Coming of Age for Boys I 2011

Arrival at Songaia basecamp was to begin what would reveal itself to be an imposition of joy, discomfort and challenge, as seven youth stepped into the unknown. Severing ties from their childish ways and choosing that which would be their counterpart is a long and difficult process culminating at the end of the trip during the reincorporation process. The representation it chose of itself was that of the wilderness and what marvel and beauty it cherishes.

The sixty-mile hike from Cape Flattery was merely the importance held by the metaphor, as participants were those exposed to the subjection of initiating their first cautious yet courageous steps into manhood. Curious Seals, Sea Otters and Dahl Porpoises deemed their sighting a worthy one as they littered the Pacific Ocean that shapes the western coast. River and headland crossings were to taint challenging hikes. The experience denied no opportunity to swim in rivers and lakes throughout the three weeks; as well as their expressive parent: the ocean. Evenings revealed themselves to be donors of that valuable opportunity as posed by ‘council’; a sacred circle whose purpose is to allow genuine and authentic voices to express both emotions and fears as well as the provocation enticing listening from the heart. Mentors bless individual mentees as they cross the threshold to the ‘solo sites’, the chosen location in which they are to spend 24 solitary hours pondering both life and where on its surface and depth their feet will fall.

Returning from the Journey each boy now a youth tells an individual tale of courage, confidence, and even terror. Crossing the final threshold on the comforting return home, each individual returns with a weight whose lightening of their load in life is evident. The gifts they bring are soon to be shared with the world.

Written by Alessandro Genovese (Age 13), Coming of Age for Boys I 2011 Participant.