Father-Son Rite of Passage

Picture of Marty Miller

Marty Miller

The Father-Son Rite of Passage is a 7-day backpacking trip in one of the most stunning sections of the Rocky Mountains, the Wind River Range of Wyoming.  The purpose of this trek is not to see how fast we can go but how deep we can go, so most days are fairly short in distance but long in meaningful experiences.  During our time together you will not only strengthen your outdoor skills and nature knowledge but you will also be challenged to go deeper with God, yourself, and others.  Plus you will have a special bonding experience with your son(s) that will last a life-time.  Be prepared to be stretched in every way… but we’ll have fun doing it!

OVERVIEW

  • WHEN: July 19-26, 2026
  • WHO:  Fathers and their sons (ages 13+)
  • WHAT:  Backpacking, nature study, outdoor leadership, walking with God
  • WHERE:  Big Sandy Trailhead, Wind River Range, WY
  • PROVIDED:  Trip leadership, naturalist education, spiritual guidance, etc.
  • BRING:  You are responsible for your own camping equipment
  • COST:   $300 per dad. This helps cover our shared expenses.
  • SIGN-UP DEADLINE: April 30, 2026

ITINERARY

  • Sun, Jul 19 – Travel Day – Arrival in Pinedale. Hotel lodging.
  • Mon, Jul 20 – Basecamp Trek – Big Sandy Trailhead, hike 7 miles to Clear Lake basecamp
  • Tue, Jul 21 – Outdoor Skills – climbing, fishing, survival, etc.
  • Wed, Jul 22 – Summit Day – climb East Temple Peak (12,605′)
  • Thu, Jul 23 – Solo Day
  • Fri, Jul 24 – Cirque of the Towers day hike
  • Sat, Jul 25 – Hike out to Trailhead, Drive to Hotel, Celebration Dinner
  • Sun, Jul 26 – Breakfast, Head home

TIMELINE

  • Now – Register
  • Now – Acquire gear
  • Now – Begin physical training
  • Now – Read “Manhood Rites and Blessings”
  • Now – Begin the “Adulting Challenge Blueprint”
  • May 11 – Zoom Meeting #1
  • June 2 – Zoom Meeting #2
  • July 6 – Zoom Meeting #3

LEADERSHIP

Marty Miller, M.S. Ed.                        

Marty is gifted at discovering and sharing spiritual lessons from nature, God’s second book, as modeled by Jesus Christ, the master educator.  He is an experienced outdoorsman with skills and certifications that include WMI/NOLS Wilderness First Responder, ACA Swift Water Rescue, and AIARE Avalanche Safety.  Marty and his wife Gale have two adult children and 6 grandchildren. Life is good!

Email – marty@blueprintformen.org

Phone – 423-322-8491

“Leader of the Day”

During the trek each “father-son team” will have an opportunity to provide leadership for the entire group in what we call “Leader of the Day”.  During your leadership day you will guide and manage the group as pertaining to safety, schedule, teaching, devotionals, etc. Oversight will be provided by the trip leaders, but just enough to ensure that our objectives are met.

We all need to become better leaders.  And, as fathers, when we grow, our children grow!  By intentionally engaging our children in the decision making and leadership opportunities on this trip they grow with us!

TRIP PREPARATION

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