What are “the seeds of connection”?

The Rite of Passage Retreat promises an opportunity to connect. There are 5 seeds of connection the retreat delivers.

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1. Time – as a father you are dedicating the one on one time to your son – enough time to get past the surface and dig into the good stuff.

2. Attention – you leave all the distractions at home, and give your undivided attention to your son

3. Physical Environment – nature is a powerful connector and Predator Ridge Resort, Ellison Park and the lakes ground our teams to their environment

4. Social Environment – Surrounded by a diverse and positive peer group and a culture of support can be motivational and bring out the best in us.

5. Common Purpose – nothing brings people together like a purpose or a mission.

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​With all 5 elements in place the opportunity to grow your relationship is strong.

What are “roots of influence”?

We all want the best for our kids - we want them to flourish. We want to provide them the tools to enthusiastically attack life with the self-confidence to lean into challenge, to find opportunity in defeat, and persevere through setbacks to realize their potential.

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But can we really make a difference? What can we do as fathers? Is there a secret formula?

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Yes, I believe there is.

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We can encourage and implement growth mindset principles. We can recognize and create grit opportunities. We can provide loving support while creating high standards. And we can live a positive example for our kids to model.

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A growth mindset is a powerful tool. In one of my favorite books “Mindset” by Carol Dweck, Dweck says “In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment.” What I find most inspiring about a growth mindset is that it can be taught!

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Grit on the other hand, is a bit tougher to “teach” without personally experiencing adversity and overcoming it. We can discuss the value of perseverance and commitment, but without the opportunity to actually persevere through challenge AND experience success the essence of grit is very elusive and hard to comprehend.

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Regardless of personal parenting styles, a supportive and loving environment combined with high standards is also a key factor of influence.

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And last but certainly not least is our example. Our children are watching us and all too often we are sitting on the sidelines, and not the “man in the arena” as Roosevelt so eloquently wrote about. When parents model a growth mindset and display grittiness themselves, children have a much greater likelihood of exhibiting grit themselves and striving for greatness.

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The Rite of Passage is an opportunity. Growth mindset principles are prominent, and grit will be explored through discussion and through experience. Standards will be high as will the support from the coaches and mentors and the rest of the group. And every father will be participating in the arena with their son, instead of judging from the sidelines. Every father will have the opportunity to be in the game, to learn, to grow, to model, to connect and to influence… side by side with their son.

Does the Retreat have religious theming?

Unlike many father | son camps, the retreat is not religious in nature and will not carry religious references or context. For clarity, this does NOT mean the retreat is atheist. The Rite of Passage is about the relationship with the father and son and we are keeping the focus exclusively on that.

What does the Rite of Passage include?

Rite of Passage Includes:

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A bonding experience to last a lifetime.

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A professionally programmed itinerary that intentionally creates opportunities to connect with your son, explore and grow your relationship, devoid of any distractions.

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An intimate group of successful like-minded fathers, and daily interaction with powerful mentors and coaches encouraging raw discussion on themes like mindset, mental toughness, perseverance and potential.

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Physical activities that will challenge our teams to push through comfort zones and limiting beliefs, explore their potential and embrace the power of the mind/body connection.

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Mental and emotional exercises (age appropriate content) to promote the father/son bond by developing inter-personal skills, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence.

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First class meal and beverage program, to keep you nourished and satisfied.

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Private, executive transfers from airport and to all activities and events.

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3 nights’ private accommodation in a spacious and well-equipped 1100-1300 square foot Peregrine Cottage with balcony at Predator Ridge Resort, giving our teams a sanctuary to unwind and reflect after an adventurous day.

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Guided and coached skills & activities including all equipment required.

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World class speakers in an intimate group setting allows our teams the opportunity for direct discussion and interaction.

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Private clubhouse for the week will give our teams a hub to meet, connect, eat, play, learn and unwind.

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Memorable swag and takeaways from the Retreat to keep you connected and grateful for the experience you shared.

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Experience the best the Okanagan has to offer and experience special places you would never find on your own.

Who are the people involved in the Retreat?

Josh Dueck – Presenter and Team Leader
Josh is a father of 2, Paralympic Gold medalist for Canada, Canadian Olympic flag bearer, and TedX presenter. Josh will be a regular contributor to our Morning Mindset program and will also share his riveting personal story on why he believes passion + perseverance = possibility.

