Gathering - California Men`s Gatherings

California Men’s Gathering – Labor Day Weekend
August 30th thru September 2nd 2013 | Santa Rosa, CA
What is a gathering?
When and Where
The California Men’s Gathering is a 3-day weekend
in a beautiful woodland retreat where hundreds of
men come together to take a break from their daily
lives, open their hearts and minds, and have fun.
Many men make deep and intimate connections
during the weekend, as well as long lasting
friendships and relationships.
The gathering is held Labor Day Weekend, Friday
August 30th through Monday September 2nd, sixty
miles north of San Francisco, near Santa Rosa.
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As many as 200 men from varied backgrounds,
aged 18 to 80, can be expected to attend.
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Most men are gay or bisexual. However, all men
are welcome, including straight, questioning,
and transgendered men.
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There are workshops, activities, and events
including a pool party, bonfire, ‘no-talent’ talent
show, Ropes Course Tower, and a fabulous ‘Film
Noir’ Black & White Ball.
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Registration ranges from $239 to $399, on an
income-based sliding scale. This covers lodging,
meals, workshops, and virtually all events.
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If this is your first gathering, you can take a $35
discount off your registration fee.
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Financial aid is available.
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As part of creating a safe space for all, the
gathering is a drug-free and alcohol-free event.
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In most areas of the camp clothing is optional.
However, it’s not a nudist event. Most men
remain clothed, except at the pool.
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Check-in begins 3pm, Friday, Aug 30th
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The Gathering ends 2pm, Monday, Sept 2nd
Welcome Home
Each year the gathering has a theme, a focus to
explore. This year our theme is ‘Welcome Home’.
Within CMG’s safe, supportive environment of
extended-family of men, explore what ‘Welcome
Home’ means to you.
Welcome to community. Welcome to yourself.
Welcome to your heart. Welcome Home!
Register online at:
http://ennect.com/e2224
If you need help with registration, contact the CMG
Registrar at: registrar@thecmg.org
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Registration Cost
Accommodations
The registration fee is sliding scale, based on
income, and includes a “green fee” to offset the
carbon impact of the event.
Annual Incom e
Fee
0 to $30,000
$239
$30,000 to $60,000
$269
$60,000 to $90,000
$329
$90,000 and up
$399
Standard Dorm
First Timer Discount
If you’ve never been to a CMG gathering before, take
$35 off your registration fee. Use discount code
FIRST35.
Financial Aid
It is our intention that every man who wants to
attend be able to do so. A limited number of $100
grants are available on a first-come basis. Send
requests for financial aid to registrar@thecmg.org
prior to registering.
Register and Pay Online
Registration must be done prior to the weekend.
There is no on-site registration or day-pass option.
Register at http://ennect.com/e2224
For help or questions about online registration,
email the registrar at registrar@thcmg.org.
Donations to Financial Aid
When you register, please consider making an
additional, tax-deductible contribution to the
Financial Aid Fund. Your donation will help make
the gathering available and affordable to men from
all walks of life.
Refund Policy
If a refund is requested on or before August 16,
2013, a full refund will be made, minus a $50
processing fee. Qualifying refunds will be issued by
the end of September. After August 16 no refund
requests will be approved.
included
Dormitory accommodations with attached bath,
twin beds and bunk beds. Six to eight men max. No
additional cost, included with registration fee. Room
choice is on a first-come first-served basis.
Basic Cabin
$25 per man
Cabins with attached bath, twin beds. Two men
max. If you would like to share with a specific man,
both men need to specify each other on their
registration form. We will assign a roommate if one
is not specified; please indicate if you are a quiet
sleeper or a noisy sleeper.
Deluxe Cabin
$40 per man
Newly built, light-filled cabins with large, attached
bath, patio or balcony, skylights, twin beds. Two
men max. If you would like to share with a specific
man, both men needs to specify each other on their
registration form. We will assign roommates if any
are not specified; please indicate if you are a quiet
sleeper or a noisy sleeper.
Private Room
$85/per room
Motel-style room with twin beds, attached bath.
Please note that these rooms are up two hills and
are away from most activities, great if you like
peace and quiet but may be challenging for men
with mobility limitations. Two men max. One man
pays $85 when registering.
Private Suite
$175/per bedroom
Two bedroom suite with full-size beds, attached
bath, open-plan living, dining and kitchenette, coffee
maker, a/c. Two men max per bedroom. One man
pays $175 when registering. If you would like to
share the suite with a specific man in the other
bedroom, each man paying needs to specify the
other on their registration form.
Housing for Men with Mobility Issues
Accessible rooms are available for those men who
require accommodations due to mobility issues.
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Events and Activities
‘Film Noir’ Black & White Ball
There are three community assemblies held over
the weekend, as well as many workshops presented
by the men attending the gathering.
