Adolescence can be a challenging time where one experiences many influences. Some influences may affect the course of one's life, values, and identity. Our Tough Guise group is an four-week interactive encounter that will help boys develop positive identity and values that will serve them throughout life.

During the group, we will consider what it means to develop a true sense of masculinity, and participants will learn the importance of examining their own beliefs about this subject. We will discuss how influences such as the media, friends, and other peers can impact the direction of an adolescent's life as they seek to develop their own identity. Each week we will discuss students' personal attitudes about themselves, the world, and their future and how they can become more accepting of and gain a greater sense of "self." Through weekly activities and discussion, students will learn to develop greater self-esteem, a sense of purpose, a positive view of the future, personal power, responsibility, restraint, and an interest in equality and social justice issues.

The curriculum utilized for this group is from Jolene L. Roehlkepartain's Building Assets Together and other sources.

The group is open to boys between the ages of 13-18. The fee for the entire four-week group is $25. Some scholarships are available with proof of need. The next session will meet on Mondays from 5-6 PM from November 26 - December 17, 2012 at the Maine Township Town Hall.

For more information or to sign up, please contact Richard Lyon at or 847-297-2510 x272.