When boys grow up without strong examples of what it means to be a man, they’re often left guessing their way through life. They chase validation in all the wrong places—status, substances, shallow wins—while quietly feeling like something is missing. Without guidance or real milestones to mark their growth, they drift, unsure of when or how they become “men.” It’s not just a personal loss, it ripples through families, relationships, and communities, creating cycles that are hard to break.

Dan Smith, once a police officer and FBI agent, now runs Voyage Rites—a program helping fathers guide their sons through meaningful rites of passage. Homeschooled with his twin brother, Dan knows firsthand the struggles of building confidence without structure. His mission is simple: give young men clear, intentional milestones as they grow. He speaks about balancing intense careers with family life and why these father-son connections matter more than ever. His focus now is on creating moments that shape character, not just outcomes. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond!

Quotes:

• “I was working to live, not living to work. Experiencing that was eye-opening for me, as it made me realize what truly mattered in my life—my family.” – Dan Smith
• “There are people in your neighborhood, community, and church who may be living through the worst day of their life—and this happens every single day.” – Dan Smith
• “The masculine journey is a continuous process of growth—it’s something that never truly ends.” – Dan Smith
• “Great thoughts speak only to the thoughtful mind. Great actions speak to all mankind.” – Matt Beaudreau

Takeaways:

• Schedule a dedicated time to write a heartfelt, handwritten letter to your son about what you see in him and your hopes for his future.
• Seek out a ride-along or shadowing opportunity in a field you're interested in to gain real-world insight beyond classroom learning.
• Identify one area where you're not being fully present with your family and create a specific plan to change that behavior.
• Plan a meaningful rite of passage experience with your son that challenges him and marks his transition into manhood.
• Reach out to a mentor or community leader who can provide guidance in an area where you want to grow personally or professionally.

Conclusion:

It’s critical to have clear rites of passage for young men, especially since modern society has lost many of the traditional ways of guiding boys into adulthood. Intentional mentorship, strong father-son relationships, and structured experiences play a significant role in shaping young men’s growth. There is a pressing need to restore meaningful cultural practices that can help young men navigate key life stages. By doing so, we can raise more purposeful, responsible, and emotionally intelligent individuals who contribute positively to society.