The YouTube video below, is from Canadian Director Frederick Marx. It gives you a glimpse into the transformational power of a Boys To Men initiation weekend. That's a weekend where the lives of all males that attend are forever changed. Trust me, I've been there.
I DARE you to watch this short clip and not be deeply moved, have your heart melted, remember your boyhood, and not feel like you want to make a difference in a boy's life.
If you are so moved, contact information to learn how you might become involved is at the end of the clip. Or you can send me an email and I'll hook you up.
Like I said, I dare you.
(If the post doesn't show up, go to this YouTube link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3y8aG8ON5zI
July 25, 2007
July 16, 2007
Golf and Man-Making?
In the Man-Making book, one of many approaches for influencing boys that I suggest to men is to take something you're interested in and find a way to do it that involves young males. For example, I like golf. I've had a lot of fun with young dudes at mini-golf, on the driving range, and even on the occasional par 3 course. But when it comes to character education and golf, I was very impressed when I heard about the work of the First Tee Program.
First Tee was started in 1997 by the World Golf Foundation. They have the support of countless corporate sponsors AND the PGA and the LPGA, whose golf pros are directly involved in the program. Today they have 205 chapters and over 1.5 million kids involved.
In their life skills education training, along the way to learning how to play golf, they focus on nine pretty impressive core values:
1. Honesty - the quality or state of being truthful; not deceptive
2. Integrity - strict adherence to a standard of value or conduct. Personal honesty and independence.
3. Sportsmanship - observing the rules of play and winning or losing with grace.
4. Respect - to feel or show deferential regard for; esteem.
5. Confidence - reliance or trust. A feeling of self-assurance.
6. Responsibility - accounting for one’s actions. Dependable
7. Perseverance - to persist in an idea, purpose or task despite obstacles.
8. Courtesy - considerate behavior toward others. A polite remark or gesture.
9. Judgment - the ability to make a decision or form an opinion. A decision reached after consideration.
July 4, 2007
A Great Summer Book for Boys
The Dangerous Book for Boys, by Conn and Hal Iggulden is not at all dangerous. In fact, this is the perfect book for the young adolescent male, the book I wish I had when all the days of summer were stretched out in front of me. It's full of fun and the special kind of man-making knowledge that is guaranteed to keep a young male glued to the book. See if the following chapter headings don't stir your interest:
- Five Knots Every Boy Should Know
- How To Play Stickball
- How To Build A Treehouse
- Questions About The World
- Fossils
- The Golden Age of Piracy
- Timers and Tripwires
- Famous Battles
- U.S. Navel Flag Codes
- Juggling
- Insects and Spiders
- Secret Inks
- Navigation
- Navajo Code Talkers Dictionary
- Girls
- First Aid
I'm guessing that the content of this book will take you right back to your boyhood when knowing all this cool stuff made you a god amongst your pals. The book will also create a thousand opportunities for adult man-makers to engage the boys in their lives, talk, "do stuff," build things, and have a LOT of fun in the process.
If you were looking for an easy entry into man-making, this book could just be it.