Marin Boys Summer Adventures on Mt. Tam

"It's amazing to see this group of boys in the midst of their teenage lives have this incredible bond together in ways that reveal true maturity... The boys have a capacity to hold a lot for themselves, each other, and the world." - Boys Group Leader

​This Marin boys group just had their Summer Trip and start to 9th grade! Enjoy the summary from the group Leaders!

As a few days have passed since the weekend and having some time for reflection, I would like to share how wonderful the trip really felt, and each day was a success and fun. Once we were able to get all of the logistics and preparation details out of the way, it was so easy to drop into the campout. It's amazing to see this group of boys in the midst of their teenage lives have this incredible bond together in ways that reveal true maturity.

Several themes we heard and saw were about the importance of having balance between "busy" life and relaxing (especially in nature!), the natural embrace of new member T into the group, supporting one another, working through processes as a group (choosing hikes, games, cooking/cleaning, etc.), and mostly just having fun together...

Bootjack Campground worked out really well as a destination and we SO appreciate your additional help and flexibility on the front end. While there were other folks camping nearby, we were able to stay within our own world together and were very courteous to our neighbors (and vice versa!). The campground set us up for comfortable living over two days and two nights, as well as great access to Mt. Tam hiking.

Getting on trail allowed for a lot more focused group cohesion. We were able to stay active in a beautiful area, learn and interact with the landscape, have casual conversation, have silent walks and sit spots, explore off trail and in waterfalls, and have great views. 

We had several elements of Council, briefly and more extended, throughout the weekend. The boys have a capacity to hold a lot for themselves, each other, and the world. There were many moments where we brought the natural disasters and suffering people into the Council, while we also focused on what we can ask of our dreams to bring into our lives. Upon leaving, we had a Council just after a 30 minute sit spot, with the intention of integrating an important moment from the weekend into our "normal" lives. We are excited to see how that looks in a couple weeks from now, as this program is and life is a never ending process of checking back in with ourselves, individually and together. We are really just excited to see that the boys had fun together, got to relax in the woods, and that they are dedicated to this group.

From the leadership team, we are really glad to have spent time together with the group. Leader S was able to come out for part of Friday and part of Saturday, which made for some fun bonding time that did not overstretch him. Leader N was great as always with his relationship with the boys, teaching and sharing knowledge about the land, and a true mentor. Elder B must be the most incredible Elder I know, he does not skip a beat with the boys! Whether it's on trail, in council, or just hanging out, Elder B fulfills his role and more.

As for me, new Leader P, I would just like to thank you all for your continuing open arms as I am stepping into this group. This weekend I feel I really had an opportunity to drop in with the boys individually and collectively, and get a tone of what this SSP group is all about. I look forward to more of this with all of you, and so thankful to be apart of this!

Thanks,
Leaders P, S, N and Elder B