Men's Retreat 2004
"Brotherhood across the Boundaries"
March 19-21, 2004
Let's come together to overcome the boundaries that divide us
-- attitudes of difference whether based on age, race, creed, sexual orientation,
politics, or religious path.
Men from all backgrounds are welcome, whether old or young; of all colors,
races, and national origins; whether you are straight, gay, bi, or poly; regardless
of political affiliation; whether you are Christian, Buddhist, Moslem, Pagan,
Druid, Wiccan, Asatruar, Shaman, or something else.
We are all drummers to different beats, but part of the same melody all the
same.
Schedule
(schedule subject to change without notice)
We are holding several workshops that represent segments of the population we are expecting to come to the retreat, and that encourage brotherhood regardless of background. Guests are not expected to attend any workshop that they do not wish or that they don't feel comfortable with. However, we do ask that you respect other people's beliefs and backgrounds, even if they are different from your own.
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There is a destiny that makes us brothers, No one goes his way
alone; All that we send into the lives of others, Comes back into our
own.
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Friday, March 19 6pm-9pm - Guests arrive and settle in. Free time. Dinner. 9pm - Introductions, drumming, and entertainment around the campfire. Saturday, March 20 9am - Self-exploration/ Guided Meditation Exercise: Defining Your Goals and Path in Life. Sponsored by OSC. 10am - Finding your Animal Totem and Using it to Empower your Life. Sponsored by OSC. 11am - Panel: Alternate Sexualities. Gay, Bi, Poly. 12noon - Lunch Break 1pm - Mentorship: Bridging the gap between young and old. Sponsored by the ODU Men's Center Without Walls. 2pm - The Greenman and his various guises. Sponsored by Exploring the Primordial Male. 3pm - Craft Workshop: Making Personal Shields and Totems 4pm - Panel: Honoring the Masculine within Earth-based Religions. Druidism, Asatruism, Shamanism, Wiccan, and others. 5pm-8pm - Dinner. Free time. Games. 8pm-midnight - Drumming, stories, poetry, and songs by the campfire. Feast of the Stag God Rite of Spring Ceremony -- Will take place sometime between 8pm and midnight. This will take place when the Stag God himself is ready. Sponsored by the Order of the Stone Circle. Sunday, March 21 10am - Check Out 10:30am -- Hike for those interested in sticking around.
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Where:
First Landing Park in Virginia Beach (off Shore Drive). Cabin #20.
When:
March 19-21, 2004 (see schedule above for specific times)
Admission:
$5 for the day, $10 to stay one night, $15 to stay the entire weekend. As much as we'd like to offer free admission, we have to charge to help cover costs. The cabin itself is $135 for the weekend. That's not including supplies, advertising, and other materials. Payment will be due in cash or check form when you arrive at the Retreat.
Overnight Accomodations:
Overnight accomodations will be on a first come, first serve basis. We will probably only be able to fit 15-20 people in, and we're expecting alot more people than this. Make arrangements as soon as possible before that weekend if you wish to stay more than one day. Most cabins only have 3-4 beds, but we'll fit in as many people as we can fit sleeping bags and cots on the floor. Cabins do have shower facilities and hot water. If you are coming with a group or organization, or even with some friends, and you'd like to reseve you're own cabin or campsite, we recommend doing so. These can be reserved by contacting the Virginia State Park Service at 1-800-933-PARK or by going to their website at: http://www.dcr.state.va.us/parks/1stland.htm
Food and Drinks:
Food and drink will be your responsibility. We will provide charcoal fires in the grills provided at the campsite during designated meal times for anyone wishing to grill out. There are also several restaurants near the park. You are welcome to bring alcohol, provided you are over the legal age. However, anyone who gets out of hand may be asked to leave.
What to bring:
The main thing to bring is an open mind and a reverent attitude. Bring food to cook out if you are so inclined. Overnight guests should bring a sleeping bag, towels and toiletries, changes of clothing based on the weather that weekend, and anything else you might need for an overnight stay. Insect repellant and sunscreen are also good things to bring. A flashlight could come in handy if you are staying for the night.
Atmosphere:
We wish to create a mythical and mystical atmosphere for the weekend. Workshops and events will reflect this theme. Even though the cabins have electricity, lighting at night will be by candle, lantern, and fire. Electronic devices, including cell phones, are discouraged. Anyone who is disruptive, disrespectful, or irreverant may be asked to leave.
Old Dominion University Students:
If you are an ODU student, please mention this when you contact us to reserve your space. We are coordinating ODU Students with the ODU Men's Center Without Walls. Depending on the response we get from ODU students, there may be carpools or transportation assistance to the Retreat, and we may try to reserve a separate cabin for students.
Minors:
Minors under the age of 18 will only be allowed with supervising adult.
Pets:
Except for those who need seeing eye dogs, we are asking guests to leave their pets at home. First Landing charges extra for pets to stay, and requires up to date rabies vaccinations and other information on them. Also, depending on how many people we have staying overnight, we may not have room enough in the cabin to allow pets to stay.
Organizations:
Organizations are welcome to bring flyers and promotional materials for their groups, and even a banner for their group. We'll have a table or space to place flyers. If you're organization has several people coming, you might want to consider getting a separate cabin for your group somewhere near the main cabin (Cabin #20). Please let us know if your organization plans to get a separate cabin. If your organization is interested in putting together a workshop, please e-mail me at: knightsofmatrix@yahoo.com
Reserving Your Space at the Retreat
Overnight accomodations will be limited, and on a first come first served basis. We'll try to make room for as many people as are interested in staying, but to make sure you've got a space please e-mail us ahead of time so we know to expect you. Depending on how many people RSVP, we may have a waiting list for people wishing to stay in the main cabin. Please be sure to include your name; how many are in your party; contact information (in case we need to make any arrangements with you before the retreat); and which nights you are staying -- Friday, Saturday, or both. Also let us know whether you are an ODU student. As mentioned earlier, most people will be sleeping on sleeping bags on the floor. Cots may be available from First Landing for an additional fee.
Contact us to reserve your space: knightsofmatrix@yahoo.com
Links to Sponsoring and Affiliated Organizations:
Order of the Stone Circle -- a men's fraternal order based on Druidic philosophy. Regular monthly meetings in Norfolk, workshops, seasonal ceremonies, parties, and social events.
Exploring the Primordial Male -- Open to pagan men of all paths; to study, teach & explore what it means to be a man in a predomiantly gaia-centric faith.
Old Dominion University Men's Center Without Walls -- The purpose of the Men's Center is to provide information and resources to enhance the academic and personal development of the diverse male student population at ODU.