MOTHER & DAUGHTER

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.

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.

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

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.org

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.

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.

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.

Please keep us posted if you are delayed on 0402 610 597.

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).

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.

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.

Byron Hinterland weather can differ from the Byron Bay forecast, so please pack to suit all conditions. April is generally dry, but the mountains are known for making their own weather at times! You can expect day time temperatures of 20-22 degrees, dropping to around 15 overnight. We have been getting some rain over the last week and this is expected to continue, so the campsite may be wet and muddy depending on weather over the next week or so. Please keep an eye on the forecast and come prepared.

Please send us an email to info@ritesofpassageinstitute.org or call 0402 610 597 otherwise we look forward to seeing you soon.