We have designed the Back Country Expedition to be small and personal. With only 12 father/son duos, our aim is to come alongside you as purposefully and intentionally as possible, helping you to craft the experience for your son. Some of you are using this trip to launch into his "Man Year." Others are utilizing it as the culmination of the process. And still others are somewhere in between.

In preparation for the trip, we will be setting up a few video conferencing calls to allow you to meet some of the other Back Country participants and also share a little about you and your son prior to the trip. Together we will plot a course for you and your son, gather information from you on your hopes and desires, and help create an experience neither of you will ever forget.

It is easy for us men to get caught up in the practicals and logistics and lose sight of the heart. As you prepare for this summer's trip, we encourage you to take significant time to address your own life and story as you simultaneously think about your son's. An experience like this is meant to augment the fathering you are already doing, acting like an exclamation point on the end of your fathering sentence. Do not lose sight of the bigger story for yourself or for him.

As this is a back country trip, each person needs a significant amount of gear. This website contains a list of recommended items to bring. Tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and backpacks can be rented from Restoration Project if needed. Email [email protected] to coordinate this gear rental.

You are responsible to make sure the gear you bring is functional and in good condition! Also, temperatures will dip down to 40 degrees so pack clothing accordingly. 

There is much more to come in the months ahead. We look forward to journeying with you and your son through the wilderness and into his manhood!

In the mail you should receive a copy of the Man Maker Project. Our hope is that you become familiar with the categories and concepts in the book. The expedition will not walk only through the book step-by-step, but we will be referring to it often. 

As you read, begin to formulate your thoughts and desires regarding your son's passage process. What do you want to focus on with him? What characteristics are important to you, and how will you address them? Who will you have in your company of men? You don't need to have this all completed by the time we hit the trail, but it's a good idea to have a formulation in mind so you can engage your son accordingly.

Additionally, you will notice how often we refer to "Your Story." While this passage process is about your son, it starts with you finding healing in your own life and story. Before we head out to the woods, please spend some significant time reflecting on your own father-story. What aspects of your heart have been well cared for? What aspects have been wounded? The more you seek healing in these areas, the more you will be free to intentionally father your son. If you need resources (i.e. books, counselors, etc.) to aid in this process, please let us know.

Finally, do not be afraid to create anticipation and mystery for your son. Let him know you what you are working on, thinking about, and planning. Tell him about the trip, and involve him in the planning process. He will be thrilled!

The trip will begin in Dutch John, Utah at 12 pm on July 5th. It is your responsibility to arrive there at that time with all of your gear. You will be able to leave your car at the river put-in for the duration of the trip. The experience will conclude at approximately 2 pm on July 9th in Dutch George, Utah. Transportation back home is also your responsibility. We encourage carpooling with other participants and will exchange contact information to help facilitate this process. Don't hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions regarding transportation location and logistics. More information regarding exact meet-up locations will be given closer to the trip.

This experience is a 4-night, 5-day canoe trip down the picturesque Green River. Each day we will be honing our paddling skills, hiking, swimming, fishing, and enjoying all the grandeur of the Green River.

We will begin the river trip out of Dutch John, Utah and paddle down through Swallow Canyon and take out at Swinging Bridge.  Overall it will be about a 30 mile paddle.  We have mapped out our days, and have divided them up to maximize our time together as a group, as well as having significant time just for father-son engagement.

Please keep in mind this area is remote, and there will be no cell reception. Be good men and let your wives and significant others know where you will be, and when they can expect to hear from you. We do have experienced trail guides trained in first aid and wilderness emergencies.

We will be providing you with an emergency phone number to leave with your loved ones in case of emergency in the front-country. They will be able to reach us.

If you have any questions at all about the trip, please email Jesse at [email protected].

Please note: All Canoes, paddles, life-jackets, dry bags, spray skirts, helmets (when required), meals , cooking equipment, and private latrine facilities will be provided.

Camping Gear:
Tent (for you and your son)
Sleeping bag (32 degree rating or better)
Sleeping pad
Backpack
Lightweight camp chair
Duffle bag
Small mesh bags to organize clothing & gear

Clothing:

Moisture-wicking T-shirts
Moisture-wicking pairs underwear
Quick-drying pants/shorts
Long-sleeve shirts (for sun, bugs)
Sun-shielding hat
Swimsuit
Hiking Boots/shoes
Socks (synthetic or wool)
1 Insulating jacket or vest (i.e. fleece) 
Warm hat
Rainwear (jacket and pants)
Water sandals
Warm gloves 

Personal Items:
Refillable 2L water bottles
Bandanas (useful for many things)
Daypack
Multi-tool/knife
Headlamps/flashlights
Extra batteries
Reusable coffee mug/cup
Sunscreen
Towel
Biodegradable soap
Lip balm
Insect repellent
Hand sanitizer
Sunglasses (with strap to keep them from falling off)
Eyeglasses/contact lenses if needed
Prescription medications if needed
Toothbrush, toiletry kit
Eye-mask for sleeping
Earplugs for sleeping
Camera
Notebook and pen/pencil
Bible
Fishing gear for trout fishing (if desired)
Utah Fishing license
A sense of humor and adventure!

While our days will not be overly strenuous, it's important for participants to be in good physical condition.