In adolescence boys are moving away from childhood and beginning to establish their own identity, values and sense of independence. Yet many young people have no opportunity to mark this transition in a meaningful way. They may have plenty of people around them, but fewer opportunities to spend time with other boys and positive male role models, away from the pressures and distractions of everyday life.

We believe boys need spaces where they can:

• Develop confidence and a stronger sense of self.

• Build positive relationships with other boys and men.

• Experience challenge, responsibility and achievement.

• Spend meaningful time outdoors and away from screens.

• Explore questions about identity, friendship, belonging and growing up.

• Feel listened to, respected and recognised.

Rites of passage provide a way of marking this transition. They create a shared experience  which says: you are growing up, your place in the world is changing, we recognise you and support you as you take your next steps.

The central part of Kingfisher Project is our four-day ‘Call to Adventure’ gathering at Cae Mabon, an environmental education centre in Snowdonia. Set amongst mountains, and beside woodland and a lake, it offers a very different environment from everyday teenage life. Over the four days, boys take part in a carefully designed programme of group and individual challenges, activities and shared experiences.

These include:

• Time outdoors, exploring and connecting with nature.

• Physical and practical challenges.

• Storytelling, poetry and reflection.

• Group conversations and opportunities to listen and share.

• Creative activities and experiences.

• Ritual and a shared rite-of-passage experience.

The experience is designed to be challenging but supportive. There is space for different personalities, different levels of confidence and different ways of participating. The boys are accompanied throughout by their men of trust and experienced members of the Kingfisher Project team.

We understand that entrusting your son to a group of people for four days is a significant decision. Kingfisher Project is led by experienced men's work facilitators who understand the importance of creating a supportive and respectful environment for teenage boys. The experience is designed around appropriate challenge, encouragement and care. Boys are supported by their men of trust and the wider facilitation team throughout the gathering. We take safeguarding seriously. All accompanying Men of Trust have Enhanced DBS clearance, and safeguarding principles are central to the weekend and our preparation sessions.

We encourage parents to speak with us about any concerns, questions or particular needs their son may have before deciding whether the programme is right for him.

Kingfisher Project brings together a community of experienced facilitators and men who are committed to supporting teenage boys. The men involved come from a range of backgrounds and bring experience in men's work, group facilitation, mentoring and personal development across their own lives. We believe that boys benefit from relationships with men who are willing to  pay true attention, offer encouragement, provide appropriate challenge and model positive ways of being in the world. 

Visit our community page for bio’s of the men involved.

We understand that not every boy will approach the experience in the same way. Our facilitators are experienced in working with different personalities and responses. Boys who are reluctant to participate are supported and encouraged, with appropriate challenge where needed. We want each boy to feel he has a place in the group and can approach the experience in his own way.

Parents remain an important part of the process. Although the four-day gathering is an opportunity for boys to step away from their families and have an experience of their own, this doesn't mean parents are excluded. We see parents as an important part of the journey: helping their son prepare, supporting his decision to take part, and welcoming him home afterwards. Parents are invited to join the first half of of our first Community Building online session, where they can meet the team and take part in the handover to their son's man of trust. 

We appreciate that choosing a programme like this is a significant decision for families. You may have questions, you may want to understand more about the people involved, the experience itself and whether it is right for your son. We will be very happy to talk.