MAN MAKER: RAFTING
TRAIL GUIDE

We have designed the Backcountry Expedition to be small and personal. With only 10 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 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.

As this is a backcountry trip, each person needs a significant amount of gear. This website contains a list of recommended items to bring. Tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and backpacks can be rented from Restoration Project if needed. Email michael@restorationproject.net to coordinate this gear rental.

You are responsible to make sure the gear you bring is functional and in good condition! Also, temperatures will dip down to 40 degrees so pack clothing accordingly.

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!

If you haven’t already, 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!

The trip will begin in Buena Vista at Noah’s Ark Rafting the afternoon of July 6th. It is your responsibility to arrive there at that time with all of your gear. Keep in mind that if you are flying in from out of state, the nearest airport will be Denver (2.5 hours from Buena Vista)

Once arriving at Noah’s Ark, you will be able to leave your car there for the duration of the trip. The experience will conclude at approximately 11 am on July 10th.

This experience is a 4-night, 5-day adventurous trip, where we will be rafting trip down the picturesque Arkansas River. Each day we will be honing our rafting skills, hiking, climbing, swimming, fishing, and enjoying all the grandeur of the stunning landscape. 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.

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 trail guides trained in first aid and wilderness emergencies.

We will be providing you with an emergency phone number to leave with your loved ones in case of emergency in the front-country. They will be able to reach us.

If you have any questions at all about the trip, please email Jeremy and/or Michael.

Please note: All rafts, paddles, life-jackets, dry bags, helmets meals, cooking equipment, and private latrine facilities will be provided.

Camping Gear:

• Tent for you and your son - (Our Outfitter has these available to use for free if you would like.)

• Sleeping bag (40 degree rating or better)

• Sleeping pad - (Our Outfitter has these available to use for free if you would like.)

• Small backpack for day hikes

• Lightweight camp chair

• Duffle bag

• Small mesh bags to organize

• clothing & gear

Clothing:

• Moisture-wicking T-shirts

• Moisture-wicking pairs underwear

• Quick-drying pants/shorts

• Long-sleeve shirts (for sun, bugs)

• Sun-shielding hat

• Swimsuit

• Hiking Boots/shoes

• Socks (synthetic or wool)

• 1 Insulating jacket or vest (i.e. fleece)

• Warm hat Rainwear (jacket and pants)

• Water sandals

• Warm gloves and beanie

Personal Items:

• Refillable 2L water bottles

• Bandanas (useful for many things)

• Camp towel - the small, microfiber kind

• Day pack (small backpack)

• Multi-tool/knife

• Headlamps/flashlights

• Extra batteries

• Reusable coffee mug/cup
  Sunscreen

• Towel

• Biodegradable soap

• Lip balm

• Insect repellent

• Hand sanitizer

• Sunglasses (with strap to keep them from falling off)

• 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

• Fishing gear for trout fishing (if desired)
  Colorado Fishing license

• A sense of humor and adventure!

While our days will not be overly strenuous, it's important for participants to be in good physical condition.