What is the Boys to Men Mentoring Network?

     The Boys to Men Mentoring Network of Greater Washington is a nonprofit organization created by men for the specific purpose of mentoring boys in the years of adolescence through their passage into manhood. We believe it is the responsibility of the men in the community to guide our boys into integrity, accountability, emotional literacy, truth and mission. In doing so, these boys will gain more essential tools to get through adolescence, that epic transition into adult life. We have developed a four tier transition and guidance program:

The Rites of Passage Adventure Weekend

      This is a three-day adventure training 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.” Through simple processes we 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 experience in which boys play and do deep work with mature men forming & deepening bonds that are the foundations of healthy individuals and communities.

Community Activities

     Boys to Men Of Greater Washington, hosts regular events which can be an introduction to or follow up support for a Passage Adventure. 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. 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 BTM Passage Adventure weekend participate in the community activities. This tells us that the BTM activities offer something that young men want in their lives and we have a lot of fun! Everyone has a chance for fun and to feel the fulfillment of service work too.

Peer Processing Groups

     Boys to Men Of Greater Washington, specializes in creating safe circles where boys can talk about the events, emotions, and experiences of their lives. Every BTM event concludes with a peer discussion group for the boys. It is a place where Journeymen (teens who have done the Passage adventure weekend) get to practice being a fully alive and communicative man among men. We have a full menu of questions, activities, and exercises to stimulate adolescent boys into fun and meaningful sharing.

The Mentor Program.

     Boys to Men Of Greater Washington, is a mentoring organization. There are many kinds of mentor match-up possible ranging from group mentoring to one to one mentor matches. Boys to Men National, has developed its own transformational two day mentor training weekend called “Reclaiming Your Teenage Fire.” The group and individual mentors who take this special training learn at a deep level how to to listen, accept and admire their young men and to be there for them.