Father/Son Expeditions

Rafting Australia and Brighton Grammar piloted what has now become a very successful Father Son bonding program based on the work of Dr Arne Rubenstein an Australian expert on rites of passage for adolescents. The program aims to give Fathers and Sons a “kick start” to develop their bond and develop a trusting Male community.

Dr Arne’s philosophies are simple-

“Boys need their fathers,” says Rubinstein, “but we are currently living in one of the most ‘under-fathered’ time in history. Dads spend an average of less than one hour a day with their sons.”

In his book, The Making of Men, Rubinstein discusses how dads (or uncles, grandfathers or male family friends if dad isn’t around) can build their relationship with their son as he grows up from a boy to become a man. His advice to fathers includes:

• Share your stories
• Honor and recognize your son’s gifts and talents
• Take him along when you spend time with your mates
• Spend one-on-one time together with no interruptions
• Create a shift in the balance of power (really listen to what your son has to say).

Often, it’s the simple things that help bring father and son closer together.

Our programs work on the same simple non-structured theme:

• Time with your son in a challenging and inspirational environment away from the demands of the electronic world.
• An opportunity to share stories, and make new ones.
• A supportive environment where boys and dads can share their experiences with the larger men’s community.
• Recognise each other’s achievements during the weekend and in life.

We also believe that this program offers Father and Sons an opportunity to connect, in the hope that the strengthened bonds and shared experiences can result in positive change in the home or in a real world environment.  Time is the key to strengthening your relationship.

Time with your son in a challenging and inspirational environment away from the demands of the electronic world.
An opportunity to share stories, and make new ones.
A supportive environment where boys and dads can share their experiences with the larger men’s community.
Recognise each other’s achievements during the weekend and in life.
We also believe that this program offers Father and Sons an opportunity to connect, in the hope that the strengthened bonds and shared experiences can result in positive change in the home or in a real world environment.  Time is the key to strengthening your relationship.

During the weekend your son will have the opportunity build confidence and resilience in a safe environment, whilst giving dads the chance to share their experiences of raising sons with other dads. Alpine rivers and towering gorges will be your backdrop as you encounter whitewater challenges together.

Sometimes the best bonding experience a man can have with his son is to share in a sense of grandeur and adventure. Imagine you and your son and maybe grandad conquering the raw power of a whitewater river. Nothing can be better for a father and son than to conquer a piece of nature of this magnitude. With this spirit of adventure in mind, the following three father-son trips will provide both generations the space to connect, bond and form lasting memories, whilst taking part in lots of fun activities away from the demands of modern life and technology.

These father-son destinations require a sense of shared adventure, physical feat or mutual exploration of a manly passion.