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FALL 2007 ISSUE |
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By Hawkeye Jay On a windy, cool, March Spring day in 2004 seven men gathered together to brain storm and create the Boys’ Rites of Passage Program. This group of committed men understood the need and felt a passionate desire to serve by giving of themselves to the boys of our community. I am “Hawkeye” Jay Zipperman and I am the founder and Director of Mountain Wisdom, Inc. The Boys’ Rites of Passage Camp and, New Outlook Wilderness Adventure Camp and the Conscious and Purposeful Living Course are all under the umbrella of Mountain Wisdom, Inc. The purpose of our camps is to teach leadership, responsibility, respect and confidence to the boys so that they learn to make right choices that contribute to themselves, their families and their communities. What man can conceive, man can achieve! We immediately discovered allies along the way and for every obstacle and challenge there has also been a blessing. Once we got clear on our intentions Spirit moved and we raised funds, boys registered for camp and many volunteers helped to put on our first Boys’ Rites of Passage Camp. This is truly a community effort. Over 60 individuals, businesses, and Men’s Division’s International members have contributed 1,000s of dollars and volunteered countless hours to this project. Up to 40% of the young men in financially strapped families would not be able to attend camp with out this help. A great big thank you to all that have contributed to 4 years of successful camps, which have truly had a positive effect in each graduates life. Our larger vision includes more year round programming including: weekend retreats, more weeks of summer camp and development of a Girls’ Rites of Passage Camp beginning the summer of 2009. We are seeking a committed and qualified woman as director for the GROP. We could use all of your help finding such a person. As the end of 2007 draws to a close and 2008 approaches, we are making plans for the 2008 Summer Camps. I ask that each of you find a boy in your life and introduce to him to the Boys Rites Of Passage camp. It will make a big difference in his life and yours. I am always open and would be happy to hear from you. Contact me soon. |
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NON-PROFIT STATUS: A MAJOR VICTORY By Joel Holtzman During the planning stages and run-up to the 2005 camp (the 2nd) it became quite evident that alternative funding from other sources was going to be necessary for Boys Rites of Passage continued success. “Hawkeye” Jay, Mountain Wisdom Inc. Director began working on establishing non-profit status. With Hawkeye Jay’s hard work and persistence success was archived. 501 (c) (3) Non Profit status with the IRS was achieved on June 6, 2007. “This was a major victory! We are all very proud of this accomplishment knowing this will enable us to receive funding that will help these important programs grow”, says Hawkeye. Hawkeye wishes to express the deepest appreciation to Terry Slemons of The Craddock Center in Cherry Log for helping make this happen. According to Hawkeye the Non-profit status will help Mountain Wisdom Inc. be able to solicit funds from organizations and groups that can deduct their contributions from state and federal taxes. Non-profit status also makes possible for Mountain Wisdom Inc. to make the limited funds at its disposal effectively more valuable. Importantly, 501(c) (3) adds a degree of legitimacy that is hard to attain otherwise. With the kind of dedication expressed by Hawkeye and the rest of the staff there is no doubt the Boys Rites Of Passage will succeed. |
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By Joel Holtzman The New Outlook Wilderness Adventure Camp, held in conjunction with Boys Rites Of Passage, completed a successful second year. The New Outlook Wilderness Adventure Camp is specifically designed for Boys Rites Of Passage graduates. The program draws from and expands years past lessons and challenges. Nine young men and four councilors departed base camp on Sunday day two of camp. All were busy filling their backpacks with camping supplies such as tents, water bottles, clothes and food for a four-day wilderness adventure. Each day saw a new challenging adventure including:hiking on the Chattooga Trail, white water rafting down the Nantahala River, and rock climbing at Mt. Yonah. The young men worked hard learning how to function as a team sharing equipment, setting up and breaking down camp each night. The New Outlook Wilderness Adventure Camp young men also used their team building experience to help the Boys Rites Of Passage councilors. The young men set the example by helping in the Camp Kitchen and setting up and running the Primal Ceremony. The young men of NOWAC were challenged, worked hard and most of all had fun. “I was so tired I could hardly lift my feet up after four days but I relished the experience of learning from and teaching these young men. I am looking forward to next year’s camp,”said councilor Gilbert Treadwell. |
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By Joel Holtzman The Boys Rites Of Passage completed its fourth camp in 2007. The 2007 was the second consecutive located in the Chattahoochee National Forrest north of Helen, Georgia near Trey Mountain. Fourteen young men started and graduated a challenging and rewarding program. From day one the week was filled with games and activities, such as creek and trail hikes, competitive sports and shelter building, which stretched the young men’s minds and spirits. Nighttime hours were spent around the campfire discussing life’s mysteries and responsibilities. Mealtime is always special at camp and the kitchen staff of Daniel Holloway, Mike and Don Vitelli did not let anyone down. The Friday evening feast was outstanding. On Saturday the graduation ceremony with family and friends was the largest gathering ever for the Boys Rites Of Passage camp. Over 100 campers and families enjoyed sandwiches and refreshments after the ceremony. Each young man was presented with ceremonial armbands and a laminated Cod of Honor card. The Boys Rites Of Passage staff wishes to thank all parents and campers. With this kind of success it is not hard to believe staff member when they say, “We can’t wait until next year”. |
