What is Mainely Men?
Mainely Men is a twice-yearly weekend conference in which men gather in a quiet, rustic lakeside settling in central Maine.
Located in West Gardiner, Maine, ten miles southwest of Augusta, the lodge is located on the east shore of Lake Cobbosseecontee.
Men sleep in simple cabins with beds with a separate shower house and in a large central lodge.
During the weekend each man may develop new friendships, participate in a program or workshops related to men's issues, become involved in a talent show, relax, enjoy the woods and learn more about himself.
Mainely Men provides a comfortable environment in which men may examine traditional male roles, explore what it means to assume alternative roles. Workshops may focus on such issues as:
- Improving relationships with fathers, sons, women,
children, co-workers or partners
- Developing intimacy and friendships with other men
- Nurturing self and others in massage workshops
crafts or dance
- Enjoying spontaneous games or chats
- Recognizing and reducing homophobia through
gay-straight discussion
- Coping with life challenges such as divorce, aging,
loss
- Learning how to be a better father to sons and
daughters
- Discovering mythic connections through
rituals
Many workshops are just plain fun-designing, building, writing and painting. Even hiking the trails, going canoeing or playing volleyball. We have campfires and sweat lodges some sessions. We have many traditions such as opening circle and closing circle that are the common threads that bring all men together.
We provide an orientation to all new participants who are the lifeblood of the weekends. Mainely Men has sustained itself for two decades because it renews itself with transfusions of new members and keeps its continuity through the many men who return year after year.
Example of weekend schedule from fall 2004 weekend
