Adventures of Austalia

Just before taking a trip of a life time with Caleb, I posted an article telling you about the adventure we had been anticipating for months.  Some have said that anticipation is half the joy of a journey.  I must admit, we had fun counting down the months, weeks, then days.  I enjoyed planning the trip for over a year.  But we have all had times when things that we have anticipated actually fall short when the event actually takes place.  You pick yourself up and roll with it. That’s what I’ve learned to do.  However, I must say this was not true of my time in Australia with Fathering Adventures. My expectations were surpassed!

At the summit of Mt Tyson, took time to process on the plane when flying back home.   “How could I explain in a simple way what a profound experience, amazing fun and bonding time Caleb and I had.  All I could say was it surpassed all that I had anticipated.  Darren Lewis is an amazing teacher, leader and visionary.  He picked just the right environment and organized the very best adventures.  Presented the lesson with simplicity and conviction.   All 22 of the sons and fathers shared epic experiences together in the rain-forest, over mountains, by the beaches, on the rapids, and below the waters (the Great Barrier reef) of Northern Queensland, Australia.

I want to share first hand from a sampling of fathers and sons in their own words.  When asked what this experience has meant for the fathers and sons, they said:

• “An improvement in a better understanding and communication with my son. The start of better things to come, and an experience to refer back to in the future.”
• “We have both said this is the highlight experience of our father-son relationship. It was an epic event that took our relationship deeper and further than anything else.”
• “This has given me valuable insight into manhood and has given me a vision / goal to strive for my sons, my family, my wife, and myself.”
• “Put it back on track. Renewed the quality time of our relationship.”
• “Everything – it presently represents one of my highest priorities in life – one of leaving a legacy that proceeds me long after I’m gone.”
• “It has provided an opportunity to affirm my son & his capabilities… it would not have happened otherwise. It has built a bridge for communication into the future!”

2. When asked “What was the high point of your experience?”

• “Watching my son’s eyes light up during white water rafting and during the initiation ceremony.”
• “There were too many high points. It would be easier to list the low points.”
• “Publicly affirming my son, the initiation ceremony, and the evening presentations. Spending one-on-one time with my son.”
• “My son looking up at me and taking it all in during the initiation ceremony.”
• “Watching the joy on his face accomplishing some activities for the first time; being able to spend time together.
• “To look my son in the eyes and tell him publicly that I love him, and that I’m proud of him.”
• “The self-examination following the evening presentations, and the opportunity to realize that a good relationship can become a “great “ relationship… not only father-son, but beyond this.”

Darren has done well keeping a good balance of not making this a “church camp” but keeping it distinctive in strong Biblical values and teaching.  One last quote I will share of how a father shared the experience of a renewed relationship with God and the role He should play in his and his sons life in the future.  In his own words…

...to tell you how much of an impact last weeks trip had on me and my son. On the plane back, my son gave me a letter he wrote in Tully (which I read that night with my wife), expressing his thanks and how much he enjoyed his time with me and the other fathers and sons. It was not something I expected and was touched (which I later told him). The other positive and surprising outcome from him is his request, that he would like to understand more about Jesus and I quote “what does it mean to accept Jesus in my life”. Your program has made a big impression on us both. I consider this as a positive wake up call, and even though we are Christians we have not been practicing ones for a very long time….mostly due to life excuses etc. My wife and I plan to change this going forward…..small steps.

Men, if you are are looking for a concentrated time with your son to build character and a vision of what a man is, and maybe craft your own vision for what it means yourself, consider Father Adventures.  It may be the greatest investment you make in your sons life and your relationship.

Click here to learn more of them:  Fathering Adventures

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1. Darren Lewis says:

   January 2, 2011 at 11:40 pm

   G’day Mike,

   Well done for investing so abundantly into Caleb, his future, his LIFE! He will never have to wonder, or make up an answer when asked years from now… “When did you become a man?” Unlike the majority of us men, he will be able to point to a specific date on the calendar, when he was called out of boyhood, and up into authentic manhood by his Dad, within a community of other men. I end by how I started… Well done!

   Strength and Honor,

   Darren