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“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.”

Illuman Rising

A Rites of Passage for Middle School Boys (Entering Grades 7 – 9)

Four days in length, this 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.

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 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.

Following the rites, Illuman men, trained and screened by Journeymen, who help at the rites on site, will follow up with the boys in a council format via zoom.

FAQ

Who is Journeymen and what is their relationship to Illuman?

Journeymen shares a great deal with Illuman, except it focuses primarily on youth, offering rites of passage, council, wilderness wanderings, and other similar practices to help youth develop into healthy human beings. Nicky Wilkes, one of the founds went through the MROP in 2017. We are deeply grateful for their wisdom, passion, and partnership, especially in our own work with the next generation.  To make Illuman Rising a reality, we are partnering with Journeymen, due to their extensive and recognized work with youth.  All those present will be trained/screened by Journeymen.

What is a rites of passage?

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

We don’t have any camping gear!

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’.

Our son doesn’t want to go!

It is important to us that your son/boy says “Yes” to the experience. We’ve found that it can often be detrimental to the boy and the group when brought to an experience against their will.

That said, it is not uncommon for a boy/teen to initially resist an experience proposed by their parent or guardian. In this case, our team is always willing to hop on a call to chat with you and/or your son about the experience, and answer any questions/concerns they might have before making a decision.

We’ve found that once a boy has a better understanding of what he’s committing to and who he’ll be engaging with – he is much more empowered to make an informed decision that is in his overall best interest.

How are mentors selected?

All mentors participate in an intensive 8-hour training hosted by Journeymen and submit to a full background check process.

 

This transformational week will help boys:

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Reflections On The January Retreat

Illuman Of Washington
After making the MROP years ago, and coming home to unpack the experience virtually alone, the Illuman retreat gave me a sense that, finally, a community is present, and willing, to share the journey.
~Participant
Illuman Of Washington
After making the MROP years ago, and coming home to unpack the experience virtually alone, the Illuman retreat gave me a sense that, finally, a community is present, and willing, to share the journey.
~Participant
Illuman Of Washington
I attended the January retreat and was moved by the power of the male community. The greetings upon arriving shifted my focus to assessing my gifts, wounds, and blessings. The time and space shared presented an opportunity to seek spiritual direction and understanding in the community of brothers.
~Stephen
Illuman Of Washington
In the stillness of a damp, quiet corner of the Seattle metro area, a diverse group of men gathered to share rituals and a common desire to become better, more generative men. It was perhaps the first time I've ever experienced real unity in such a group of men, and the sacred time paved the way for some life-changing healing that could only have happened in the company of others.
~Sam
Illuman Of Washington
It was comforting to spend time in the company of men who are there to support you; and who you can support as they and you walk through the stages of life.
~Dennis
Illuman Of Washington
Last year's retreat, was powerful as a continuance for those of us who had been through an MROP and for our brothers who were interested in learning more about MROP's and opportunities for being with like minded men.
~Participant
Illuman Of Washington
The combination of the gathered group, the small group "council" times, and the time in solitude was refreshing. It felt like a safe place to reflect and refocus, receiving encouragement from others along the way.
~Participant
Illuman Of Washington
The January retreat was a great way to reconnect with the deepest needs of the spirit and leverage time-tested rituals for powerful impact. A wonderful opportunity to connect with other men that are on their own path of spiritual transformation, and learn from their journey and experiences.
~Participant
Illuman Of Washington
At the end of the retreat, I felt deeply at peace and very grateful for all the men who shared this space with me, as well as the volunteers who made it happen. I can't wait to go again!
~Ned
  • Home
  • Men’s Rites of Passage
    • What is the MROP?
    • Initiator Program
    • MROP Reflections
  • Elders’ Rites of Passage®
    • What is the EROP?
    • An Elder’s Offering
    • Registration & EROP Details
    • Before & After EROP
    • Returning Elders
  • Teen’s Rites of Passage
    • Growing Teens
    • Illuman Rising
  • Journey of Illumination
    • Overview of the JOI
    • Centering
    • Gathering
    • Connecting
    • Releasing
    • Serving
  • Events
  • Resources
  • Community
    • What are Councils?
    • Council Gatherings
    • Join – Serve – Lead
    • Members Portal
  • About
    • About Us
    • Contact
    • Partners

Illuman Of Washington
19110 – 17th Ave NW
Shoreline WA 98177
Jeffrey Batstone, Convener

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