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A note from Marco about his first gathering:

“I was hesitant to sign up for the event because I have always seen CMG events but I did not know anyone who went. Once I signed up, I felt relieved because I was assigned a buddy. Andy, my buddy, literally went through a checklist of everything that I needed. We talked right up to the minute before I got on the road to get to the camp.

I felt so uncomfortable at first because I didn’t know anyone, but the guys at check-in helped me feel comfortable. I felt so welcomed. Then I made friends with my bunkmates. We shared meals throughout the whole weekend. The Men of Color Breakfast was very stimulating. I made some good friends.

My favorite events were the community assemblies and the bonfire. I had some really great heart to heart conversations under the stars with some of the men I met. It was awesome! At the end of the weekend, I attended the newcomers’ debrief. I felt so moved to help that I decided I wanted to be more involved in the group.

Now I’m on the Planning Committee for the gathering that starts in just a few weeks (May 24th, Memorial Day Weekend). It’s been great being on the team. I’m getting to know the great men who are working together to invent a weekend that will include something for everyone. If you’ve been thinking about coming but haven’t decided, just go for it! It would be nice to meet you and I’d love to meet you there!”

~ Marco Ramirez

A note from Jack about his first gathering:

I’ve always been somewhat of an introvert. The type of guy that has a handful of very close friends rather than tons of friends that are just more of an acquaintance. Like most people, as I got older and life became busier, I found it harder and harder to make new friends. This was fine, as I had my small group of friends that really were amazing. That is until I found myself needing to relocate for work.

My partner and I found ourselves in a new city, where we knew no one. My partner and I worked very different schedules (I had a typical Monday through Friday 7-3 job, he worked evenings, nights and weekends). I found myself with a LOT of free time with nothing to do. I was starting to feel more and more disconnected, and feeling very lonely. To add to my feeling of being disconnected, I work from home 4 days a week, so my opportunities to go out and meet new people were very limited.

I remembered seeing a booth for CMG at San Diego pride several years earlier. Now thinking I need to do something to meet new people and feel more connected with other like-minded men, I did a quick Google search for their website. I discovered they had a Gathering coming up soon and decided to attend.

I attended my first CMG Spring Gathering in 2017. I know it might seem cliché, but I was hooked. Honestly, knowing me, and my personality, I did not have high hopes, but opened my mind and decided to give it a shot and try to make the best of it. I decided not only would I attend, but I would also volunteer to help set up camp. I arrived early and started to feel the nerves of facing something unknown bubbling to the surface. I gave myself a quick pep talk, and went for it.

I was immediately greeted by friendly faces that made me feel so welcome. This was something that happened throughout the weekend. Everywhere I turned, there was someone looking to get to know me. The feeling I felt throughout the weekend is a bit indescribable… the closest I can come is just “joy.” Every aspect of this weekend just brought complete joy to my life. I left camp forever changed by my experiences. I had made some amazing new friends and acquaintances, had some incredible experiences and returned home feeling happy and centered for the first time in a long time. My partner even remarked several times about how much happier I seemed. I had such a transformative experience at that gathering that before I left, I expressed my desire to volunteer for the next Spring Gathering Committee – and here I am!

We ALL need to feel connected. That connection with our fellow man is sadly missing from most of our lives. I managed to build some incredible connections with some amazing men at the last spring gathering, and THAT is what THIS gathering is all about CONNECTING HEART TO HEART.

If you are looking for a deep, meaningful, cerebral experience where you get to explore yourself and your emotions in a safe, supportive environment, then THIS gathering is for YOU. If your idea of connecting is a fun weekend at camp, with a group of incredible men taking in the beautiful mountain surroundings, then this gathering is ALSO for YOU! This gathering is all about making those connections that we want and need in whichever way you see fit!!

If you are finding yourself on the fence about attending, whether this would be your 1st or 91st gathering, I would strongly urge you to take a chance – like I did. There is something to be found for everyone, and you may just finish the weekend with a whole new outlook. At the very least, you will leave with an incredible sense of connection.

If you have ANY questions whatsoever, please feel free to reach out at any time!

Hugs, Jack Lanzillo

We had a wonderful weekend at camp Pathfinder this time around. Campfire with Smores and weekdays and assemblies. Looking forward to Summer at our new site. Check out the landing page for more information under gatherings section.
Photos by Larry Geller:

Update on fires in Santa Rosa and Camp Newman

October 19, 2017 by Richard Hall

Hundreds of CMG men have been with us at Camp Newman, the home of our Summer Gatherings for 15 years. Many are now learning through the grapevine about how the devastating fires have horrifically affected the camp. Individually, in communications, and as a community at large we are sharing our pain in what we have learned so far and in not knowing enough. Since many on our distribution list have strong connection to this beautiful locale and part of our CMG heritage, here’s what we’ve learned so far and updates will be continually posted on the official CMG Facebook pageas we learn more:

At this time, it’s very difficult to know quite how intense the damage has been because reports are only based upon how things stood as of when the last evacuee left. The following bullet points were taken from a report posted on Tuesday Oct 10 at 7:12pm.

The massive and raging Wine Country fires have devastated Camp Newman, a cherished Jewish summer camp in Santa Rosa. Camp officials announced Monday the majority of the property is destroyed. The camp had just celebrated its 70th anniversary over the summer.
The year-round venue had hosted a family camp on Saturday and Sunday before the fire broke out. Its attendees narrowly missed the rush of destruction that came late Sunday night. All staff and those who lived on the camp’s property were able to evacuate. Very little, besides the sacred Torah scrolls, was saved.
Camp officials have still not been able to go back to the property to assess the damage. Roads were blocked from more than five miles away from the site, in both directions.
Newman’s executive director, Ruben Arquilevich, made it clear that Newman will continue to go on. He says the camp has received an “outpouring of love and support” from people all over the country, who despite their unique experiences, share a similar reflection of what Camp Newman meant for them.

CMG has no affiliation with any religious community, but the Jewish-run staff at this camp, much like the Episcopal-run staff at Camp Stevens (our Fall camp), have warmly embraced our Gatherings, attended primarily by gay men.

While we are heartened by Ruben’s optimism, we cannot say at this time what the fate of the Summer 2018 Gathering will be at this point in time.
There has been a Gathering in the Bay Area every year since 1987. The planning committee’s highest priority will be to make it happen if it is possible.
The main thing we can do to help our community at this time is to make our Fall (Julian) and Spring (Idyllwild) gatherings big successes.
This continuity gives CMG the ability to grow, plan, and fund our future in the North.
Registration for the 90th Gathering this Fall in Julian − called “Journey Into Hope” — is now open www.theCMG.org/fall-gathering

For those who will want to hear what we learn about the camp, we’ll certainly be keeping our community aware.
A GoFundMe page has already been established for anyone who would like to contribute to the rebuilding of Camp Newman.
As it’s not appropriate to email each piece of news on this to 5000 people statewide, look for further updates on their status and efforts on our Core Values Statement as well!

Testamonial

A note from Marco about his first gathering:

Testamonial

A note from Jack about his first gathering:

Great Spring 91 Gathering

Update on fires in Santa Rosa and Camp Newman