Our Programs
Right now, there is no a clear Rite of Passage for boys into manhood. Because of this, boys often initiate themselves into manhood, which usually results in risk-taking behavior to prove their masculinity (eg. binge drinking, conquering women or train surfing).
The purpose of our programs, is to fill this gap. To provide boys with a safe, healthy and contained Rite of Passage into manhood. Our programs are designed to be transformational, and to support the psychological and emotional development of a boy, so he can become a healthy young man. This is how we’re redefining the journey to manhood.
We have taken more than 17,000 boys across Australia through our full-day workshops using playful, inclusive and collaborative tools and approaches that fully engage boys in the program.
95% of all the boys we have worked with would recommend our program to their mates. That’s pretty amazing for a program that asks boys to talk openly about their emotions and is the result of our approach and the presence of our facilitator role models.
You’ll find more information about our programs below.
*We currently deliver programs in Victoria, Australia, and will soon be expanding to NSW in 2021. Please contact us if you’re in NSW and want to work with us!
*If you are outside these areas, please visit Man Cave Academy and find out how we can train you to run your own programs.
Redefining the journey to manhood
We fundamentally believe that these early intervention programs can limit toxic masculinity and reduce rates of anxiety and depression that often lead to the prevalent outcomes of suicide and domestic abuse we see in our society.
The programs below bring our vision to life, and equip boys with the attitudes, beliefs and behaviours necessary for them to realise their full potential, build healthy relationships and take positive action in their communities.
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Workshop 1 – Realising my Potential
Boys create their own unique version of healthy masculinity by understanding how gender norms have shaped their perspectives to this point, before being given the choice to grow beyond that. Exploration of personal identity, their unique strengths, how to care for themselves and what their values are, all add up to them understanding how they can reach their full potential. In the full-day workshop, boys will:
- Learn how gender stereotypes impact their attitudes and behaviour
- Meet our diverse male and non-binary facilitators
- Learn to constructively express their thoughts and feelings
- Connect to their values and strengths
- Leave with tools and resources to support their personal wellbeing
- Define values-based vision for the man they want to become
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Workshop 2 – Building Respectful Relationships
This workshop guides boys on how to build healthy relationships across all domains of their life. This section explores how to support others, empathy, conflict resolution, expressing needs, power/privilege and integrity. In this workshop, boys will:
- Explore what defines a respectful relationship, especially with women
- Consider the quality of their own relationships
- Take responsibility for the impact of their words or actions on other
- Learn to empathise with each others personal stories
- Learn to manage and resolve conflict without violence
- Improve the quality of their relationships with each other
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Workshop 3 – Leading in the Community
This workshop completes The Man Cave journey to Manhood, and challenges the boys to consider how they will uniquely contribute to their community and the world. In this workshop, boys will:
- Define the values and actions they want to lead by
- Be challenged on how they lead in their community
- Identify the unique needs of their school community
- Define tangible actions they plan to take in contributing to their community
- Have their Man Cave experience closed, and be challenged to mentor the next generation
Book a program
The Results
Our programs have been designed in consultation with young men, Psychologists, and mental health experts to safely and reliably create an attitudinal and behavioral shift in the boys that participate.
The feedback from 17,000+ boys demonstrates how successful our programs are:
• 95% would recommend our program to other young men
• 98% think our facilitators are awesome
• 94% of boys rate our workshops 4 or 5 out of 5
Ernst & Young have also independently evaluated our programs and endorsed our programs for creating significant positive change for boys, parents and teachers, especially when compared to other similar interventions.
“It was life changing and something I’ll never forget.”
Kurnai College Student
Professional Development
Since the very beginning, The Man Cave has developed and refined a training program that has consistently produced highly-relatable and skilled facilitators. We don’t think we can do this work alone, and we know that so many of you want to understand how we approach this work. So, if you’re a teacher, a sports coach, a camp leader, or simply an adult that wants to be a better role model for young men, this training is for you. Head to Man Cave Academy here.
Looking for digital resources? Head here
Want to know more about our results or research? Head here
“Experts at creating a safe space for sharing deep feelings and thoughts” – AIME Mentor
“Whatever you did has worked, so we need a lot more of that please.” – Kurnai College Morwell parent
“Amazing, demonstrated techniques to assist with trauma without the boys shutting down.” – Sandringham College teacher
