Fathers and Sons Learning
Together To Build 
Bonds for a Lifetime 

My son didn’t really care what we were going to do,
he just wanted to spend time with me in the wilderness. 
That we could do this with other fathers and sons was a plus. 
But it was the rituals and experiences that blew us both away. 

As important as sports and regular family activities are, something magical happens to men and boys in wilderness. Aided by a wild expansiveness, night darkness illuminated by millions of stars and planets, and guided conversation around a flickering fire, men experience being alive in the enchanting, self-organizing mystery into which they were born. 

In this setting men and boys become open to new ways of seeing, thinking and being.  Both have time to connect, explore, and step outside of their regular routines and distractions. 

Illuman guides create a safe container for challenging, fun activities in which fathers and sons play together, and engage each other as authentic individuals.  Rituals lower resistance, reflection time opens channels for healthy communication. Deeper bonds result. Previous dads tell us that seeds were planted for a lifetime of fun adventures, and meaningful relationship.  

Our partnership with Nicky Wilks of Journeyman (Vashon Is., WA) leverages his four years of experience conducting similar weekends.  He is supported by Illuman men who have been trained as guides and mentors.

This weekend retreat is for guys 13-18 years old, accompanied by their father, grandfather, or adult male mentor. This campout weekend will help fathers:

• Build a stronger father/son relationship

• Cultivate healthy communication skills

• Increase awareness of challenges facing youth today

• Explore creative methods for supporting your son

• Build your community by connecting with and learning from fellow fathers and sons

• Deepen your connection with nature

Cost: We offer a sliding scale with the suggested fee of $400 per father/son pair.
This amount or more helps us offer reduced rates for father/son pairs who need assistance. The payment is required prior to your participation in the Father/Son Weekend. It covers one adult male and one teen male. If you have any question regarding fees or would like to request a scholarship, please contact us.

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash