man maker: RAFTING

This is not just a river trip. God the Father used the wilderness as the context for his Son’s preparation for ministry, and we believe there is no better place to help your son discover who he is becoming as a man. All the while, we will be learning to handle a tandem canoe, hiking beautiful canyons, fishing in the beautiful Arkansas River, and camping away from civilization and while enjoying the fierce beauty of the Colorado. This expedition is perfect for dads who want to take it up a notch and experience more with their sons than they could alone.

Man Maker: Rafting is Phase 2 of the Man Maker Expedition series, and is designed for fathers and sons ages 12-15 years old. During this experience, we continue building on the foundation you have laid and dive deeper into what it means to be a man. This is a great kickoff, culmination or somewhere in the middle for your son's "Man Year" experience. We believe boys are born, but men are made. [Specific activities intentionally kept secret!]

Additionally, our guides will teach through the categories and concepts presented in the Man Maker Project book, and walk with intention into deeper understanding of Godly masculinity.

Man Maker: Rafting is truly a back-river experience. This is mostly primitive with no facilities but the woods. However, our river guides have over 40 years of experience providing delicious meals and canoe instruction so there is no need for prior canoeing experience. Ability to physically paddle a canoe and hike moderately is required.

Your adventure begins in the early afternoon on July 6th in Buena Vista, Colorado. The trip concludes mid-day on July 10th, also in Buena Vista.

No outdoor or whitewater rafting experience is necessary, through all participants must be physically able to paddle a raft for a few hours a day, and do some moderate hiking. There will be other physical challenges included in this experience as well, though participants may opt out if needed.

We provide all river gear, all meals, and our guides have over 40 years of river guiding experience, creating the space for any father-son pair to participate.

You’ll be led by experienced river guides as well as facilitators who will walk you and your son through the relational content of the weekend.

We provide all rafts, life vests, gear related to rafting, and group gear. All meals are also provided. You are responsible for personal clothing and most camping gear. A limited number of tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads are available to rent.

Upon registration you will receive a packing list which will outline everything you need for a great trip.

This is truly is an epic adventure. We will spend the first day and a half acclimating, playing and preparing to hit the river. Then, as we raft down the Arkansas River in Colorado, we’ll make our way through the red canyon walls, navigate rapids, and enjoy the stunning beauty of the river and surrounding canyon. We will pull out of the river each night to make camp and enjoy a delicious dinner. We have no doubt this will be one of the most memorable trips you’ve ever experienced.

In addition to amazing adventure in a beautiful place, fathers and sons will have separately facilitated times with our trained trail guides, inviting them deeper into the categories of Godly masculinity. We will be challenged to share our stories, consider how each man uniquely reflects the image of God, and utilize the elements of risk to usher the young men into true manhood. Our time together will culminate in a blessing ceremony during which each boy will be clearly called into manhood.

If you have any desire whatsoever to initiate your son into Godly manhood, then use this trip to catalyze the process. It is a great kickoff, culmination or somewhere in the middle of your son’s rites of passage experience. Father will receive pre-departure material, guided conversation suggestions, and trail guides to prepare for the journey.

You will also receive a copy of The Man Maker Project: Boys are Born, Men are Made, so they are resourced and prepared to think intentionally about the Rites of Passage year for their sons. Prior to the expedition, a member of the Restoration Project team will connect with each father individually in order to best support him in our process of initiating his son.

We’d love to chat more with you if you have any questions. Please email Michael at michael@restorationproject.net