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Each of our Gatherings—Spring, Summer, and Fall—is an extended weekend retreat where men explore different ways of looking at life and expand concepts of self while having a lot of fun at the same time. Some men even call our Gatherings “Summer Camp for Men.”
In the words of one CMG brother, “at a gathering, we create a safe, supportive space to connect, develop, and find ourselves loving belonging to a diverse, welcoming community of men.”
Who Attends?
CMG’ers come from all across California and from out of state and other countries as well. The men who attend CMG Gatherings (and our hundreds of local events) are a diverse group of varying ages, beliefs, religious traditions, cultures, ethnicities and spiritual practices. We have differently-abled men and men from all cultural and ethnic backgrounds. CMG members are predominantly gay and bisexual men. We specifically welcome anyone over 18 who identifies as male – gay, bisexual, straight, transman, genderqueer, intersex, gender fluid – who wishes to participate in a community of men.
What Happens at a Gathering?
An all-volunteer Planning Committee is formed for each Gathering that designs each retreat to include large group activities with smaller workshops with a wide choice of topics, perspectives and activities (even a few being clothing-optional from time to time). A Gathering weekend may also include pool parties (in season), dances, a talent show, hikes, heart circles, Puppy Piles, yoga and much more. The choice of activities allows each man to create his own personal experience. It’s a drug- and alcohol-free weekend for men to try new things, be a kid again, make new friends and reconnect with old friends. For some, a Gathering is like going to summer camp — for some who may not have had a chance to go as a kid… or to do it all over again in a safe, supportive space. For others, it’s non-stop workshops and self-exploration. The California Men’s Gatherings environment allows for deeper connections with other men and a special place where men can let down their guard, open up their heart and just have fun.
Read Marco’s experience of his first time at a gathering HERE.
Read Jack’s story about his first time at a gathering HERE.