TRAVEL FORM & INFORMATION

LOCATION  |  CHECKLIST  |  FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Please complete the Travel Form to setup transportation. Afterwards, if you have any questions, please call or email the Travel Coordinator.

Michael Finch, Travel Coordinator
Phone: (763) 464-9377
Email: convenor@illumanofmn.org

 
 

LOCATION

•••••› ILLUMAN OF MN MROP ‹•••••

Initiates will be sent a welcome letter once their application has been accepted. Within the letter will be additional information.

OSPREY WILDS ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER
SANDSTONE, MN

We need to know how you will be getting to the Audubon Center. All participants and staff will need to fill out the Travel Form at bottom of this page.

Past experience has taught us that many people underestimate the time it takes to get to Sandstone, MN. Please give yourself plenty of time so you arrive on time and can get settled in. It is very important that we start promptly with everyone present.

NOTES

  • MROP registration/sign-in begins at 2:30 PM on Wednesday, June 18th, 2025. (Please do not arrive earlier!)

  • MROP event begins at 4:00 PM on Wednesday, June 18th, 2025 and concludes by 3:00PM on Sunday, June 22, 2025.

  • It is absolutely necessary to attend the entire MROP, from the opening on Wednesday through ending ceremony on Sunday.
    (You may NOT come late or leave early except in cases of absolute emergency.)

 
 

MROP TRAVEL CHECKLIST

Download Checklist of Items to bring to the MROP

The Osprey Wilds Center has limited bedding/towels for $10

  • Sleeping bag or sheets/blankets for a twin size mattress

  • Pillow

  • Towel

  • Usual toiletry items including soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.

  • Two plain old white t-shirts (no words or designs on them)

  • One plain black t-shirt (no words or designs on them)

  • A pair of shorts/pants that can get stained

  • Additional casual clothing as needed for the week

  • Jacket

  • Rain gear

  • Hat (important for sun protection)

  • Swimsuit

  • Durable shoes appropriate for hiking and walking

  • Journal/notebook with a pen or pencil

  • Water bottle

  • Flashlight

  • Day pack

  • Garbage bag or other water repellent bag to protect items within day pack

  • Sunscreen

  • Insect repellent

  • Tweezers (to remove ticks)

  • Wrist watch (You are asked not to use your cell phone to determine time)

  • Check book or cash to purchase books, shirts, etc. from bookstore

  • Any drum (or percussion instrument) you care to bring. No experience required. If you have an extra drum, label it and bring it for someone else to use. Other rhythm instruments are encouraged too.

  • Personal symbol(s) that represent any of the following:
    — what you need to let go of
    — what you might need to grieve over
    — what you still want to become
    — any personal faith symbol

Note: These symbols will not need to be exhibited/shared, but we have found that it is helpful to many men for their own initiation purposes.

 
 

MROP FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Download Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dates for the Rites of Passage?

  • Registration begins at 2:30 pm Wednesday, June 18, 2025.

  • The Initiation begins at 4:00 PM on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, and concludes by 3:00 PM on Sunday, June 22, 2025.

It is absolutely necessary to attend the entire Initiation Rites from the opening on Wednesday through final Liturgy on Sunday. You may not come late or leave early, except in cases of absolute emergency.

What will be asked of me physically?

It is important to note that you must have a basic mobility and health that will allow you to crawl, hike, and fast.  There will be a 24-hour fast from Friday (after supper) until Saturday supper.  We will make accommodations for those with special dietary needs; otherwise only water will be consumed during this time.

How and when do I handle my final payment and arrival information?

The Osprey Wilds Center requires total payment for any guest registered for a program at their facility — even if that guest does not show up. For this reason, we request that all registrants pay for the entire Men’s Rite of Passage by Wednesday, May 31, 2025. In order to keep your reserved place for this MROP, please send your balance of $600, along with the Payment/Travel Information Form that is included in this letter.  Please make your final payment at our web site or in the form of a check or money order. (If you sent your application with a $50 down payment before our Early Bird deadline of May 15, your balance will be $550.)

Where is the Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center?

Founded in 1968, Osprey Wilds is an environmental center, located on the shores of Grindstone Lake, about halfway between Duluth, MN and the Twin Cities.  It is a 535 acre sanctuary, with a combination of lake shore, stream, wetlands, grassland and forest. For more information & directions visit www.ospreywilds.org  Emergency numbers are (888) 404-7743 or (320) 245-2648.  Please leave this information with people before you leave home. Cell phone coverage is limited in this area. If you need to contact someone upon your arrival, please bring a calling card to reach them.

What is the weather like there?

June is pristine vacation weather in northern Minnesota. The temperature usually averages between 70-80, although some years have reached the 90s or dip into the 60s. It can be humid during this time of year, but don’t worry the sleeping quarters are air-conditioned and a dip into the lake is always refreshing. The biggest concerns may be mosquitoes (be sure to pack plenty of bug repellent) and deer ticks/wood ticks (which can be a nuisance or sometimes dangerous).

What do I need to bring?

Please see the travel checklist above on this webpage for what to bring.

What are the accommodations at the Audubon Center?

Accommodations are in the Crosby Lodge. Bedding and towels are NOT provided. You must bring your own sleeping bag or sheets/blankets for a twin mattress. (The Audubon Center has bedding available for out of State men for $10.) You will share a room with 3 other men. Each room is air-conditioned, features solid wood bunks, and has its own bathroom facilities. If you are a person who snores (at a level that would disturb others), please communicate this on the enclosed Medical Information form.

How do I get to the Audubon Center?

Please see the information at the top of this webpage for location of the Osprey Wilds Center.

Who do I contact if my plane is delayed?

If your plane is delayed, contact Michael Finch at (763)464-9377.

Are there places available to stay before and/or after the Rites of Passage?

If you need accommodations before and/or after the Rites, we recommend that you Google hotels near Minneapolis/St. Paul airport. There is a variety of hotels, from the inexpensive to the elaborate. Nearly all have shuttle service to/from the airport.

Are there any resources available to prepare for the Rites of Passage?

If you want to do some preparatory reading/viewing, you can order it from the Center for Action and Contemplation’s on-line bookstore at www.cacradicalgrace.org. You can also call the CAC Resource Center directly (505) 247-1636 to order these and other materials.

  • Men Matter: A Quest for the True Self — audio recording by Richard Rohr

  • From Wild Man to Wise Man — book by Richard Rohr

  • Quest for the Grail — book by Richard Rohr

  • Beloved Sons: Why Males Need Initiation — audio and DVD

It is recommended that Rohr’s Adam’s Return not be read until after your Rites of Passage experience. (If you have already read it, don’t worry about it.) A bookstore with books and teachings will be available at these Rites. Bring cash or a check book to cover any purchases.