Father-Son Rite of Passage
July 16 - July 24
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 16-24, 2025
- 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: $150 per person for shared expenses
- SIGN-UP DEADLINE: April 30, 2025
ITINERARY
- Wed, Jul 16 – Travel Day – Arrival in Pinedale. Hotel lodging.
- Thu, Jul 17 – Basecamp Trek – Big Sandy Trailhead, hike 7 miles to Clear Lake basecamp
- Fri, Jul 18 – Outdoor Skills – climbing, fishing, survival, etc.
- Sat, Jul 19 – Rest and Relaxation
- Sun, Jul 20 – Summit Day – climb East Temple Peak (12,605′)
- Mon, Jul 21 – Solo Day
- Tue, Jul 22 – Cirque of the Towers day hike
- Wed, Jul 23 – Hike to Trailhead, Drive to Hotel, Celebration Dinner
- Thu, Jul 24 – Travel Home
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 4 grandchildren. Life is good!
Doug Brown, Ph.D.
Over the years Doug has served as church pastor, camp director, and outdoor leadership professor. Doug is an outdoor expert that has skills and certifications including Leave No Trace Master Educator, Wilderness First Responder, Swift Water Rescue Technician, Single Pitch Rock Instructor, Mountaineering Skills and AIARE level II Avalanche Safety and Rescue. He and his wife Twila have two adult children. Life is good!
“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 leadership 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
- Manhood Rites and Blessings – 2024.docx
- The Adulting Challenge Blueprint 2024.docx
- Rite of Passage Expedition Planner – COMING SOON!
REGISTRATION
- Event registration opens up in February so stay tuned!