The Hero's Passage - Initiation into Manhood
for boys age 13-17
meeting weekly, along with a Passage Weekend


There comes a time in every rightly constructed boy's life when he has a raging desire to go somewhere and dig for hidden treasure.

    -- Mark Twain

The Young Hero
I want to find authentic experiences that I connect with, that mean something to me personally. I want to be decisive, and to step into life with energy and excitement. I want to discover what truly moves me in this world, then act to create the life of my choosing around my dreams and passions. I am ready to begin becoming my own man. I am ready to take the Hero's Passage.

The Vision
We believe that healthy, empowered, and supported boys will grow into their mature masculine selves, and become balanced, whole, and just men in our communities, nation, and world.

The Mission
Our mission is to provide further atmosphere and support through which boys can become healthfully empowered. We use mentoring, role modeling, group council, and ritual in a modern rites of passage initiation. We call on participants to identify their vision, dreams, passions, and the skills necessary to embody them. We then challenge these young men to move into their mature masculine selves and live the lives they choose to create.

Curricular Overview
In our meetings we will create an intentional space for authentic communication. Group council, ritual, games, fun, and artistic activities will be used. Topics will include: vision, dreams, passions, life skills, challenges, money, and personal values, among others. A model based upon vision, creativity, integration, and action will be continually used to support the overall process of empowerment.

Passage Weekend
A weekend rite of passage event will be a marking of the boys' ongoing transitions. This three-day, two-night retreat will be a solidifying event for all the understanding they are gaining. Lodging and food is included.


Who You Are
This program is both exciting and challenging. We will speak with each boy and his parents to determine the appropriateness and timeliness of his participation. Are you ready? You should take this program if:
  • You are between 13 and 17 years old
  • You want to empower yourself to take initiative and direction in your life
  • You are interested in identifying your dreams and passions, and creating your life from them
  • You believe that ultimately your life belongs to you


Who We Are


Edward 'Eamon' Duffy
Eamon is a youth mentor and has been involved with men's work, ritual process and personal growth work for over 15 years. He is a men's group leader, sustainable environment advocate, world traveler, and spiritual counselor. Eamon has three nephews and two nieces and aspires to give future generationsa better world.

Harwood Ferguson
Harwood has been teaching young people in Boulder for over seven years, both in private settings and at Friends' School. He is an outdoor educator, volunteer mentor, professional musician, and lover of life. Harwood constantly seeks to be available as a friend, guide, and role model to all his students.

Supporting Elders
Jeffrey Duvall, Keith Fairmont, Tom Daly and others connected to the Men's Leadership Alliance

Calendar
The program consists of weekly meetings on Thursday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 in Boulder. Meeting dates TBA:

Cost
We offer a sliding scale registration, ranging from $935 to $1,085. We ask that you pay what you can afford and help with scholarships. We know that this program is worth $1,085, 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. Space is limited to 10 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:
  $935-1,085
  $1,010-1,085
  $1,085
  $1,194
Cancellation:
 full refund (minus deposit)
 75% refund (minus deposit)
 no refund


Further Information

Download the brochure for this program PDF

For more information or other inquiries please contact us