The next Maine Coast Men Weekend Retreat is 4 p.m., Friday evening, May 5 through noon, Sunday, May 7, 2023, at Tanglewood 4H Camp in Lincolnville, Maine.
Join us, as a community of men, for a retreat of sharing and support, exploring these issues and beyond, providing one another with ideas and experiences for encouragement along the path.
The camp is in a remote wooded area with hiking trails and a warm, welcoming central lodge. Some cabins have heat; others don’t. You can camp if you want. Fires in designated places only!
Who Attends: Any man who wants to register is welcome; we believe in diversity and mutual acceptance. There will be men of all ages and walks of life including fathers, sons, brothers and friends. Teens (14 to 18) may attend for free accompanied by a parent or a guardian with parental permission.
The Opening Circle is the entry point to the weekend: Each man is encouraged to introduce himself in relation to the theme and briefly state specific issues he wants to discuss later during the weekend. The Opening Circle occurs Friday night and frequently includes ritual and/or pageantry.
Fees
New Man’s Initiative – MCM would like to offer any new man the opportunity to have his weekend fee waived. New men can opt to pay part or all of the fee if they choose. Please contact registrar Tom Beal at 207-669-0008 for details.
Your fee covers the cost of workshops, meals and lodging. In addition to the fee, each participant is responsible for one work assignment at the lodge kitchen, firewood, et. al. The fee is $100 per man. In the event that the fee is a hardship for you, call Tom Beal at 207-669-0008 for scholarship accommodations.
Workshops: Saturday workshops are led by participants. Past workshops have included a wide variety of topics on men’s issues, spirituality, sexuality, self improvement, singing, dancing, drumming, making the perfect cup of espresso, etc. Consider developing one by yourself or co-facilitating a workshop with a friend. It is a rewarding experience to share a passion, an interest or an experience with other men at the weekend.
Contact us via the Contact page to discuss your idea for a workshop. We need you to make this a memorable and exciting weekend.
Conversations: Do you just want to sound off about something or ask a question to which you don’t have the answer? Want to brainstorm some topic with others? Claim one of the fireplaces for a conversation pit and put it out there. Of course, you are always welcome to walk in the woods, hang out and just unwind if you prefer.
Meals: An awesome vegetarian fare is prepared by our Master Chef Brad Purdy with excellent results. Meals are a highlight of the Maine Coast Men experience.
Nuts: Due to the increased prevalence of nut allergies, MCM and Tanglewood have a policy of not using nut products in the meals we provide; and we ask all participants to refrain from bringing nuts or nut related products into camp.
Variety Show: Everyone is invited to participate in Saturday night’s variety show by telling a funny story, reading a poem, singing, improvising or performing. No talent required and no performance required either; just be a member of the audience to support, applaud and cheer men who are natural entertainers, and those who risk being vulnerable and stepping out of their comfort zone.
Closing Circle: Concluding the weekend on Sunday is a group picture (you can choose not to be in it) and a closing circle in which everyone has an opportunity to share something about his experience. Everything ends between 1 to 2 p.m. after camp clean up. With many hands helping, we usually get out earlier.