Can I participate in the talent show?
The talent show is open to anybody who wants to get up and tell jokes, perform a quick skit, a song, a poem, or somehow entertain us. We have a strict rule that each performer MUST stick within a five minute time frame. We need to give everybody time to perform.
What happens in the opening circle?
The opening circle serves a couple of purposes. First, it is a chance to go over a little “business”. We introduce the members of the Organizing Committee so that guys know who to go to with issues/problems/questions. We talk about the campground rules and boundaries, info on respecting personal boundaries (personal space), and explain a bit about what to expect over the weekend. Once we have taken care of business, we move into a “check-in” of sorts. This is where we go around the circle, and each man can “check-in” in terms of where he is from, why he is there and what he hopes to get out of the weekend. Some of the regulars will say a little about what has been happening in their lives. If you are planning to give a workshop, you also have a chance to talk briefly about it to encourage others to attend. We always start out and end with a brief song.
What happens in the closing circle?
At the start of the closing circle we have a chance to thank all of the men who led workshops, helped with the talent show (performers and setup crew) and recognize all of the men whose contributions are very important to the continued success of MMG. Once we have completed this part of the closing circle, we go around the circle and offer a minute for each man to talk a little about the weekend and what it meant to him. As we do this we pass around a memory book for people to jot down thoughts about the weekend. As each man talks he takes a piece of bread from a loaf that is passed around, and holds it while he talks. Once he is finished he can eat the bread. This is very symbolic and traditional, and represents the brotherhood of the circle as we break bread together. We then have a closing song, and all pitch in to clean up the camp!
Who is in charge here? What’s the history?
Who can come to MMG?
MMG is inclusive of all men, regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, age, or religion.
What will happen?
A light meal will be available starting at 6 pm. At 8 we gather to formally begin the weekend with Opening Circle, consisting of low-key welcome ritual, orientation, and announcements. Here each man has a chance to introduce himself to the group. Workshop leaders make pitches for their offerings. An hour or so after Opening Circle, options for each of the four workshop slots will have been posted, and sign-ups for those sessions will have begun. Keep checking the tables with workshop listings during the course of the weekend because workshops with low enrollments may be cancelled while new workshops are often added. Weather conditions may cause a change in workshop location (like moving outdoors). Workshop presenters should see Wayne Williams about special space, heating, privacy or time slot requests.
During Saturday there are 3 optional workshop/playshop sessions with 2 or more choices in each slot. Before lunch there’s the optional Town Meeting (status report from OC and group input to planned changes) and taking of a group photo. After lunch, there are a couple of hours of free time. Saturday night right after a family-style served dinner we treat ourselves to an evening of open-mic entertainment. After the talent show there is both drumming and dancing and movement to recorded music usually in the talent show area.
Sunday morning brings a final round of workshops, Closing Circle, lunch and camp clean-up.
What are the rules?
- No smoking anywhere in Camp Joslin.
- No alcoholic beverages, controlled substances, pets or weapons.
- No skinny-dipping or nudity outdoors.
- Current agreement with camp forbids swimming, boating… any use of the pond
- Please arrive for workshops as close to on time as possible. Coming in late disrupts the bonding and safety-establishment process. If you decide not to go to a workshop you’ve signed up for, remember to cross your name off the list.
- Display material related to other men’s activities/issues/events on designated table in the dining hall. Each gathering we have an Expo, an exhibit space for art, pictures, or samples of interests that reveal your non-MMG side. Don’t leave behind anything at the end of the weekend that may disturb young campers or their parents.
- Cars must be parked outside Dining Hall, not by your cabin (disability exception)
What should I bring?
- Pillow and sleeping bag or sheets and blanket.
- Flashlight (indispensable at Joslin).
- Warm clothing and raingear (indispensable at Joslin).
- Shaving kit, towel, meds, etc.
- Any musical instruments you play (sheet music).
- Drums (if you want to participate in drumming circles).
- Information about men’s issues and resources you may want to share.
- Talent show props.
- CDs with accompaniment music for talent show or dance mixes.
- Fathers, Sons, Brothers, Sons-in-law, Friends.
- Snacks to share after the talent show on Saturday night!
Please do not bring:
- Alcohol.
- Controlled substances.
- Pets.
- Weapons.
- Consider giving yourself a vacation from all electronics!
Where do I park my car?
Where do I sleep?
Due to camp regulations, all cabins are closed until 4 pm. Any time after 4 pm you can choose a place to bunk for the weekend, and unload your stuff. You can drive to the cabin to unload your gear, but you must immediately return your car to the parking lot for the weekend.
Because the Suites have become very popular with a number of men, we have begun a program where men can reserve these rooms for a very small fee, as long as they register and send full payment in advance. Complete details are in the brochure.
Where are the showers/toilets?
How can I let other men know that I want to start a group or become part of a group?
Other guys prefer deep one-on-one conversations with old or new-found friends sipping coffee or walking the trail around the 22-acre pond. For continuing support after the gathering and to avoid post-MMG letdown/depression, some participants create men’s groups that start at MMG and meet in their local areas throughout the year. It’s wise to repeat where you’re from in both the Opening and Closing Circles and to note the names of men who live near you. Connect faces with names and contact info on the Preliminary Participant List, which is available at the registrar’s desk.