The Quest Project – An Overview

I’ve talked a lot about The Quest Project®, how it got its start, and some of the issues adolescent boys are dealing with when they come to me.  I thought it would be a good idea to give you an overview of the program itself.

This Is How It Begins

When a parent reaches out for my help, we start by meeting and talking about their son and what brought them to me.  I then spend some time with the young man to get an idea of why he thinks he is coming to see me – an initial assessment.  I can tell you 98% of the time, their perspectives are very different!

The foundation of The Quest Project® is derived from and based on a rite of passage. 

What is a Rite of Passage?

Your first question may be, “what is a rite of passage?”  Here are the seven elements:

1. a safe place
2. group knowledge
3. adventure
4. purpose
5. physical and emotional challenge
6. mentoring
7. community involvement

The Quest Project® – A Modern Day Rite of Passage provides these elements:

• a safe group with facilitator/mentor
• goal setting and block
• tools
• wound work
• anger management
• conflict resolution
• gift
• mission=purpose
• relationship
• graduation – community involvement

Group Meetings

I facilitate groups of boys/young men ages 11 to 19.  Each group consists of five age-appropriate participants.  We meet for 10 weeks, one time per week for 1½ hour sessions.  Each of these sessions covers a specific topic.  I have researched each topic extensively, and as well use data I have collected to be sure these young men are getting exactly what they need.

Parents meet as a group throughout the 10 weeks, typically every two weeks, so that they know and understand what’s happening with their son. 

To date over 1,500 boys have gone through the program.  I am proud to say I have a 100% rate of boys getting better since 2000.  I use the “Behavioral Evaluation Scale” (BES-4) before the group begins and after completion of group in order to measure their progress.  I also survey both the participant and parent to gather feedback on the program itself.

Boys Need Transitivity

When I’m asked why I believe the program is so successful I say because it offers “transitivity.”  That’s a really cool word that means this:

  “the right information (developmental needs), the right way (rite of passage), at the right time (adolescence)”

My Mission

Over the years, I’ve seen many different families, with many different reasons seeking  help, ranging from some basic guidance to complete hopelessness.  My goal with each and every boy and each and every group is to help these young men find their purpose and gift. To help them be the man they want to be.  And, providing them the tools they need to get there.

Does this sound like a program your son could benefit from?  If you have questions, please leave me your comments on my Facebook page.

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Clayton Lessor

Clayton Lessor, PhD in education and counseling, is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice. He is author of "Generation of Men: How to raise your son to be a healthy man among men" and “Saving Our Sons: A Parent's Guide to Preparing Boys for Success." Dr. Clay has seen over 2000 boys since 2000 and facilitated over 300 The Quest Project groups. Boys attend a 10-week "boys to men program" where they and their parents will learn the tools needed to get through these turbulent teen years. Dr. Clay is a member of the Steering Committee for The Coalition to Create a White House Council for Boys and Men.

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Latest posts by Clayton Lessor (see all)

• Cleaning Up Unfinished Business! - September 11, 2021
• Introducing-Adult Quest! - July 13, 2021
• Founder of The Quest Project®-Dr. Clay - April 3, 2021