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MANHOOD BOOT CAMP

One more attempt to reclaim, motivate, and preserve the lives and destinies of our young men

　　

Sponsored by Winsome Ministries, Inc., a non-profit entity

Facilitated by Phyllis Thompson Hilliard, Director

"MANHOOD BOOT CAMP"

a six-phase personal development symposium for young men

　

PHASE I -

  • Defining manhood (What it isn’t.) This will be a candid, open discussion.
  • Manhood thesis/essay: "This is what manhood means to me."
  • Life beyond high school (Write down your dreams. What do you do well?)
  • Develop a five-year plan for yourself. (Education; entrepreneurship; money management, etc. List your strengths)
  • The "Manhood Creed"
  • Manhood lures, lies, and lessons (Prison and sloth are not options!)

PHASE II –

  • First impressions (clothing, demeanor; stereotypes; speech)
  • Transformation (groomed for greatness.)
  • Etiquette (Whether you’re home or abroad, know your stuff!)
  • History (vignettes from Roots, Garvey, King, Malcolm)

　

PHASE III –

  • Sexuality (Slinging seed all over the globe is not cool!)
  • Health matters (sexually-transmitted diseases; physical exercise to maximize strength; talking to a therapist, if necessary, to gain mental stability)
  • Heart issues (daddy hunger, self-image, self-loathing, anger, etc.)
  • Excel, exceed, expect (Proper speech and good grades are colorless!)

　

PHASE IV –

  • Parental peace (Must there always be an issue?)
  • Therapeutic remedies (Behavior modifications)
  • DNA diagnostics (Who am I, anyway? Why do I do what I do?)
  • Rise to the occasion (In other words, "Aim for excellence!")

PHASE V –

  • Nooses, noises, and nuances (We have an incredible history, but a very long way to freedom. How did we get here and where are we headed?)
  • Defining moments (accountability * responsibility * dignity * ambition * truth * excellence * motivation)
  • Think tank (There is a write way.)
  • You have a voice (non-disruptive responses; be proactive; if you’re 18, then register to VOTE.)
  • You’re evolving (When I was a child…)

PHASE VI –

  • On the premise of manhood (What now?)
  • Add a decent song to your life.
  • Re-write your life’s script.
  • Inspiration, aspiration (Who inspires you? What do you aspire to become?)
  • Learn a different language.
  • Learn to play an instrument.
  • Aim for excellence!

　

NOTE: Upon completion of the program, students will receive a signed and sealed certificate acknowledging their "graduation" from boot camp.

　　

BOOT CAMP REQUIREMENTS

　

  • Students must attend all six (6) sessions.

  • No smirking or teasing. Disrespect of any sort will NOT be tolerated.

  • Every participant is to be regarded as unique and respected as such.

  • Students must sign up and complete 20 recorded hours of community service throughout the school year (nursing home, Habitat for Humanity, shelters, church, senior citizens homes, soup kitchens, etc.)

  • Essays must be submitted and postmarked by established date. (*See rules for completion in packet.)

  • African-American history tests are to be returned by May 23, 2008. Winners will be notified during summer months or sooner.

  • Program participants are required to read an assigned book. (Mrs. Hilliard will know whether or not you’ve followed through with this.)

  • Juniors and seniors MUST submit at least three college applications. Please see your parent, principal, guidance counselor, or Mrs. Hilliard if satisfying the fees becomes an issue.

  • Go for help before you fail a course. (A grade of "C-" is not acceptable, I don’t care if you’re involved in a sport.) Aspire for higher.

  • You must want to do this.

 

 

                              MISSION OF MANHOOD BOOT CAMP

  • To impart a more effective measure for young men to approach, honor, and assume the mantle of manhood.

  • To challenge and ultimately dispel the widespread notion and reality of failure among our inner-city students. Social strata, paternal absenteeism, and a myriad of other challenges may affect them, but does not define them.

  • To develop and implement a creed of personal governance among our young men.

  • To introduce to society a new breed of confident, poised, articulate, well-groomed young men prepared to meet the world on its own terms.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

DESCRIPTION of and PROPOSAL for MANHOOD BOOT CAMP

sponsored by Winsome Ministries, Inc. * P.O. Box 124 * Perrineville, NJ 08535

(732) 887-0010 * e-mail: sistaphyl@yahoo.com

  • As a proactive measure of reclaiming and preserving the destinies of our young brothers, Manhood Boot Camp has been instituted to ensure this mission. This is a six-session course designed to motivate, cultivate, and educate young men who attend inner-city school systems.

