Back country BOYS Canada
TRAIL GUIDE

We have designed the Back Country Expedition to be small and personal. With only 6 father/son pairs, our aim is to come alongside you as purposefully and intentionally as possible, helping you to craft the experience for your son. Some of you are using this trip to launch into his "Man Year." Others are utilizing it as the culmination of the process. And still others are somewhere in between.

In preparation for the trip, we will be setting up a few video conferencing calls to allow you to meet some of the other Back Country participants and also share a little about you and your son prior to the trip. Together we will plot a course for you and your son, gather information from you on your hopes and desires, and help create an experience neither of you will ever forget.

It is easy for us men to get caught up in the practicals and logistics and lose sight of the heart. As you prepare for this summer's trip, we encourage you to take significant time to address your own life and story as you simultaneously think about your son's. An experience like this is meant to augment the fathering you are already doing, acting like an exclamation point on the end of your fathering sentence. Do not lose sight of the bigger story for yourself or for him.

There is much more to come in the months ahead. We look forward to journeying with you and your son through the wilderness and into his manhood!

You will soon be receiving an opportunity to download a free digital copy of the book, “Man Maker Project” written by one of our co-founders, Chris Bruno. Our hope is that you become familiar with the categories and concepts in the book. The expedition will not walk only through the book step-by-step, but we will be referring to it often.

As you read, begin to formulate your thoughts and desires regarding your son's passage process. What do you want to focus on with him? What characteristics are important to you, and how will you address them? Who will you have in your company of men? You don't need to have this all completed by the time we hit the trail, but it's a good idea to have a formulation in mind so you can engage your son accordingly.

Additionally, you will notice how often we refer to "Your Story." While this passage process is about your son, it starts with you finding healing in your own life and story. Before we head out to the woods, please spend some significant time reflecting on your own father-story. What aspects of your heart have been well cared for? What aspects have been wounded? The more you seek healing in these areas, the more you will be free to intentionally father your son. If you need resources (i.e. books, counselors, etc.) to aid in this process, please let us know.

Finally, do not be afraid to create anticipation and mystery for your son. Let him know you what you are working on, thinking about, and planning. Tell him about the trip, and involve him in the planning process. He will be thrilled!

Back Country Colorado will begin at 8:30 am on the morning of June 3rd. Because of this we recommend to arrive in North Bay, Ontario, Canada by the evening of June 2nd.

We will be gathering at 8:30am at Temagami Outfitters, packing you and your son and all your gear into a float plane. We will not be back to civilization until mid-day on June 7th. Please plan accordingly. You will be able to leave your car at Temagami Outfitters.

As you know, this experience is a 4-night, 5-day excursion into the wilderness. Each day we will be canoeing several miles, hiking, discovering beautiful lakes, catching fish, and enjoying all the grandeur of the Canadian Northwoods.

The lake Temagami area is about 6 hours north of Toronto. We have mapped out our days, and have divided them up to maximize our time together as a group, as well as having significant time just for father-son engagement. Feel free to do your own research on this area, as well as visit this site:

Please keep in mind this area is remote, and there will be no cell reception. Be good men and let your wives and significant others know where you will be, and when they can expect to hear from you. We do have experienced guides trained in first aid and wilderness emergencies.

We will be providing you with an emergency number to leave with your loved ones in case of emergency in the front-country. They will be able to reach us if needed. But tell them to assume no news is good news.

Please note: We've included recommended amounts of clothing so your pack is not too heavy. Remember that more clothes = more weight. All food and cooking items will be provided.

Also, sleeping bags, pads, and tents are all provided.

Camping Gear:
Lightweight camp chair

Clothing:

2 Moisture-wicking T-shirts
2 Moisture-wicking pairs underwear
1 Quick-drying pants/shorts
1 Long-sleeve shirts (for sun, bugs)
Sun-shielding hat
Head-covering Bugnets
Swimsuits
Hiking Boots/shoes
Socks (synthetic or wool)
1 Insulating jacket or vest (i.e. fleece)
Warm hat
Rainwear (jacket and pants) or Umbrella
Water sandals
Gloves

Personal Items:

Valid Passport

Refillable 1L water bottles
Bandanas (useful for many things
Headlamps/flashlights
Extra batteries
Reusable coffee mug/cup (1 each person)
Bowl and/or plate (1 each person)
Spoon/fork/spork (1 each person)
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Hand sanitizer
Eyeglasses/contact lenses if needed
Prescription medications if needed
Toothbrush
Toiletry kit
Eye-mask for sleeping
Earplugs for sleeping
Camera
Notebook and pen/pencil
Bible (small!)
Fishing gear for Pike, Bass, and Lake Trout (small kit- not a big tackle box)
Fishing license
A sense of humor and adventure!

While our days will not be overly strenuous paddling or hiking distances, we will be portaging, which means carrying all of our gear and our canoes from one lake to another. Because of this it's important for participants to be in good physical condition. Please start working out now!