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Dean McAmmond – Presenter
Dean is a father of 4 and an NHL Alumnus with 996 games of service including 3 Stanley Cup Finals Appearances. Dean was on the receiving end of a notorious NHL collision and will discuss the challenges he faced throughout his career and his approach to handling adversity.

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Shawnee Harle – Presenter
Shawnee holds a masters degree in Coaching Studies and is the former asst. coach of the 2016 Canadian women’s Olympic basketball team. Shawnee is a respected mental toughness coach who helps her clients build grit, resilience and self-awareness. Shawnee will speak to the entire group and also have a special session for father’s on the essential topic of “psychological safety”.

Mike Shaw – Presenter
Mike is a renowned mentor/coach/speaker and a recovered quadriplegic. Mike has countless keynote addresses including his TedX “Grief Happens” speech that has over 30k views. With our privileged group Mike’s topic will be his four pillars of peak performance which he calls “Leading with an Athlete Mindset”.

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Jason Podollan – Presenter, Team Leader & Coach
Jason is a father of 3 boys and the Founder of the Rite of Passage. Jason is an NHL Alumnus and High-Performance Coach who will be Team Leader & Coach for the entire week. Jason will be presenting “How to Become Awesome at Anything”, and “Winning with Intention”.

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Brad Swanson – Camp Director, Team Leader & Safety
Brad is a father of 2 sons. He brings extensive experience in the field as director of acclaimed youth camps like Test the Waters and Sunshine Girls and many others. Brad holds a Bachelor of Education and is also the Founder of the Outdoor/Academic School Kalastar. Brad offers his expertise to the programming and direction of the retreat.

What type of activities are we doing?

Your days are designed and coached from start to finish with activities, challenges, games, meals, and appropriate opportunities for rest, reflection and personal exploring.

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Each day will begin with a Morning Mastery program. This is where we come together as a group and open our minds and bodies to the potential of the upcoming day. Josh Dueck leads us through 3 of the mornings and will connect our minds and bodies to the breath during yoga routines and short meditations.

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There will be a primary activity/challenge each day, aligned with a themed teaching objective.  Activities range from single track mountain biking, to stand-up paddle-boarding, adventure hiking, wilderness paintball, and a private pickle ball tournament. There are also additional “special events” scheduled for our teams including the final “Rite of Passage Challenge” at the conclusion of the retreat.

After a rigorous day of activities, our teams will experience nightly presenters who are all experts in their field. Our teams have the exclusive opportunity to interact with our presenters in the intimate and private setting of the Hockey Canada cabin over dinner. Each presentation will be followed with a breakaway session where our fathers and sons will dive deeper into the “Tools for Life” topics with the coaches, presenters and each other.

Are the activities safe?

The Rite of Passage goes to great lengths to ensure the safety of our teams. The Rite of Passage dedicates time to teaching skills and tactics from top professionals in order to reduce risk. All activities are accompanied by leaders/guides. Brad has Outdoor Survival and Wilderness First Aid Certification and Jason carries a Canadian Red Cross Level A Certification in CPR/AED and CATT Certification in Concussion Protocol.

I’m out of shape! Can I do this?

Although the physical condition of our teams is relevant it is not the most important factor. We are seeking teams that want to push themselves and will strive in the face of challenge and adversity. Some of the challenges will be physical in nature because they provide valuable learning opportunities. The Rite of Passage is an activity-based retreat, but NOT a bootcamp. We are biking, hiking and paddling and there are sure to be some sore and tired muscles for everyone. Being a well-conditioned athlete is not a requirement, but a reasonable level of physical fitness is expected.

These themes sound too mature for my son, what if my son isn’t ready?

More than likely your son is ready. All the content we discuss and engage with is age specific and communicated in a way that is understood and appreciated by the age group. If special requirements are necessary for certain individuals, the intimate size of the retreat allows the coaches and leaders to connect on a personal level. Everyone who attends will experience success and growth. We also know boys are strong - they rise to meet expectations in a positive, safe and supportive environment.

When is the Retreat?

The next Rite of Passage Retreat is Thursday June 13 to Sunday June 16th. We request all teams to arrive on the afternoon/evening of the 13th , and to depart on the 16th after our celebratory Father's Day dinner. If teams want to stay the night Sunday we can make that happen. Check-out is at 11 AM.

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If our teams wish to extend their stay, arrive early or have their family join, we highly encourage it! The 2 golf courses on site (The Predator Course and The Ridge Course) are some of the highest ranked in BC and the surrounding area is full of things to do for all ages.

