Youth Drum Making Rite of Passage

Young people need meaningful ways to mark the passage toward adulthood. Without trusted guides, shared ritual, and a supportive community, many are left to navigate this important threshold on their own.

This Youth Rites of Passage offers a man and a teenage youth the opportunity to step away from daily life and enter a safe, supportive, and appropriately challenging experience together. Through time in nature, meaningful ritual, reflection, and shared work, each pair will have space to strengthen their relationship and explore a healthy vision of growing into manhood.

At the heart of the retreat is the experience of building a drum together. As the drum takes shape, its materials and construction offer simple, powerful ways to reflect on growth, struggle, change, and connection. The finished drum becomes a lasting reminder of the experience and the journey that continues afterward.

This retreat is designed for pairs: a father, grandfather, uncle, mentor, or other trusted man accompanying a youth ages 13–17. Come build something together, deepen your bond, and take an important step on the journey ahead.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, October 3 - Sunday, October 4; Arrival at 3:30 PM ET

Location: DeSales Camp, 1142 Ventura Drive, Brooklyn, Michigan 49230

Pricing: $195 per adult/youth team (scholarships available)

Questions? Contact Tom Pawlak at tpawlak14@yahoo.com or call 989-525-6763.