You are invited to call Kellen Joseph Clark to a life of character. This is not a Birthday party (though I hope we celebrate well!), it's a **rite of passage**. It will trigger a series of rituals at future birthdays (most likely 13, 18 & 21). ==please keep this confidential== When: 2 PM -5 PM on November 30th Where: [White Rock Mountain, Campsite 9](https://whiterockmountain.com/) What: Food & Ceremony **Actions for you:** - **Write a letter to Kellen** (bring it to present to him, or send to me in advance) - I will compile these for Kellen. I have letters from men from my tenth birthday, that I still return to and read. - Come ready to share! **You will be asked to share.** Suggested topics: - Your **love for Kellen** and a favorite memory with him - **Encourage** Kellen by sharing a good character trait you see in him - **Challenge** Kellen with a word of warning or wisdom - Share **a story from your life**: it could be a mess you made, or a story of God's goodness, or a victory - **Volunteer** (See below to help pull this off!) **Help! Can you help with one of these topics? - Adopt someone who is traveling in from out of town! It would be great for everyone to have a buddy - Do you need accommodations before or after the ceremony? We have so much space at our house, just let us know! - Food, Drinks, Plates, Cups - I need someone to pick up my truck from the [Ozark Highlands Trailhead at Lake Fort Smith](https://maps.app.goo.gl/YearRPjPtcNjcrJx6) and bring it to White Rock Mountain - I will purchase local firewood that should be ready at the campsite **The rite of passage** Kellen & I will start the Ozark Highlands Trail from it's western terminus, hiking 18 miles in 3 days to summit White Rock Mountain. This will be a grueling physical challenge for Kellen, both his longest backpacking trip and two summits along the way. Throughout our time, I will focus on passages of scripture that point to: - Nobility - Love - Fortitude - & Sexual Purity And he will face several unique challenges along the way, including a silence ban and a trust exercise. What he does not know is that he is hiking into the arms of men who love him and who will call him to a life of love.