Men's Nation : October 2016

Men's Nation : 2017

Summer Gathering at Embercombe, Near Exeter, June 16-18th

A call to gather as Men.

From whatever place, whatever path, to find peace, support and insight together in the nature of what it is to be Man on this Earth.

Very simply, space to BE...  With the Earth. With your Self. With your Brothers.

A weekend gathering for us as men to step beyond our personal journey and explore such questions as: 'Where are we?', 'Where are we going?', 'What are our needs and gifts?'

Whether still seeking or already deep on our committed path, whether alone or in a men's group, finding fresh ways to expand our view and share our networks of support is crucial. 

Most importantly, this is an opportunity for us to come into Circle, to recognise that we have a larger community around us and to remember that we can ask for guidance from our selves, our brothers and from the Earth.

The outcome is not certain.

Being in Circle, shoulder-to-shoulder with other men, speaking intentionally to the Earth, with Drums...

will most certainly be powerful!

Connect.

The Schedule:  Friday, June 16th through to Sunday, June 18th

Friday -        Arrival and camp set up from 4pm to be ready for 7pm evening meal. Gathering circle, music and fire.

Saturday -  Early rise.  Circle and Ceremony.  Meals, snacks and drinks provided.

Sunday -      Father's Day  Early rise.  Morning events, meals, breaking camp and 2pm Closing Ceremony, with Women and Children welcome.

Offsite by 5pm.

The Venue:  Embercombe, Higher Ashton, Exeter, Devon EX6 7QQ

From the Embercombe website:

"Our purpose is to be a powerful and innovative catalyst for the emergence of leaders and change agents who will take courageous action for a just, peaceful, and sustainable world

We run experiential programmes that aim to ignite the spark of courageous and active leadership that we all possess within. All of our programmes are built on indigenous teachings, nature connection and cutting-edge psychological and coaching models.

We run leadership programmes for adults and for young people; offer volunteering and assistantship programmes; offer venue hire and coaching; and design and deliver educational programmes for groups of young people.

We invite people to follow the ‘twin trail’ of inner healing and spiritual deepening, and of outer action to change the world.

We believe that each of us can make a difference in the world, whether in their family, in their home, in their community, in their workplace, in their business or their society. We believe that we all have something that we can bring that can create a more beautiful world.

Guiding Principles

The Childrens Fire

The Children’s Fire is part of the Earth teachings of the elders of ancient America. Over time the elders came to understand that all human-created institutions needed to reflect the balance and wisdom observed in nature. The Children’s Fire was a reminder of the first promise: No law, no action of any kind, shall be taken that will harm the children seven generations hence.

The Twin Trail

We invite people to follow the ‘twin trail’ of inner healing and spiritual deepening and of outer action to change the world. By uncovering our true gifts, responsibilities and passions we are able to bring ourselves fully to the world, leading ourselves and others on a path of positive action.

Connection

Connection to nature, community and ourselves underpins everything we do at Embercombe. By connecting to the very essence of what it means to be human, we will be more effective communicators and leaders for change.

Sustainability

We strive to live and work sustainably. On the Embercombe site we grow much of our own biodynamic food, managing our waste using compost loos and supporting our electricity use with solar power. We still have a long way to go to become fully sustainable, but every year brings new ideas and progress.

Community

We seek to build a community where we live and work in an authentic and courageous way with each other. Our community is not just formed of our volunteers and assistants, our staff team, our facilitators and our trustees, but also of those far beyond the Embercombe gates. We aim to engage others in dialogue, to welcome different perspectives and to learn from others and share our experiences with them. Embercombe is a bridge that we hope will connect those who are used to living and working in a way that is different to the norm, to those of other sectors such as the political, military and corporate. We seek to remember that underneath, we all have hearts that care."

Directions and Maps:  

From the Southbound A38

Follow the signs to Exeter Race Course. Climb the hill slowly and get into the left hand lane, at the top of the hill (Haldon Hill) take the left exit marked Dunchideock and Exeter Race Course. Pay particular attention as you do not get much warning of the exit!

Turn right at the roundabout at the end of the sliproad towards Dunchideock and follow this road through Haldon Forest. After 1.7 miles, the road goes downhill into trees and just opposite is a forest car park area on your right. Take the sharp left turn signposted Trusham & Ashton. Entrance to Embercombe is 1.2 miles down on the right.

From the Northbound A38

At the top of Haldon Hill (A38) take the exit marked Dunchideock and Exeter Race Course immediately after the petrol station. At the ‘T’ junction turn left and follow the road through Haldon Forest. After a 1.7miles, the road goes downhill into trees and just opposite a forest car park area on your right, take the sharp left turning signposted Trusham & Ashton. Entrance to Embercombe is 1.2 miles down on the right.

Satellite navigation systems
We recommend that you don’t use your Sat Nav system to reach Embercombe. They’ve been found to be unreliable in the rural areas around Embercombe and visitors often arrive at the wrong address.

What You'll Need to Bring:

• Yourself:    You have to be a Man. Embodied Masculine. Women and Children allowed only on Sunday afternoon.
• A Home:  An equipped tent,  tipi, yurt or a limited number of pre-book Campervan/Truck spots available.
• A DRUM!!!  Please bring your own Drum or borrow one for use in Ceremony!
• Weather Appropriate Clothing:  Waterproofs and waterproof shoes may be needed! It's June, in Devon...
• Crockery & Cutlery:  Please bring your own bowl, plate, mug and cutlery for dining and drinking.
• Any specifically-needed or personally-preferred Foodstuffs:  This gathering is catered with a Vegetarian Menu, although some dairy and eggs will be provided and/or used. This is a drug and alcohol-free event.
• Sundries:   A torch or headlamp. A sheepskin or ground sheet for sitting outdoors. Acoustic instruments, songs, poems and stories to share in the evenings.

A Note on Cost - One Space for One Man £125.00. Camping and Food Included.

This is a not for profit event aimed at providing much needed space for all Men. There are however of course practical costs involved in organising venue, facilities and food. Booking cost covers these plus a small margin to enable a limited number of Bursary places to be offered for those most in need. If you are unable to raise funds for a place but would like to attend the Summer Gathering please email us at connect@mensnation.org to be placed on the Bursary list, detailing how much you may be able to contribute. Once bookings allow Bursary places will then be allocated on a strictly first come basis. Extra donations toward the Bursary fund are welcome through Ticket Tailor.