  • Manhood Boot Camp has been designed to aid in the intervention and reduction of the number of males expected to occupy the penal system, increase the rolls of the unemployable, unemployed, uneducable, and incorrigible.

  • This is a highly structured program requiring the attendance and participation of selected young men whether in high school, mentoring programs, church youth groups, or other supervised group. Program participants are the result of a consensus among the faculty of the participating entity. It is the decision of the designated authority as to the frequency of the classes.

  • I propose that for three or more designated hours comprising the stated six-session course, Phyllis Hilliard (hereafter known as "the facilitator") will meet with these selected individuals to discuss the various components of manhood, from the vantage point of a woman and (a) mother. Employing multi-media venues, unadulterated conversation, and positive nurturing, students will embark upon an intense program of study. To gain maximum effectiveness, it is recommended that no more than 60 students participate in this program at one time.

  • To capitalize on the importance and integrity of this program, all participants will be given portfolios, which will include materials at the initial meeting for the effective completion of Manhood Boot Camp.

  • Students will be required to engage in every aspect of the program, from learning proper social etiquette, to dressing and speaking well, rehearsing their dreams, and writing their essays.

  • The host facility will be assessed a fee of $ 1,500.00 for the total six sessions throughout the school year conducted by the facilitator. This fee will assist in absorbing the costs of the materials that will be distributed to each participant.

  • Manhood Boot Camp is sponsored by Winsome Ministries, Inc., a 501©-3 entity licensed in the state of New Jersey. Your tax-deductible payment should be made payable to Winsome Ministries, Inc.

  • The facilitator will arrive at your facility in ample time to set up and distribute aforementioned materials, at which time the program will commence in a designated meeting area.

  • Although the facilitator is responsible for the implementing of Manhood Boot Camp, there will be occasions where assistants will accompany her. Such will be the case during the sessions on exercising, etiquette, and grooming, in particular.

  • If you have read, understood, and are in full agreement with the principles set forth regarding Manhood Boot Camp, please express your affirmation by signing the provided consent forms where indicated. Forward a copy to the facilitator, keep a copy for your school files, and another for filing your taxes.

    •

    _________________________________________________________________________________

    MANHOOD BOOT CAMP CONSENT FORM

    c/o Winsome Ministries, Inc. * P.O. Box 124 * Perrineville, NJ 08535

    (732) 887-0010 (mobile) * e-mail: sistaphyl@yahoo.com

     

    For completion by authorized client only.

    I have read, understood, and do comply with the aforementioned principles, purposes, and $1,500.00 payment for this program entitled Manhood Boot Camp.

    My signature confirms my agreement:

    ______________________________ ___________________

                        Principal or authorized Faculty member Date

    Specified dates of program (monthly □ weekly □ bi-weekly□) School year:____________

    ______________________________ ___________________________

    ______________________________ ___________________________

    ______________________________ ___________________________

    Amount received: $ ___________

    Balance due, if any: $__________

    Method of payment:

    cash: (not recommended)

    check number: ___

    money order: ____

    credit card: *AMEX q Discover q VISA q MasterCard q Otherq

    Card number: ____________________________________ Exp. Date: ________

    *CID code (front):_____ All other cards: CCV2 code ( back): ________

    Signature: ________________________________________________________

    ________________________________________________________________

    White copy: Winsome Ministries, Inc. * Pink copy: School office * Yellow copy: School tax records

    RECLAIM * MOTIVATE * PRESERVE

    　　

    "A lot of the problems young men have out in the streets are really about boys trying to find their father and coming to some understanding of manhood. Without a father, they’ll find that understanding in the wrong places."

    ~ Denzel Washington

    ESSENCE MAGAZINE

    November 2002, page 154

    　_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

    　

    　

    Phyllis D. Thompson Hilliard

    . . . is intent upon teaching Godly principles to this generation, young men in particular. The author of a workbook entitled, "Manhood Boot Camp" (published 2006) written especially for males ages 12-17, Mrs. Hilliard is a member of Cathedral International where her husband, Bishop Donald Hilliard, serves as the Senior Pastor.