There’s also a pool party, “Film Noir’ Black & White
Ball, dancing, Ropes Course Tower, ‘no-talent’ talent
show, bonfire, weenie roast, piano playing. Have a
snack in the 24/7 Café, relax by the pool, or hang
out in the lounge and meet other men!
Starting with a virgin-cocktail party on the patio,
enjoy an evening of cinematic ‘black & white’
themed dining and dancing. Formal or informal
‘black & white’ attire encouraged. Awaken the
dress-up, or dress-down, imaginative child in you.
Pool Party
An afternoon of poolside fun and frolicking: aquatic
games, food and drink, and music. As always,
skinny dipping is optional. pool@thecmg.org
All workshops and activities are included in your
registration, except for the Ropes Course Tower.
Ropes Course Tower
$35 fee
George Martin-Mauser, ropes course facilitator, is
partnering with Tal Dayagi to offer this year’s ropes
experience on the camp’s ropes course tower. Two
morning sessions will be offered. You’ll always
remember the men you do the ropes with!
question@thecmg.org
Drumming Circle
Friday night, gather around the fire pit for tribal
drumming. Bring your bongos, djembe, shekere, or
other drums. question@thecmg.org
Man-up Fitness and Yoga
Join CMG’s favorite fitness trainer Michael Parra for
morning yoga every day at 7am, and if you’re up for
the challenge, a manly ballet barre or fitness circuit.
question@thecmg.org
Workshops
Don’t be shy. We invite you to share your
experience, and wisdom by presenting a workshop.
A workshop can be anything you are interested in
and want to share. To submit your workshop, fill out
the workshop form after you register at:
www.thecmg.org/workshop
Questions: workshop@thecmg.org
No-Talent Talent Show
Always a highlight of the weekend, the “No-Talent”
show offers an opportunity for any man to strut their
stuff, show off, sing, dance, read poetry, or just get
on stage for the first time. talent@thecmg.org
Mustard Tasting Weenie Roast
Join Uncle Drew on the patio for a late evening nosh
of yummy weeniess, sausages, and veggie dogs,
with an array of culinary condiments to dip them in.
question@thecmg.org
Puppy Pile
Each night there’s a hosted clothes-on cozy cuddle
puppy pillow pile of men. question@thecmg.org
Silent Aucton
The silent auction helps raise funds for next year’s
financial aid. Donate items to the silent auction as
well as browse and bid. auction@thecmg.org
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Make the Most of Your
Weekend
Buddy Program
A “buddy” has previously attended a CMG and is
willing to share his thoughts and experiences with a
first-timer, or anyone wanting an extra connection. If
you want a buddy for the weekend, check the buddy
option during registration. buddy@thecmg.org
Lend a Hand
$30 roundrip
The Green Bus is the social and eco-friendly choice
to get to the Gathering. Let the fun begin on the
drive up! The Green Bus Fare is $30 roundtrip,
cheaper than driving! greenbus@thecmg.org
Route Map/Schedule: www.thecmg.org/greenbus
Green Bus it!
The bus departs the San Carlos Park & Ride
Garage at 1:00pm Friday August 30, making
stops at SFO Airport, 16th St BART Station, and
the Castro MUNI Station before crossing the
Golden Gate on the way up to Santa Rosa. For
the trip home on Monday, the bus departs
camp at 2:15pm.
GreenBus
is cheap!
And fun!
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CMG is an all-volunteer group. We can’t do it without
you! Your volunteering is a fun and social way to
connect with the other men at the gathering and be
a part of the community. Let us know how you’d like
to lend a hand in the online registration form.
volunteer@thecmg.org
GreenBus
Camp Facilities FAQs
Most areas of Camp Newman are wheelchair
accessible, and all main events are held in
accessible areas.
Vegan meals are an option. Indicate dietary
needs when registering.
Smoking is only permitted in designated areas.
Cell phone reception is spotty. Men are
encouraged to let go of electronics for the
weekend. Internet is available in designated
areas.
There are no tent or RV options at the camp.
Additional information and directions will be
emailed to men after registration is confirmed.
Getting to the Camp
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GreenBus is the eco-friendly and fun choice! For
detailed information, see info on this page.
Ride sharing is strongly encouraged! Choose
your rideshare preference when registering.
Driving directions will be provided to registered
men prior to the gathering.
For those flying into the area, use San Francisco
(SFO) or Oakland (OAK) airports. The GreenBus
stops at SFO!
Contact information
Email with questions about…
 the gathering – question@thecmg.org
 registration – registrar@thecmg.org
 buddy program – buddy@thecmg.org
 GreenBus – greenbus@thecmg.org
 Ride share – rideshare@thecmg.org
 volunteering – volunteer@thecmg.org
 workshops – workshop@thecmg.org
 talent show – talent@thecmg.org
 pool party – pool@thecmg.org
 silent auction – auction@thecmg.org
For more information about CMG’s year-round
activities as well as other gatherings and weekend
retreats, visit our website at http://www.thecmg.org
Phone for questions 877-984-3264, ext.1
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