Local families once again have the chance to enrol their teenage sons in the Bellingen Young Men Rites of Passage Camp — a four-day program running from the 3rd-6th of September.
The camp is designed for boys aged 15–17 and focuses on supporting young men through one of the more significant transitions in their lives. Over four days in a natural bush setting, participants take part in storytelling, outdoor challenges, mentoring conversations and facilitated reflection on topics like relationships, responsibility, and wellbeing. The program closes with a community acknowledgment ceremony that brings families together to mark the occasion.
The camp has deep roots in the Bellingen community, having run successfully for many years before COVID hit. It returned last year with strong results, and this year’s program is being delivered by a team with extensive experience running camps of this kind. Families can feel confident the program is in good hands.
Young men in this age group benefit enormously from structured time with positive male role models, honest conversations about identity and purpose, and the kind of challenge that builds real confidence. The camp creates that environment — away from screens and the usual pressures, in the company of other young men going through the same stage of life.
Boys who attend typically come away with stronger self-awareness, a clearer sense of who they want to be, and new connections — both with their peers and with mentors from the broader community. For many families, it becomes a meaningful marker in their son’s teenage years.
Places are limited, and the camp is open to boys from across the Bellingen Shire and neighbouring communities. If you have a son aged 15–17 and would like to know more — including dates, costs, and what to expect — reach out to the team at bellingenrop@gmail.com.