Rites of Passage

The school engaged Angus Ashton Film to create a video that captured the experience for boys and their mentors as they participated in the overnight camp. An important part of the project was ensuring that filming was completely unobtrusive and respectful of the camp participants and facilitators as they engaged in sensitive discussion. The event was held at the Lea camping grounds, around 10 minutes from Hobart. Boys and their fathers took part in a number of activities both together and in groups. Facilitators from the Rites of Passage Institute supported parents and boys, and encouraged them think and engage in discussions that wouldn’t usually have. The Rites of Passage Institute delivers transformative, inspiring programs and experiences globally. Their camps and leadership programs help people become more responsible and resilient, and have been conducted with over 50 schools around Australia, and in 15 different countries worldwide. Besides the obvious father/son bonding experience, the Hutchins camp also offered fathers a chance to connect and have conversations among themselves in a setting that encouraged vulnerability and open communication. Throughout the event many of the dads were able to have honest conversations revolving around topics such as parenting and their own experiences as their children transition into adolescence.