fathers and Sons Retreat
Ages 9-12
August 1-3, 2008

Or you can print, fill-out, and mail your registration using the form below. Please include your deposit or registration fee by check made payable to "Men's Leadership Alliance".

  Printable MLA Registration Form

After you Register
Please write us a short letter outlining your reasons for coming. State your age and the age of your son, stepson, or nephew. Be sure to let us know if you have a specific desire for an outcome you would like to achieve at the gathering.

Once we have received your full registration, you will receive a detailed schedule of retreat activities, a gear list, and a list of questions to entertain with your son, stepson or nephew prior to arriving. Partipation in this event is limited to 12 boys.


Further Information
For more information or other inquiries please contact us
 
The Men's Leadership Alliance is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring authentic manhood.
We encourage and support soulful living in the service of a just, joyful, and sustainable world.
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