7 Days 6 Nights Sunday to Saturday
for Boys aged 12 to 17

July 13-19, 2008

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Contact & Schedule Information

Find registration forms

Meet the staff

Directions to 2008 Camp

Join us in a fun and informative retreat in April!

A unique wilderness experience connecting boys to themselves and
the wonders of the natural world

Move from boyhood to manhood in a conscious way

Become a man of honor

For thousands of years most tribal societies have performed initiation ceremonies. This is critical to the success of a healthy society even today. A fundamental transformation that everyone has to undergo is to give up childhood and become an adult.

Ancient societies always had Rites of Passage for their young men and women. The entire community brought their youth consciously into adulthood. Nature lessons were the foundation for their teachings. Lessons for living in balance with the natural forces, paying attention to the elements, and focusing on meeting one's needs teach honor, respect and integrity.







Unfortunately, in our time boys are being raised in situations where their fathers are not home much, if at all.

This program sets forth in a conscious and purposeful manner to guide boys into manhood. Boys learn how to be confident, productive, young men who contribute positively to their families and communities, Our focus is to teach lessons on being men of honor. The boys create a code of honor to live by. This program uses ceremony, nature, awareness and survival skills to help boys become more self-reliant so they may live the life of their dreams. They learn the old ways and teachings of our Native American forefathers. Throughout the week the boys will experience and learn teamwork, trust building, leadership, character building and social skills during challenging outdoor activities in the wilderness. They will build trust in one another by learning how to follow and lead. Boys will gain confidence and clarity about becoming men in a natural outdoor setting under the guidance of nurturing adult role models of success, leadership and integrity.

Read San Francisco Chronicle Article
Children Detach from the Natural World
Confirming the Importance of Our Work

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Some exciting activities in the week include:

Wilderness Survival Skills

Attitude, shelter, water, fire, wild edibles and useful plants

Traditional Native American Ceremony

Vision Quest, sweat lodge, drumming

Activities

Creek hikes, archery, star gazing constellations, night sounds hikes, learning to juggle

The Art of Tracking

Animal identification and behavior

Basic Camping Skills

Including low impact wilderness camping

Using tools:

Hand saws, ax, draw knife, etc.

Interactive and Competitive Games

Self-confidence, trust, team building and fun

Nature Awareness

Circle of life, connectedness

Creating a Code of Honor

Living as a man of honor

Leadership Training

Identify qualities of leaders and heroes

Therapeutic Exercises and Questions

Healthy conflict resolution

Sound Decision Making Skills

All people have the ability to improve their quality of life through the choices they make

Relationships

Learn the importance of your relationship with friends and family

Schedule for 2008

For Boys Ages 12 - 17

July 13-19

Call now for information or reservation

706-276-2595

or e-mail: zipperman@ellijay.com

For all graduates of the Boys' Rites of Passage Camp,
we have created the

New Outlook Wilderness Adventure Camp

that will run concurrently with the basic program.

If this sounds like an experience for you or a boy in your life, please come and join us!
Call or email us to make sure we have a space for you.

Mountain Wisdom, Inc.

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We are a Non-Profit 501 (c)3 organization

The Camp Location

Situated in the beautiful forests of the Southern Appalachian Mountains just north of Helen, GA, our site offers a wide diversity of wildlife, plants, trees, beautiful streams and fresh air for all to enjoy.

We are less than 2 hours from Atlanta, Georgia

All of our staff are CPR and First Aid trained, and have had thorough background checks.

Kitchen

All food is prepared fresh daily with a focus on healthy meals.
We provide for vegetarian and allergy diets.
Any food issues must be stated when you register.






Founder & Director of the Program

Hawkeye Jay Zipperman

I was born in 1954 in Atlanta, Georgia. I was fortunate to have a very close family (parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles) that taught me about honor, respect and basic values.

At six years old I loved being out doors. By the time I was a young teenager I was spending time in the woods as much as possible, hiking and camping... enjoying nature. I knew I was at home there.

A lifetime dream became a reality in 1996 when my wife Terry and I moved to the North Georgia Mountains to a piece of heaven on Earth..

In self discovery and how I could best serve humankind I did my Vision Quest. This was an extremely profound experience. I knew that I wanted to teach our youth about interdependence, community, responsibility and leadership.

I began sharing my vision teaching wildlife and environmental conservation. I have extensive experience with youth leadership training through my work as a counselor with Georgia Highlands working with multi-problem children, as the Assistant Director of Camp Wildlife at the Ellijay Wildlife Rehab Sanctuary and as the first Youth Council Coordinator for the local Family Connection. I also have assisted Dr. Busch with his unique Outpatient Wilderness Therapy Program.

My goal is to teach and inspire people to discover their inner peace and harmony through nature. Volunteerism and stewardship of our earth is the path of service that feeds the soul.

Jay Zipperman
"Hawkeye Jay"

Director

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Staff Members

Don Dollar

Daniel Holloway

Joel Holtzman

Andy Lyke

Dan Rodenberger

Gilbert Treadwell

Britt Williams

Matt Zavadil

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