Aims and Objectives through Fun and Adventure
The aim of the Pathways to Manhood programme is twofold. The first is to assist in the transition from boy to young man which is a critical period in the life of any teenage boy. The second is to inspire our boys to have a vision and reach their potential.
The Pathways programme has desired outcomes that include:
- Increased self esteem
- Improved communication and leadership skills
- Decreased harmful behaviour such as drug and alcohol abuse
- Decreased youth suicide
- Better results at school
- Healthier and more stable families
The Pathways to Manhood programme was developed by men interested and concerned about the health and wellbeing of boys and young men in Australia. These men believe that boys need a range of adult men as role models, confidants, mentors, heroes and friends who will journey with them as they develop their male identity and thus grow into balanced integrated men themselves.
At Pathways we have a team of highly qualified and caring Leaders. The programme starts as a bush camp that is designed to acknowledge and honour the change from boy to young man. The boys have the opportunity to hear the stories of older men and ask questions in a sharing environment. They are exposed to a series of safe yet demanding ordeals to test and challenge them physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Fun processes such as sharing of personal experiences, story telling, adventure and relationship building activities are also part of the programme. It is a guided journey towards a deeper understanding of what it means to live a balanced adult male life in today's world.
Pathways programme evaluation and development has recognised that follow up and the creation of ongoing support and mentoring systems for the young men is a vital part of their healthy development. The ongoing and changing relationship between the boy and his parents is also recognised as being of fundamental importance. Young men who are graduates of the programme are invited to return as part of the future leaders programme and assist in the running of the camps.