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By Britt Williams My hopes for you are these: May you be fully loving and lovingly powerful. My you have the strength to overcome fear and pride and instead follow what has heart and meaning for you. Take an action everyday to support your life dream, your love nature and your integrity. May you care for the earth mother and the wilderness and help all living things. May you be active, committed, and a positive force in your community. Show respect to people of all ages and races and make a better world for the poor, sick, elderly and young. May you respect all the ways human beings access their own spirituality. May you constantly bring your gifts and talents forward every day without hesitation of reservation. With deep gratitude and respect for all that you will do to make the earth a better place in which to live. A Ho Mitakuye Oyasin. |
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By: Gilbert Treadwell The New Outlook Wilderness Adventure Camp young men and staff headed to Mount Yonah on Thursday July 19 for some rock climbing. We met our guides, Bill Sabine and Denmark Blount, in the parking lot and circled up. One of the young men, Ben Kilmarks, had a previous unsettling experience rock climbing and expressed that there was no way he was going to do any rock climbing. The guide asked him to leave his options open, consider it and that no one would be forced to climb. We made our way up the trail to the rock face. It was hot. On the way up, Ben was not thinking about the climb nor considering it. We got to the rock face and Ben saw the wall. Some of the young men began to put on climbing shoes and harnesses. Ben saw the others willing to try. Ben thought to himself, “Maybe I should”. Ben wanted to come up with another excuse for why he couldn’t. He thought of one. There were no shoes to fit him. Denmark offered his shoes off his own feet and said, “Just try it.” OK, no excuse. Ben got the first step up, continued on and started enjoying himself. “Wow, this is really fun.” He started to try to scare himself by goofing off a bit with some leaps. It worked. He got scared. Then he saw the top. “I can’t stop now,” he said. Ben made it to the top of the 100’ climb and rappelled down. Ben had so much fun; he had to do it again. “Even if you’re afraid of heights, get over it and try it,” said Ben The young men learned that sometimes fear is just a story in the mind, not the way it really is but the way you think it’s going to be. So, get over it and try it Bill Sabine and Denmark Blount did an excellent job with preparation, instruction, safety and encouragement. We thank them profusely. |
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With Daniel Holloway Hello campers. One of my favorite meals at camp was the foil pack. Read over the recipe and try it at home with your family. You can cook them on the grill, campfire or even in the oven! The ingredients for each foil pack are as follows: - 1/4 cup each of carrots, celery, onions and about ½ cup of potatoes all cut into bite size chunks. - 1/2 cup of beef or chicken or fish or tofu all cut into bite size chunks. You could even use deer, turkey, squirrel, rabbit or any wild game. - Seasoning: Be creative; use salt & pepper of course but don’t stop there. Try something new like Italian spices, chili powder, taco seasoning, hot sauce, soy sauce, or Cajun spice mix. Try different combinations for each pack, and then share them with the family! Cooking instructions: Place all the ingredients in the middle of 1 piece of aluminum foil 18” long. Gather the foil together lengthwise and roll or fold the edges together several times. Fold or roll each end several times until tight. Now turn the pack over onto the second sheet and fold the pack in the same way again. Be careful not to rip or puncture the foil while making or cooking. The juices will leak out. Place the packs on a coal bed (not directly over the fire) or onto a grill or into the oven at 350 degrees. Cook each side about 12 to 15 minuets. The beef and game take a little longer to cook so use all of that 15 minutes. When finished cooking place each pack on a plate and cut it open to eat. Share the packs with each other so every one gets a different taste treat. You can make dinner for your family and give mom and dad a break. Remember to clean up after your selves. Most of all have fun! Let us know how it went and enjoy a Camp Kitchen meal. |
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By Joel Holtzman There are many charitable service organizations in Georgia. Most, if not all, are stretched to the limits of their good works by funding limitations. Mountain Wisdom Inc., the umbrella organization for Boys Rites Of Passage and New Outlook Wilderness Adventure Camp, knows that money is tight around the holidays. However, some folks donate money to charitable organizations as part of their holiday spirit of giving. Mountain Wisdom Inc. would like you to consider them for your donation dollars destination. Even if you cannot contribute financially you could help us in other ways. Pass forward this idea of Boys Rites Of Passage. Ask your friends, family and business associates to match your contribution or donate directly to Mountain Wisdom Inc. Many companies make charitable contributions as part of their community out reach program. The Boys Rites Of Passage and New Outlook Wilderness Adventure Camp experience for each young man would not be possible if not for the generous contributions Mountain Wisdom Inc. has received. Fifty-five percent of the total dollars given to Mountain Wisdom Inc. comes from folks like you who see a unique and effective way to instill and teach valuable lessons to our young men. Hawkeye Jay and the councilors wish to thank you for all your efforts. We want to continue to provide a valuable service to the young men of our community. All your efforts are appreciated. Please contact us if you have any questions, suggestions or would like more information about Mountain Wisdom Inc. |
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MOUNTAIN
WISDOM INC.
Joel
Holtzman, Publisher,
Editor, Advertising: Contact Hawkeye Jay or Joel Holtzman |