Journeymen

The Aims and Methods of the Journeymen Chapter of the Boys to Men Intenational Mentoring Network

Journeymen of Asheville is a nonprofit organization created by men for the specific purpose of mentoring boys 12-17 years of age through their passage into manhood. We believe it is the responsibility of the men in the community to guide our boys through play and work into self actualization, leadership, community service and emotional literacy. In doing so, these boys will get more essential tools to get through the epic transition into adult life.

Rites of Passage Adventure Weekend (RPAW) >>

We have a three-day adventure training that is designed to let boys discover who they really are and what they want to become.

The transformations possible for boys (and men) are amazing! Many boys come into a passage adventure emotionally shut down. Often, the only emotion that has been okay for them to show externally is anger or "flatness."

• We have simple processes that put them in touch with all of their feelings and emotions.
• We work to set up situations that let them experience their anger, fear, sadness and joy.
• We let them decide for themselves what values they want in their lives.
• We teach and model accountability and integrity.
• We dig with them as they discover a mission to guide them in their everyday actions.

Most importantly the Passage Adventures are an intensive wherein boys play and do deep work with mature men forming & deepening bonds that are the foundations of healthy individuals and communities.

Community Activities >>

Journeymen hosts regular events which can be an introduction to or follow up support for a Passage Adventure. We also work with other community organizations that have ongoing activities to integrate their specialty programs seamlessly with our program and activities.

We've found that much of a boy's real transformation occurs in these ongoing circles where trust and depth are always available for boys and men. In short, we come together every two weeks to play, eat, and talk about what's going on in our lives.

Many of the young men who complete a Journeymen Passage Adventure weekend participate in the community activities. This tells us that the Journeymen activities offer something that young men want in their lives. Everyone has a chance for fun and to feel the fulfillment of service work too.

Peer Processing J-Groups

Journeymen specializes in creating safe circles where boys can talk about the events, emotions, and experiences of their lives. Every Journeymen event concludes with a peer discussion group for the boys. It is a place where Journeymen get to practice being a fully alive and communicative man among men. Perhaps the simplest way to integrate the Journeymen into your already successful program is to invite Journeymen facilitators and teenage staffers to create a peer circle in conjunction with one of your activity times. We have a full menu of questions, activities, and exercises to stimulate adolescent boys into fun and meaningful sharing.

The Mentor Program >>

Any eligible boys that come into our program have the option of being matched up with trained mentor. There are many kinds of mentor match-up possible ranging from group mentoring to full weekly one to one mentor matches.

Boys to Men Inernational has developed it's own transformational three day Mentor Training Weekend - "Reclaiming Your Teenage Fire." The group and individual mentors who take this special training learn at a deep level how to listen, accept, admire and love their young men and to be there for them.

Program Ideals

• Character development
• Self image
• Personal values
• Interpersonal Skills
• Communication
• Boundary setting
• Emotional Awareness
• Language of feelings
• Stress management

Values

Love, service, leadership, loyalty, integrity, spirituality.

Journeymen Leadership Levels

We have five levels that boys pass through on their journey to manhood within our program. As a boy try and complete succeeding events, projects, and challenges, they gain recognition and responsibility within the program.

1. Initiate: A boy just into the program
2. Journeyman: A young man who has completed his Passage Adventure Weekend
3. Journeyman Leader: A Journeyman who has staffed a Passage Adventure Weekend, and completed 1 years J-groups.
4. Mentor: A Citizen Leader who has completed mentor training and has volunteered to mentor

J-Teams

J-teams are smaller groups or pairs of Journeymen who work together to accomplish a community service or Journeymen Excellence (merit badge) project.