Call of the Wild
A 5 Day Backpacking Adventure for Young Males
August 4-8th
What the Wild Calls…
It’s a terrain of uncertainty; a fertile ground for possibility. The intrepid explorer, willing to strike out into wilderness, sharpens those possibilities into focused purpose. Whether it’s charting a path on a mountain or finding a trail of inner resolve; the wild is a place beyond our knowing of what is.
As boys, we are raised and held in the comfort of our motherly garden. In this place we are cared for, nurtured, given our sustenance – one meal – one day at a time.
And then we begin to grow up. We start to feel curious about our own capabilities, for not only providing this sustenance for ourselves, but to provide for others as well.
We begin to ask– what is our purpose?
We can ask these questions of ourselves (and we must), but as with any adventure, it’s important to have guides help show us the way.
Boys need men to light the path.
To ask the right questions. And to listen.
And boys need men to remind them that this world is meant to be explored. That we need to walk the edge of risk for growths’ sake; and that there is a difference between healthy and unhealthy risk-taking.
This is the Call of the Wild.
The Journey: Five Days of Transformation
Day 1: Leaving the Village
"What are you leaving behind? What are you seeking?"
Every hero's journey begins with leaving the familiar. Your son will step away from screens, schedules, and suburban comfort into the embrace of wilderness. As fathers witness this conscious departure, boys begin their transition from dependent child to capable young man.
This isn't just hiking with a heavy pack – it's crossing the threshold into a larger story about himself.
Day 2: Finding Your Pack
"What does it mean to belong? How do you contribute?"
In nature, no animal survives alone. Your son will discover what it means to truly belong to something greater than himself. Through navigation challenges and group problem-solving, boys learn that real strength comes through cooperation, not competition.
Each young man will take turns leading the group, discovering his unique gifts while learning to support others in theirs.
Day 3: Facing the Unknown
"What are you afraid of? What makes you feel strong?"
The mountain will test every boy according to his readiness. Whether ascending a challenging peak or crossing a rushing stream, your son will face the kind of healthy risk that builds genuine confidence rather than false bravado.
This is where boys discover the difference between courage and recklessness – and learn that real bravery often means admitting when you need help.
Day 4: Service and Stewardship
"How do you want to serve the world?"
True masculine power serves life itself. Your son will learn that strength without service is merely ego. Through caring for the land, practicing Leave No Trace principles, and tending to the needs of the group, boys begin to understand what it means to be a guardian rather than a taker.
Each participant will teach the group one skill – discovering the joy of being a guide for others.
Day 5: Return as Changed
"Who are you becoming?"
The final day brings integration and celebration. Your son will reflect on how he's different from the boy who began this journey. Through a meaningful ceremony, each young man will commit to carrying these discoveries back into his daily life.
This isn't an ending – it's a beginning of conscious growth into manhood.
What Makes This Different
This isn't summer camp. There are no games, no entertainment, no distractions from the real work of growing up. Your son will carry everything he needs on his back, make his own decisions about pace and endurance, and discover capabilities he didn't know he possessed.
This isn't wilderness therapy. We're not fixing broken boys – we're awakening the gifts that were always there. Through meaningful challenge, authentic mentorship, and the teaching power of wild places, boys remember who they came here to become.
This isn't just adventure. While your son will develop real outdoor skills and physical confidence, the deeper work happens in evening conversations around the fire. Through stories, questions, and witnessed reflection, boys explore the essential questions of purpose, courage, and character.
The Village Approach
Before the Journey
Two weeks prior, fathers and sons will meet for a planning session. This isn't about gear lists – it's about setting intentions and creating conscious transition. Fathers will help prepare their sons not just practically, but emotionally and spiritually for this threshold crossing.
The Send-Off
Fathers will participate in a brief ceremony, officially releasing their sons to wilderness mentorship. Mothers will offer their blessing for this necessary separation. This creates sacred space around departure rather than just dropping off at a trailhead.
During the Adventure
While respecting the wilderness immersion, families will receive a daily update message. This serves both practical safety and emotional connection – mothers know their sons are cared for, fathers know their boys are being challenged appropriately.
The Return
Your son will come home changed. We'll provide guidance for how families can honor and integrate these changes rather than letting the experience fade into just another summer memory.
What Your Son Will Gain
Physical Confidence: Real competence in wilderness skills, navigation, and outdoor decision-making.
Emotional Intelligence: Practice with fear, frustration, discomfort, and joy in a supportive container.
Social Awareness: Understanding of how to contribute to a group while maintaining individual identity.
Spiritual Connection: Relationship with the natural world as teacher and home.
Inner Compass: Beginning clarity about his own values, gifts, and emerging purpose.
Brotherhood: Bonds with other young men based on shared challenge rather than shared entertainment.
Location
Timberline Loop
Location: Mt. Hood Wilderness
Distance: 40 miles
Why it's great for this age group:
Incredible views of Mt. Hood throughout
Travels through diverse landscapes: forests, meadows, rivers
Passes beautiful waterfalls and streams
Numerous established campsites with reliable water sources
Crosses the famous Pacific Crest Trail
Paradise Park's wildflower meadows are spectacular in summer
Easy bailout options at Timberline Lodge if needed
Reserve Your Spot
Program fees include:
5 day/4 night guided backpack trip in Oregon wilderness
Transportation to and from Portland metro
All associated camping/park access fees
Professional, highly-experienced leadership (trip leader carries a Wilderness First Aid certification for RM)
Trip insurance
Guided male mentorship for navigating early adolescence and accessing deeper states of being
Camping and backpacking gear as needed (more on this in the program details)
Water filtration and cookware
What's not included: Personal gear, such as backpack, sleeping bag/pad, mess kit, and hiking boots, meals on trail.
FAQs
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Our trip leaders are wilderness professionals with extensive experience working with youth. All leaders hold Wilderness First Aid certification, CPR certification, and have undergone background checks. Each trip is staffed with a minimum 1:5 adult-to-participant ratio.
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We carry satellite communication devices that work without cell service. Our comprehensive emergency action plan includes evacuation routes, nearby medical facilities, and daily check-ins with our base contact. Each trip leader carries a fully stocked first aid kit and is trained in wilderness medicine.
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Participants receive thorough instruction on wildlife safety protocols before and during the trip. We practice proper food storage techniques, travel in groups, and camp in designated areas that minimize wildlife interactions.
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This trip covers 12-20 miles over five days with moderate elevation gain. Daily hiking distances range from 2-4 miles, with packs weighing approximately 25-30 pounds. The pace is appropriate for beginners with basic fitness levels.
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This experience is created for boys 11 to 13 years old.