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The Council for Boys & Young Men | 10-Weeks

Are you looking for a space where your son can feel understood and empowered? This is it.

As boys approach and navigate adolescence, they are often confronted with significant challenges. Their bodies and brains are undergoing a major biochemical overhaul, leading to intense energies and emotions. Because of these changes, the quality of relationships with friends and family can shift and leave boys feeling isolated and confused. On top of these physical shifts, boys are being exposed to confusing and conflicting cultural messages about what masculinity should look like.

These Circles offer a valuable space for positive growth, where boys can openly share their experiences and discover the power of mutual support. Through these sessions, boys develop a sense of brotherhood and uncover skills within themselves that they may not have recognized before. They become more empowered, realizing their capacity to make a difference. They also learn that other boys share similar challenges, understanding the value of vulnerability along the way — and so much more!

Research has shown significant increases in school engagement and positive impacts on beliefs about masculinity among participants. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is currently funding a four-year study on Boys Council aimed at preventing violence (https://onecirclefoundation.org/research)

Key Takeaways

  • Improved communication and social skills

  • Enhanced self-confidence and emotional awareness

  • Practical coping strategies and resilience-building

  • A strong sense of brotherhood and belonging

What to Expect

These group sessions are designed with intention and care, keeping the size small—between 7 to 10 boys—to ensure each participant receives ample space and attention. This allows for deeper connection and personal growth in a supportive environment.

Program Structure Overview:

We use a 7-step model:

  1. Opening Ritual Sets the tone and invites boys into the unique and safe space of the council.

  2. Theme Introduction Each session centers around meaningful themes such as:
    - Popularity vs. fitting in
    - Setting goals
    - Expressing emotions vs. "sucking it up"
    - Personal boundaries
    - Bullying
    - And more

  3. Warm-Up Light, non-threatening, and engaging activities to encourage interaction and build rapport among the boys.

  4. Check-In A time for boys to express their thoughts about the day’s theme or share anything else on their minds.

    Sample Prompts for Check-In:
    "How I’m currently feeling…"
    "I’m here because…"
    "Things I’m going through…"
    "My parents be trippin'…"
    "What my week has been like…"
    "The problem I’m having in school is…"
    "My high today is… and my low today is…"

  5. Activity A creative or experiential activity related to the theme, often including a brief verbal or written component.

  6. Reflection An opportunity for boys to reflect on the activity's meaning through a guided discussion.

  7. Closing Ritual Provides a thoughtful end to the shared experiences, leaving boys with a positive tone, a feeling of gratitude, and respect.

This structure is very effective at supporting the co-creation of a container that offers a sense of safety and togetherness which is necessary for sharing those things that might otherwise feel too vulnerable.

Who Is This Circle For?

This circle is for boys aged 11-13.

Boys' development is influenced by a vast spectrum of factors—social, economic, cultural, familial, psychological, and educational. Despite these differences, the reality of living in our current culture is that all boys deal with some degree of confusion and isolation. In this sense, this Circle is for all boys.  

Jeff is one of the first people in our community whom I turn to when I need to talk or when navigating a troubled relationship that could benefit from peer mediation. I have a lot of trust in him in this way. I’ve also hugely valued Jeff’s space-holding in men’s circles, on retreats, and during times of personal illness. He is very grounded, genuinely caring, and tactful in his approach; he knows when to bring humour and lightness into the conversation.
— Zach

Want to Learn More Before Registering Your Son?

Jeff is happy to connect and answer any questions you may have! Email him at jclarkeosteopathy@gmail.com to set up a time.

Meet Your Guide: Jeff Clarke

Jeff is an Osteopathic Therapist who spent 10 years teaching yoga locally. He began his journey into men's work in 2012. His introduction to this field came through the Mankind Project (https://mankindproject.org/), where he completed several trainings and went on to volunteer and facilitate at numerous events. In 2022, Jeff co-founded a local men's group. Recently, he trained with One Circle Foundation (https://onecirclefoundation.org/) to become a facilitator for The Council for Boys and Young Men.

Having experienced profound healing and witnessed transformative growth within these men's Circles, Jeff is very excited to offer this opportunity to the boys and young men in our community.

Cost & Dates

$190 + HST for 10 weeks

If the cost is a barrier, please reach out to Jeff directly to explore options. He's committed to working with you to find a solution. You can email Jeff at jclarkeosteopathy@gmail.com

10 Tuesday Evenings, 6:45 PM - 8:15 PM
In-Person at the Functional Medicine Uptown Community Space | 109 Erb St. W, Waterloo, ON

Tues, February 4 | 6:45 - 8:15 pm
Tues, February 11 | 6:45 - 8:15 pm
Tues, February 18 | 6:45 - 8:15 pm
Tues, February 25 | 6:45 - 8:15 pm
Tues, March 4 | 6:45 - 8:15 pm
Please note March 11 is excluded for March Break
Tues, March 18 | 6:45 - 8:15 pm
Tues, March 25 | 6:45 - 8:15 pm
Tues, April 1 | 6:45 - 8:15 pm
Tues, April 8 | 6:45 - 8:15 pm
Tues, April 15 | 6:45 - 8:15 pm 

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NOTE: Class registration sales are final and non-refundable. We do not offer make-up classes. If you cannot attend after purchasing, please contact community@fmuptown.com to transfer your registration to a friend who can attend on your behalf. Thank you for your understanding.

To get reminder emails for your upcoming class, please select the "Subscribe to our email list" box.

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HeartMath: The Simple Practice to Feel Calm, Clear, and In Control