YMROP 2024:
Young Men's Rites of Passage
at Harpers Ferry, WV

For Young Men 18-29

May 15 - 19, 2024

REGISTRATION CLOSES ~ MAY 1, 2024

Still Point Mountain Retreat
1681 Patriots Way
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425

Is YMROP Right for you?

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Life is a journey. A wonderful and difficult journey. At times each of us can feel lost, unsure of which next step to take when we come to the inevitable fork in the road. These decision points can seem more prevalent -- and daunting -- during transitional times in our lives: the transition from youth to adolescence, and from adolescence to adulthood. Navigating these transitions during this time of rapid cultural, political, and technological change can seem downright bewildering, especially if you are trying to navigate them alone. 

But the good news is that you are not alone! Through the Young Men's Rites of Passage (YMROP) offered by Illuman DC, you have the opportunity to join a global brotherhood of men who lead and serve locally. And while manhood does not come with a manual, it does help immensely to share deeply with your peers and to learn lessons from mentors who are further along on their journeys. 

These questions may help you decide if you are ready for YMROP:

  • Has something been stirring in you? Are you longing for a more meaningful life?

  • Are you curious to know more about what it means to be a good man? Are you ready to more fully embody a mature presence in the world?

  • Do you desire positive mentoring and to be in the company of true elders who care? Do you seek authentic sharing among other young men on life's journey?

  • Do you sense that past wounds may be inhibiting your relationships or limiting your ability to experience life more abundantly?

  • Do you experience loneliness and a desire for community?

  • Were you expecting more than your experiencing now?

  • Are you troubled by selfish and harmful examples of manhood and looking for a better way?

  • Are you sensing a need for change? Do you long for clearer purpose and direction?

If you answered “YES” to any of these questions, we invite you to learn more about Young Men’s Rites and to register below.

What is Illuman?

ILLUMAN is a fellowship of men transforming men, through a power greater than ourselves. We support men who are seeking a life-long journey of spiritual transformation. Our primary concern is inner work that makes a difference in the world. We are fed by the wisdom traditions of forgiveness and radical inclusivity.

Using the ancient tools of nature, ritual, image, storytelling, and council we help one another reclaim the soul’s wisdom and the gift of joy. Bearing gifts that often come straight from the wound itself, we then join sisters and brothers, as healing agents in a hurting world.

The Young Men’s Rites of Passage (YMROP) builds on the experience of Illuman in guiding over 5,000 men through deeply transformative rites of passage in Europe, Australia and North America. It is conducted as a five-day, wilderness-based retreat for young men between the ages of 18 to 28. Young men in American, Germany, Britain and Australia have found these rites profoundly transformational.

You can learn more about Illuman at Illuman.org.

Who’s Leading the Rites?

 The Young Men’s Rites of Passage is led by a community of elders and initiated men who care deeply about the formation and initiation of our young brothers.  Most are local to the DC area although some of the men on the team will enthusiastically travel a great distance to be a part of this event. 

We are storytellers, teachers, mentors, models and men on the journey ourselves toward greater wholeness and maturity.  We’ve learned from both the hardships, failings, joys and celebrations of life and are eager to share from our wisdom and experience with those who come.  We’re committed to help the initiates recognize that they in fact live within a sacred universe and that their lives matter for others and for the sake of the future of our planet.

JIM TAYLOR, WEAVER

Jim Taylor is a Weaver and Wisdom Elder with Illuman, where he conducts Men’s Rites of Passage and other events to strengthen the masculine spiritual journey.  Jim also serves as pastor of Mosaic Community Church in Seguin, Texas.  Mosaic is an Emerging Church with strong values in social justice and sustainability.  A dedicated spiritual guide, wilderness wanderer, and lover of the more-than-human world, Jim engages other men in deepening their capacity for elder wisdom and soul work through immersion into wild landscapes and nature-based retreats.  He is married to Lynda for 31 years and the father of three daughters.

Three men have had great influence on Jim as mentors and guides in his own spiritual journey:  Fr. Richard Rohr, founder of the CAC and Men As Learners and Elders; Dr. Belden Lane, author,  teacher, Weaver & Wisdom Elder in Illuman.org; and Terrell Piechowski, practitioner in the Lakota Tradition of North America.  All three men have led Jim into a deeper conversation with the more-than-human world around us, the spiritual world that inhabits everything, and how men can engage in a generative way as they move through this world.

At home, Jim enjoys being with his family, cooking, watching a good movie, playing games, or sitting together around the fire pit.  He says you are all welcome to stop by for a visit if you are nearby San Antonio. The porch light is on and there's plenty of hay for your horse!

2024 YMROP DETAILS

YMROP Costs (Includes Program, Housing & All Meals)

  • The cost of this YMROP is $350 which includes program, housing, and all meals. (This only covers a fraction of our actual cost. The full cost is underwritten by the generous support of others.) Scholarships are available up to $250.

  • $100 deposit required at registration (See Refund Policy Below)

  • The Unpaid Balance of the Registration Fee is Due by May 1, 2024

  • Please note ~ scholarships are available. Illuman DC strives to make this event available to all men regardless of their financial situation.

  • If you have any questions about payments, please contact us.

Refund Policy

  • Full Refund at any time if the YMROP is cancelled by Illuman DC.

  • Cancellation by Participant After May 1, 2024 – No Refund

COVID-19 Protocols

The health and well-being of all who attend Illuman DC events is always a priority. We will require attendees to follow precautions mandated by the Center for Disease Control and State and Local guidelines specific to the time and location of the YMROP.

Your Next Steps

  • SAVE THE DATE: Wednesday, May 15 through Sunday, May 19, 2024.

  • CHECK OUT VENUE: Still Point Mountain Retreat in Harpers Ferry – a beautiful wilderness environment, only one hour from the Dulles Airport.

  • REGISTRATION IS OPEN ~ SIGN UP TODAY: We invite you to sign up now!

  • CONTACT US WITH YOUR QUESTIONS: Please feel free to forward your questions to: Dan Harris, DC Event Coordinator

  • SPREAD THE WORD: Tell your friends about this and make plan to go with them.