The Elemental Retreat
Friday
Fire · Arrival & KindlingRegistration Opens
BlumCheck-in opens for arriving campers.
Swimming · Volleyball · Jenga
PoolRecreational activities available at the pool area. Pool open 1:00 – 5:00 PM.
Ice Cream Party
PoolSocial gathering with ice cream by the pool.
Water Aerobics
PoolActive pool workout session.
Elements Orientation
ChapelWelcome session and orientation to kick off the retreat.
Dinner · Board serves
Dining HallDinner meal served by the GMSR Board of Directors.
Icebreaker
BlumCommunity connection and icebreaker activity. Led by Marco H.
Atomic Habits
BlumEvening workshop session. Presented by Shawn L.
Drag Bingo
Dining HallCome play bingo and win fabulous prizes. Hosted by Miss Viagra.
Star Gayz
LawnFar from city lights under the dark skies of Julian, the stars shine bright and a whole new world opens up overhead. A guided tour of the heavens: stars, constellations, landmarks, and deep-sky wonders through a large telescope. With resident amateur astronomer Chris Mason.
Camp Fire
Fire PitGathering around the campfire. Supplies provided, including fixings for s'mores.
Blum Mafia
BlumA game of deception and deduction. Put your detective skills to the test, survive the night, and make new allies and enemies. Led by RJ Santos.
Candlelight 12 Step Meeting
ChapelLate-night 12-step recovery meeting.
Saturday
Earth · Body & GroundHIIT Burn Session
LawnRooted in the Elemental theme of fire, BURN combines strength, endurance, movement, and mindset. The workout challenges the body while reconnecting mind and spirit. All levels welcome. Led by Dallas Peters.
Daily Gratitude 12 Step Meeting
ChapelMorning recovery meeting focused on gratitude. Led by Nathan F.
Cold Plunge
Basketball CourtEarly-morning cold immersion, following the HIIT Burn Session. Led by Dallas.
Breakfast · Bishop
Dining HallBreakfast for all campers; set up by Bishop.
Hike
BellGuided trail hike starting at the Bell. Moderately difficult and a decent workout; 1 – 1.5 hours. Led by Ben N.
Rewriting Our Stories
Blum · AThrough guided reflection, honest conversation, and writing, this workshop offers a space to untangle shame from identity, reclaim parts of yourself, and step into a story that fits. Maximum 30 men. Led by Michael T.
Archery
Archery RangeMorning outdoor archery session. Spots are limited; consider the 10:30 session as well. Led by Camp Staff.
Elemental Intimacy: Sex, Connection & Self-Awareness
Blum · AExplores how Earth, Air, Fire, and Water show up in our relationships, desires, emotions, and patterns. Deepen self-awareness and challenge old beliefs through interactive exercises. Led by Oscar Droege-Sanchez.
Archery
Archery RangeMorning outdoor archery session. Spots are limited; consider the 9:00 session as well. Led by Camp Staff.
Friendship Bracelet Workshop
Dining HallCome make a friendship bracelet with a friend, or for a friend! Instruction by Camp Stevens staff.
naked HUGS: Healing Ugly Guy Shit
A-FramesIf any part of you still puts up walls or hides behind a mask, join us to shed the "ugly": the unwanted, unresolved crap that keeps you from being fully present. In a safe space, reveal your more authentic self as you let go of limiting beliefs, destructive messages, and negative energy. A non-sexual opportunity to stand in your truer manhood among men. Get as naked as you are ready; nudity is not mandatory to attend. Strictly limited to 12 men; sign up in advance with Shawn Lee. Led by Marc Gravallese, Certified Professional Coach & Energy Practitioner.
Lunch · Blum even rooms
Dining HallLunch for all campers; set up by Blum even-numbered rooms.
Practicing Atomic Habits
Blum · AApplies key frameworks from Atomic Habits to redesign daily behaviors, with interactive partner exercises and guided reflection on habit loops and identity shifts. Led by Jesus Okendo.
Love & Sobriety 12 Step Speaker Meeting
ChapelRecovery speaker meeting on understanding love and sobriety. Speaker: Kevin Nichols.
Mindfulness in Nature
LawnTap into the healing properties of nature with a guided mindfulness meditation, walking through the landscape with your own personal horticulturist. Led by Ira.
Pool Open
PoolOpen swimming and relaxation hours.
Angel Walk
LawnAn experiential outdoor walk through positive affirmations. All camp encouraged to attend. Led by Kevin Davis.
Yogic Breathwork
Blum · AConscious breathing and pranayama workshop. Led by Mikee V.
Cold Plunge
Basketball CourtAfternoon cold immersion opportunity. Led by Dallas.
Qigong
LawnUse simple movements and a meditative state of mind to tap into and enjoy a gentle flow of intrinsic energy. Led by Michael H.
Dinner · Blum odd rooms
Dining HallDinner for all campers; set up by Blum odd-numbered rooms.
Camp at the Amp
AmphitheatreEvening camp entertainment and show at the amphitheatre. Prizes for the winners of Mr. and Miss Camp Stevens!
Pies
BergstromLate-night pie and social gathering up the hill at the Bergstrom cabin.
Board Games
Blum · FullSocial gathering for interactive board games.
Sunday
Water · Reflection & ReleaseYoga
BlumMorning centering yoga practice. Led by Mikee V.
12 Step Open Meeting
ChapelMorning open 12-step recovery circle. Led by Tyler L.
Breakfast · Lax-Sadler
Dining HallBreakfast for all campers; set up by Lax-Sadler.
Singing Bowls
BlumSound healing and meditation using singing bowls. Guided by the wonderful Maria-Teresa.
Garden Tour
LawnA one-hour community tour of what's happening now in the gardens and the garden philosophy, ending at the petting zoo: a pig, five goats, and eight chickens. Limited to 30 people. Led by Camp Stevens staff.
Reflection Circle
BlumA closing community reflection and sharing circle. All camp is encouraged to attend, to reflect and share about their experience over the weekend.
Lunch
Dining HallFinal retreat lunch meal.
Camp Cleanup
TBDCollective packing, teardown, and cleaning before departure.