What actually happens on the program?
The program is a mixture of games and activities as well as a more serious side where we will be sharing stories as a way of passing on wisdom and knowledge, spending time relaxing around a fire, and in a facilitated discussion.
We create healthy, safe challenges to help your boys explore who they want to be in the next stage of their life and what behaviours they need to let go of.
We will also create personal visions for the future and spend time recognising and acknowledging the gifts, talents and genius in each of us.
Are the camps religious in nature?
All of our camps and programs are completely non-denominational in nature and are not associated with any religion.
We welcome everyone to our programs.
Can I use my phone at camp?
We create a sense of separation from your regular way of being. No phones, no routines, no watches and no computer- it helps us to be really present, think about things differently and have real conversations that don’t normally happen.
What is the involvement for the mothers?
Mothers play such a vital role in the Rite of Passage process, even though you are not physically at the camp. Mothers have already been invited to a Zoom call with our women’s team and you are also invited to attend the leaving and return ceremonies on the first and last day of camp (if you cannot attend in person, you can join a Zoom call with our women’s team that night).
The arrival and departure ceremonies are key aspects to this camp where we send the boys off and welcome them back as young men on their return. They are moving, powerful and important markers of this process. We know it’s not always practical for all mothers / stepmums / significant women in your son’s life to be there, but if possible we highly recommend attendance.
The Leaving Ceremony is purely for Mothers, and Accompanying Women so if you have other children that are attending, our staff will help supervise them during the ceremony if required. The Returning Ceremony is a celebration to welcome back your Young Man and is open for all family and friends to attend. Please just let me know if you are attending and if you have any dietary requirements as per my earlier email.
The details are:
- Arrive at 1045 for an 11am start on Tuesday 22 April. We will conclude by 4pm (lunch is provided, just let us know if you have any dietary requirements by emailing info@ritesofpassageinstitute.org).
- Leaving ceremony Zoom call will commence at 7pm and you can use this link to access the call – https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8472871786?omn=83200219574
- Arrive at midday on Saturday 26 April for the return ceremony, with it concluding by 4pm. If you are attending in person, we ask you to bring some flowers or foliage if possible as we will create a mandala to welcome the men and young men back from camp. Lunch will also be provided, just let us know if you have any dietary requirements by emailing info@ritesofpassageinstitute.org.
- Leaving ceremony Zoom call will commence at 530pm and you can use this link to access the call – https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8472871786?omn=83200219574
I urgently need to contact someone on camp – what do I do?
Since our camps are tech free and there is no reception on the property, our staff can get a message to participants in an emergency.
For urgent matters, please call 02 6698 6158 or 0402 610 597
For less urgent matters, please email info@ritesofpassageinstitute.
Times
We kick off at 1045 for an 11am start at Durrumbul Hall, Coopers Lane, Main Arm, NSW – around one hour from the Gold Coast airport and a 10 minute drive from Mullumbimby. We conclude by 4pm at Durrumbul.Transfers
A free shuttle bus will take you from/to the Gold Coast airport if needed. The bus will leave at 930am on the first day of camp. It will drop you back around 5pm on the last day and we recommend booking flights home after 630pm in case there are any delays.
Where do I find the bus?
If you are using the shuttle bus from the Gold Coast airpoort, head out of the terminal building and turn left. Head to the end of the terminal building and you will see a car parking area with signage for bus pick up. Look for the bus with “Steve’s Transport” on it.What if I am delayed?
Please keep us posted if you are delayed on 0402 610 597.What are the sleeping arrangements?
This is a weekend of camping in tents – note you cannot sleep or access your vehicle during the camp. If you have not booked camping equipment and need it, you can hire it from us – please email us if you need to book it (or if you are not sure if you have booked it already).I have dietary needs
The week is fully catered for so there is no need to bring food. We will cater for your dietary needs so please do not bring additional food or snacks unless pre-arranged for specific dietary requirements.What should I pack?
Please include the following when packing:
- Day pack
- Water bottle
- Hat
- Torch
- Sunscreen & insect repellent
- Sturdy walking shoes
- Clothing for the outdoors
- Rain jacket (essential item)
- Toiletries, towel and a face washer
Please do not bring any sports equipment, reading/writing material or non-prescription drugs or alcohol. Mobile phones, cameras, watches, computers and electronic devices are not to be used. They will be collected on arrival and stored safely for the duration of the camp.
