Pathways to Manhood was developed by Rex McCann, Essentially Men founder, in collaboration with an experienced team of men. Because Rex and the team have a strong grasp of teaching and contemporary issues facing men, the Pathways programme is ideal for stepping 13-15 year old teenage boys into the realms of leadership, self-confidence among men, and living life as an inspired man.

Pathways provides a vehicle for teenage boys to forge an authentic and strong self-identity in the company of a group of positive male guides and role models. Having his identity affirmed and developed by trusted men in a significant rite of passage event will give him theinsight and skills to safely and confidently negotiate the risks of teenage life - peer pressure, loneliness, drugs, cars, alcohol, pregnancy and violence - and emerge as a leader in his own right.

At Pathways to Manhood, boys and a significant male in their lives or a Pathways mentor, engage in a 5 day rite of passage - exploring themselves through adventure, arts, ritual, challenge, and communication skills. The event is based at a North Auckland campsite close to a forest, a beach and lake.

There is a balance of risk and safety, challenge and adventure through activities, carefully designed to build confidence and extend comfort zones. It is suitable and successful for boys of all types, from the quiet to the adventurous. Our time will include many shared activities among men and youth; story telling, mask making, creating music, listening and talking, fire circles, exciting games, a men's council and time alone. And of course there will be great food prepared by us all and lots of laughter.

At the end of 5 days to celebrate the emerging young men they are welcomed back to world in a homecoming ceremony by their mothers, extended family and friends.

"It was heaps of fun and you learn lots of new things about yourself and others, and learn how to speak your voice. I was challenged to do things I never thought I could do and then found them quite easy."

"I enjoyed the great friends I made in a very short space of time. The friendships I made are ones I want to keep."

"It is a great place to learn about becoming a man and about the man you want to become. I recommend this programme as a great way to speak your voice and trust other men."

Youth aged 14

After 5 days and nights in a strong community of positive role models a boy will come back with:

• a deeper self-respect
• a keen awareness of what's in his heart and what's right for him
• greater maturity and respect for elders and peers
• a willingness to step into leadership roles
• new and deeper bonds of connection and communication with his father or significant male based on mutual self-respect.

Fathers and men who come on the programme to support their boys tell us:

"At the homecoming he had a smile on his face when he saw us and an adult feel when he introduced us to his mentors. It was a sight as I never believed I would see him happy. He is more secure and trusting in his belief in himself and has a more communicative attitude."

"He felt a strong sense of community which made him think of where he wants to be and who he is. He has not become angry since Pathways but says 'can you please get out of my personal space'."

Grandmother of Pathways            youth

"Pathways is awesome – an amazing experience of the tenderness and strength of male laughter and tears – and its had a really positive impact on my relationship with my son."

Chris Mullins
Father of Pathways Youth

Pathways to Manhood is a structured process, lead by an experienced team of men including Essentially Men and Pathways to Manhood founder Rex McCann, Changeworks founder Ron Hepworth, Tony French, Richard Postel, Cameron Robinson, Michael Matthews, Matthew Coburn and Nicholas van Oldenborgh, and is supported by men from the Essentially Men network.

The next course is in the April school holidays  2010 and a limited number of places are still available. Course fee is $1295 - $895 for two (man and boy), this is a sliding scale, and you are invited to pay according to your means.

Book your place now
Please complete the registration form at www.essentiallymen.net

Enquire about payment plans and subsidised places
Payment plans are available. There are also a limited number of subsidised places available. Please speak to us if the cost is a barrier for you and we will work with you to find a solution. Phone 09 376 2386 or essentiallymen@clear.net.nz

"I have been working with youth and adults in the outdoors, running a variety of outdoor personal development programs since 1996. I have been involved with running the 'Pathways' program since 2001."

"Without a doubt pathways is the most effective program I have seen. It is amazing observing the resulting mature conversations of the youth with any man, looking them square in the eye, giving them respect and speaking their thoughts confidently without fear of judgement, stepping up into positions of responsibility, facing failures and great successes and learning well from both."

Nathan Duxfield