    A 1989 graduate of Rutgers University, she has been Director of the Cathedral Women’s Ministry for 16 years, and has also had the privilege of addressing youth programs on several occasions. In 1994, she instituted a Female Rites of Passage program at her church called the "Nailah Mentoring Program." This ministry is still active and thriving.

    Having read extensively and observed the plight of males who populate prisons, aimlessly wander the streets, live in neglected communities, and attend sub-standard inner-city schools, Mrs. Hilliard has begun to travel to various districts armed with a six-session program by the same name, "Manhood Boot Camp."

    She is determined to use this vehicle to teach young men to reclaim and fulfill their destiny. This is her personal attempt to counter the conspiracy of failure looming large among young African-American, Latino, low-income, and those students who may have minimal direction or have "fallen through the cracks."

    　* * *

    　　Each "boot camp" participant will receive a portfolio containing:
    • A retractable pen
    • writing pad
    • "The Little Book of Etiquette"
    • A copy of "The Little Black Book" (money management)
    • Manhood Boot Camp thesis
    • Manhood Creed
    • Manhood essay template
    • African-American history exam (self-address envelope enclosed for returning)
    • College and scholarship applications
    • Two "Knock-Knock®" cards
    • DVD (Cathedral Youth conference)
    • Copy of Black Enterprise magazine
    • Pack of tissues and a handkerchief

     

    RECLAIM * MOTIVATE * PRESERVE

    One life really can make a difference!

    　_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

    　

    "Manhood Boot Camp"

    sponsored by Winsome Ministries, Inc.

    P.O. Box 124

    Perrineville, NJ 08535

    (732) 887-0010

    School/Organization:________________________________________

     

    Parent Permission Slip

     

    Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):

    An educational program is being planned involving your child. Your child’s participation is encouraged, however optional. No grade credit is attached to attending this program, but there may be follow-up activities associated with its content. If you choose not to have your child participate, he/she will follow their regular schedule or an appropriate and meaningful program will be planned for him/her during that time. Students are expected to behave in an appropriate manner at all times or will be excused from the remainder of the program.

    Program Date(s):________________________________________________________

    Please complete and return the bottom portion of this form before:_____________.

    　

    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

    "Manhoot Boot Camp"

    　

    Student’s Name:________________________________________________________

    School/Organization:____________________________________________________

    Program Date(s):____________________________________________

    　

    • I grant permission for my child to participate in this program.

    • I prefer my child not participate in this program.

    　

    Parent/Guardian Signature:_____________________________ Date:_______________

    　

    RECLAIM * MOTIVATE * PRESERVE

    One life really can make a difference

    ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

    "Manhood Boot Camp"

    sponsored by Winsome Ministries, Inc.

    P.O. Box 124

    Perrineville, NJ 08535

    Phyllis Hilliard, Facilitator Phone: 732-877-0010

    www.winsomeministries.org Fax: 609-918-1590

    　

    Dear Parents/Guardians:

    RE: PICTURE TAKING/VIDEOTAPING

    While participating in the "Manhood Boot Camp" program, there may be pictures or video taken of the participants. As a result, your child/children may be included in the pictures and/or videos taken. We ask that you grant permission for the sponsoring school/organization and the "Manhood Boot Camp" program and affiliates to have your child/children’s picture(s) for newsletters, newspapers, yearbooks, programs or videos to be used for promotional/instructional purposes.

    Please fill out the appropriate information below and return to the school/sponsoring organization prior to the start of this program. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact the school/organization or myself at:732-877-0010.

    Thank you,

    Phyllis Hilliard

    Facilitator

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    RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY

    Picture Taking/Video Permission—"Manhood Boot Camp" Program

    _____Yes, I give permission for the sponsoring school/organization and the "Manhood Boot Camp" program and affiliates to utilize pictures and/or video taken of my child/children listed below during this program.

    _____No, my child/children listed below cannot be videotaped or have their pictures taken for any purpose.

    _____________________________ Child/Children’s Name/Grade

    Parent/Guardian Signature _____________________________

    _____________________________

    ______________________________ _____________________________

    Date _____________________________