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| A group exercise during an OCRS Boys to Men weekend |
“…When talking to Daniel the other day, he was so excited to have been a part of Oak Creek Ranch School’s ‘Boys to Men’ weekend. Daniel said that he REALLY wants to stay connected to the ‘Boys to Men’ program. He feels it’s very inspirational to him and will help him stay focused. I wanted to thank you Mr. Imler for the great opportunity Oak Creek Ranch School has provided him…”
How would you describe your experience with the ‘Boys to Men’ Program?
Dominic G., OCRS Junior:
“…The weekend was great, and helped me to think about the kind of man I want to be and what I want to do in the future….”
Andrei G., OCRS Senior and Student Leader:
“…Amazing… The program really kept the new guys on the edge of their learning. It was fun to watch them grow!...”
Daniel Y., OCRS Sophomore:
“…The week was amazing! I got a lot out of it! I learned a lot of new things that I had inside and I discovered that it’s okay to let my feelings out and share them with others. It’s great to understand things in the past and who I am…”
OCRS’ Spring 2011 ‘Boys to Men’ Leadership Weekend
This Spring 8 boys from Oak Creek Ranch School’s boarding school program participated in our semi-annual ‘Boys to Men’ Leadership Weekend. On Friday, March 11, they embarked on a fun and insightful journey of self-discovery. It was a great weekend, with each new participant really responding to the challenges set before them. “…Our boys fully participated in all the group processes and showed tremendous leadership, making promises to move forward toward their goal…” remarked Headmaster, David Wick, Jr.
The weekend was made possible by the great men of the Desert Men’s Council out of Tucson that allowed OCRS to share in their weekend at a camp near Thatcher, AZ. The camp had some beautiful hot springs on site that everyone enjoyed. Assembled were a very experienced staff of men which included 2 Boys to Men leaders, and 24 other men that volunteered their time, and 10 Journeyman (young men that have done the program within the last 2 years). From the young men to the retired elders, all were there to help these young men speak their truths and assist them in taking responsibility for their own personal growth.
OCRS’ ‘Boys to Men’ Program Goals Are To:
• Build self esteem
• Provide a unique and safe environment where boys can interact with committed, conscientious men
• Encourage boys to become men of honor who seek the truth and speak their own truths
• Addresses the core issues facing adolescent boys
• Help boys discover and develop their individual strengths, talents and gifts
• Mentor boys by connecting them with positive male role models
• Challenge boys to live responsible and meaningful lives that have a positive impact on the world.
• Teach boys how to resolve conflicts and ask for forgiveness
• Support boys in their dream to find a personal mission
• Praise the greatness within each boy
• Give our boys hope, confidence and courage
Without exception all of the young men participated willingly and fully engaged in exercises that would jumpstart the process of becoming the men they want to be.
One of our goals in offering this program was to give these young men the opportunity to create more authentic relationships at the school. We started with the development of a group where the boys could speak honestly about their personal challenges and really be supportive of one other. The participants consistently demonstrated throughout the weekend their sincere support of their peers through the team challenges that were presented. This weekend the boys learned how to assist other boys in understanding and facing their own personal challenges. All of the leaders and volunteers were amazed at the courage and compassion shown by our new participants! As with many acts of service it is clear the volunteers said they received as much value as the boys who participated.
Thanks to everyone involved, this spring’s ‘Boys to Men’ Weekend was a resounding success!
Craig Imler, Guidance Counselor, Oak Creek Ranch School
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