Frequently asked questions
What makes the YMUW program unique?
The main thing to know about YMUW is that it’s a lot of FUN and there’s always great food. Your son will participate in sports competitions, ceremonies, open forum discussion groups, yoga, obstacle courses, drum circles, martial arts, community service projects and make hip hop beats. The entire agenda is designed to enhance your son’s teamwork abilities, leadership skills and personal growth.
We’re unique in that we exceed the California Mentoring Foundation’s guidelines by having a 1:1 ratio of well-trained mentors to young men so that your son is well supported to become better prepared for the challnges of adulthood. Away from the influence of his parents and society, your son will be supported by our devoted, well-trained mentors to discover who he really is, and how he needs to show up in life in order to be happy, responsible and resilient.
Who are YMUW programs for?
Our programs are for all young males, age 13 - 20, whether they "have it together" or are “figuring it out”. Programs like ours are often mis-perceived for being valuable to troubled - youth only. At YMUW we believe that all youth, male or female, are "at risk" of failing to learn how to adapt to the challenges of young adulthood – especially in this era of digital dominance and consumer commercialism.
The truth of the matter is that almost all adolescent young men are deeply concerned about their future well-being. Our experience with thousands of young men - just like your son - tells us that they have similar fears about how they're going to be independently happy and successful.
Our graduates, regardless of their social, ethnic, economic, academic or athletic backgrounds, leave their Weekend accountable for their lives and ready for the challenges of the adult world.
Why is there a workshop for parents at the same time our sons attend the YMUW?
It’s not reasonable for parents to think that by just sending their sons to a weekend initiation, they're going to become more responsible and resilient young men overnight. Parents need to know how to support the natural individuation process of their sons, otherwise they'll actually be perpetuating more conflict in the house. When parents attend this workshop, the entire family will enjoy an immediate improvement in their relationships.
This workshop, led by YMUW founder, Dr. Mark Schillinger, is endorsed by YMUW and is called, “Raising Your Son to Be Happy, Responsible & Resilient - Without Nagging, Yelling, or Punishing”. It shows parents how to skillfully use their authority and influence to “challenge’, or activate, their son’s natural masculine wisdom so that he overcomes the distractions of digital devices and becomes motivated to be more responsible for his own well-being.
The parents learn the same family unity technology that we teach their sons at the YMUW. This allows the parents to speak to their sons in a language that actually motivates them to do the right things.
This weekend intensive shows parents practical techniques that work in the toughest situations with their sons, including drugs, sex, schoolwork, lying, stealing, addiction to video games, irresponsibility and entitlement. Parents leave the workshop knowing how to increase the trust, cooperation and love with theirs sons.
Most importantly, parents will be in a community of other parents who will bring their practical insight to the issues you may be struggling with.
Do I Have to Attend the Parent Workshop If My Son Is Attending YMUW?
It’s unrealistic to expect your home to become more caring and cooperative just by having your son attend his YMUW adventure camp rite of passage initiation. When parents attend this workshop, the entire family will benefit from having the same skills that foster mutual respect and trust.
That said, it’s not mandatory for parents to attend the parent workshop. Conversely, parents can attend the parent workshop if their son is not attending the YMUW.
What if my son is not interested or resistant to attending?
In this technological era of digital dominance, many young adults have become stressed by the “need” for instant gratification. This can result in teens who become over-empowered, mis-directed or dis-respectful. Most young men are not excited about attending a wilderness adventure camp where they have to leave their computer, iPod, cell phone or TV at home.
If your son may be resistant to attending the YMUW, click here to read more about how to support your son to attend.
Can my son attend The Weekend more than once?
Absolutely, yes! We’ve had a few graduates attend three and four times! More importantly, after a young man graduates from two weekends, he's eligible to serve on production with the adult males. This is the key opportunity for the young man to learn how to focus his abilities to become more independent. We've had many young men serve on production and then go on to increase their responsibilities at the weekend by assuming key leadership positions.
Do you recommend that my son attend alone or with friends?
The main thing is to get him there whether his friends go or not. If he does go with friends this will be an experience they will not likely forget and will share for the rest of their lives. We've had young men attend YMUW and then return to attend again, bringing their friends with them.
Which supplies will my son need in order to attend the Weekend?
Once you register your son to attend the Ultimate Weekend, you’ll be sent a complete list of supplies your son will need in order to be properly prepared.
Basically, your son will need to pack basic camping supplies including a sleeping bag and a backpack for toiletries and clothing. If he has any special medication he'll need to bring that. He will not need to bring food or a tent.
After my son attends The YMUW, what services are available for him?
In order to keep your son focused on the life lessons he learned at the YMUW, we strongly recommend your son continue working with us, both through one-on-one mentorship. The purpose of this mentoring is to help your son develop his personal, social, financial and academic skills so that he becomes happy, responsible and resilient. Dr. Mark Schillinger, YMUW founder, is available to mentor your son. To schedule a free 20-minute consultation for mentorship, contact Dr. Mark.
If I live out of town, can I send my son without travelling myself?