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We will just need to know your plan when finalizing your reservation.

Who is the Retreat For?

The Rite of Passage is for all fathers who have a son born from 2000 – 2009. Teams must enjoy physical activity, be willing to try new things, have a positive attitude and want to learn, grow and connect.

What if the dates don’t work?

The Rite of Passage will be hosting events throughout the year and for varying age groups. If you are interested in being a part of an upcoming event, use the contact form and get on our list today! Spots being extremely limited (ONLY 6 TEAMS!), so we suggest signing up immediately, get on the waitlist and be the first to know about upcoming retreats!

How do we get there?

Teams need to land at Kelowna International Airport (YLW), which is a scenic 25-minute drive from Predator Ridge Resort. A private, executive shuttle will be waiting for our teams upon arrival. If driving, Predator Ridge Resort is located just outside Vernon, BC. Canada.

What do we need to bring?

Rite of Passage activities will include ALL the required equipment. For those who would like to bring their own equipment (mountain bikes, wet suits, etc.) you are welcome to do so. We want our teams to be comfortable and able to focus entirely on the experience.

Where will we be staying and what are the accommodations like?

All teams will stay in the Peregrine Cottages at Predator Ridge Resort rated 4.5 Stars by 400 Google Reviewers. We want to allow our father/son teams the space to unwind, reflect and rest easy, after our adventurous days.

Am I responsible for meals?

All food and beverage are taken care of at the Retreat leaving our teams with nothing to think about except the adventures that lay ahead. This includes, breakfast, lunch, dinners and all snacks and beverages. Our teams just need to arrive and leave the rest to us! Any special dietary restrictions or requests we be easily accommodated due to our small group numbers.

What can we expect for weather?

As everyone knows weather can be very unpredictable. However, temperatures in Vernon for June have an average high of 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees F) and an average low 12 degrees Celsius (53 degrees F). It is the perfect time of year in the Okanagan!

Can I bring both of my son’s?

Unfortunately, only one son will be able to attend. The philosophy of the Retreat is for a father and son to connect one on one without the normal distractions from home. The Rite of Passage is a gift of your undivided attention to one son. We suggest bringing your other son to our next retreat!

Can I bring my wife?

There are numerous activities for your wife to enjoy and the cottages comfortably accommodate up to 4 people. Sparkling Hill Resort is minutes away, and their European-style health & wellness spas and treatment rooms are renowned. Predator Ridge is situated in a Wine Valley and there are many tours and wineries available to visit. There are also the numerous amenities of Predator Ridge and the cities of Vernon and Kelowna to enjoy and explore.

Can we stay with another Father/Son team?

The Peregrine Cottages are all two-bedroom configurations, split between 4 single beds, or 1 queen with 2 singles. So yes, in the 4 singles configurations with 3 bathrooms, being paired with another team is available and comfortable.

What is the price and payment policy of the Retreat?

The Rite of Passage requires an investment of $2,950 CAD/person + 5% GST ($5,900 per team + 5% GST for Canadian teams - US teams do not pay GST).

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30 days out balance is due.

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Due to planning, logistics and administration, the Rite of Passage requires firm commitment from all teams in order to deliver the experience everyone desires.

How do I apply?

Due to the small group size and the duration of the retreat the teams we select rely on each other for the quality of the experience. Therefore, we take the application process seriously in order to guarantee everyone attending is not only willing to learn and grow, but also to contribute. For the week to be transformational for all 6 teams the Rite of Passage takes steps to ensure all participants have the right attitude, expectations, and approach to the Retreat.

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Our applicants know the Rite of Passage is an unforgettable, professionally programmed investment in the relationship with their son. They also understand the importance of an application process that involves more than the ability to write a cheque.

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The Rite of Passage is very respectful of everyone’s time throughout the process.

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Step 1: The pre-registration application is provided upon request through the Contact Form. This Step is directed at the father and is a short 5-10 minute questionnaire.

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Step 2: A 15-minute phone or video call is scheduled with the father. This allows the applicant to ask questions and the Rite of Passage will dive a little deeper into the questionnaire answers to mutually ensure we are a good fit. Depending on the age of the son, a follow-up call with the son may be requested. At the conclusion of the call, if both parties wish to continue,  you secure one of the 6 exclusive spots!

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Submit your application for the Rite of Passage Retreat