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The Cherokee elder said to his son, “Why do
you spend your time brooding, my boy? Don’t you know you are being driven by Great
Winds across the sky?”
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You are warmly invited
Many men are surprised by the empowering and healing effect that supportive, honest, and soulful male
solidarity can have. Men gather together for these weekends to explore together the Great Winds that
drive us and to support each other in the process of maturing our deep masculine, of facing our fears
and edges, and of being men of service in the world.
We welcome you to the first annual Oregon Spirit and Soul Retreat. This weekend is a great way to
experience MLA. It is a chance for you to meet other men, receive support, and experience our unique
way of being together as men, what is sometimes called “men’s work”.

During the weekend, we will sit in large and small groups to witness and listen to each other. In a
simple way, we learn from each others’ life experiences and visions. When one man openly engages his
story, we find that many men can be served as they witness and listen. To deepen our consciousness,
we do some pan-cultural ritual together. We will invite men into a period of silence and solo time.
All spiritual beliefs and ways are welcome at these retreats. Each man chooses to engage and create the
experience in his own way, the way that best works for him. All are welcome and all that is in your
story is welcome, the light and the dark, the joy and the sadness, the laughter and the anger.
In many ways Humanity is being challenged to the core question of its own survival. How as men do we care
for ourselves so we may be tools of mending, inspiration, and love? How do we as men, in the midst of
a culture of control, consumerism, and conquest, find our authentic, soulful way being men?
Young men Eighteen and Older
and Elders are Encouraged to Attend
These men offer invaluable insights that are a critical source of guidance
and balance during the gathering.
Location and Times
Camp Adams, a retreat center 35 miles from Portland in Molalla, Oregon. The gathering
begins Friday at 7pm (soup supper 5 – 7pm) and ends Sunday by 2pm.
Bring a friend, a young
man, a father and son, a grandfather or sponsor someone to attend! |
Staff
Led by Todd Smiedendorf and staff. You can view biographies of our
here.
What To Bring
A gear list and directions will be sent once your deposit is received.
Costs
We offer a sliding scale registration ranging from $250-400. We ask that you pay what you can afford
and help with scholarships. We know that this program is worth the $400, but we want to assure that
everyone who wishes to attend is not held back due to financial consideration.
A minimum non-refundable deposit of $100 is required to hold your reservation and assure you of a spot
in this gathering. Meals are included. Space is limited to 25 participants.
If you wish to set up a payment plan or inquire about a scholarship, please arrange with the MLA office
prior to the event.
| Deposit: (non-refundable) |
| $100 | reserves your participation |
| Fee: |
| before Sep 12th | $250-400 |
| Sep 12th to Sep 26th | $325-400 |
| after Sep 26th | $400 |
| on-site Payment | $440 |
| Cancellation: |
| before Sep 12th | full refund (minus deposit) |
| Sep 12th to Sep 26th | 75% refund (minus deposit) |
| after Sep 26th | no refund |
Registration
Register on-line for this program using PayPal's secure website:
Oregon Spirit Camp
Camp Adams near Portland
October 10-12, 2008 |
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Or you can print, fill-out, and mail your registration using the form below. Please
include your deposit or registration fee by check made payable to
"Men's Leadership Alliance".
Father hunger is hard to talk about because it is one
of the most vulnerable parts of a man, his desperate need for an older, wiser, stronger
man to guide him, believe in him, affirm him, concretely teach him, challenge him, and
correct him. Men need men to keep their edges hot and clean…
Richard Rohr
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Further Information
Download the brochure for this program 
For more information or other inquiries please
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