/ about
The Men’s Recovery Retreat is an annual event held in North Bend, Washington, geared towards GBTQ men in recovery. The retreat takes place in a small setting fostering intimacy among approximately 40 participants. Although not affiliated with any specific recovery program, the retreat is closely aligned with the 12-step philosophy. A volunteer committee puts together a program on a theme such as fellowship or spirituality.
The registration fee includes a single- or double-occupancy room and all meals from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon.
The retreat is a mix of group activities and free time. Our hope is that everyone will participate in all of the activities, but we also respect that some folks might need time away by themselves. Ideally, each man will walk away from the weekend with something they need—whether it be a renewed energy within his recovery, new friends, or even just a restful break from life.
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KEYNOTE
MEDITATION SESSIONS
ICE CREAM FLAVORS
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KEYNOTE
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MEDITATION SESSIONS
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ICE CREAM FLAVORS
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/ SAMPLE SCHEDULE
16th
FRIDAY
5:30pm-6:30pm
Registration
6:30pm-7:15pm
Welcome Dinner
7:15pm
Kickoff
9:30pm
Ice cream social
17th
SATURDAY
7am-8am
12 Step Meeting
Meditation
9am-2:30pm
Group activity
2:30pm-6pm
Free time
7:30pm-8:30pm
Keynote speaker
9:00pm-Late
Fun & Games
18th
SUNDAY
7am-8am
12 Step Meeting
Meditation
9am-10am
Group activity
10:15am-noon
Final Breakouts
1pm-3pm
Closing Circle
/ LODGING
The Men’s Recovery Retreat is held at the Rainbow Lodge, located on a wooded, private property just outside North Bend, Washington. The rooms are clean, spacious, and well-kept. Communal bathrooms with private shower stalls are just down the hallway. Bedding and towels are provided by the lodge.
Six delicious, seated, family-style meals are prepared by the lodge's onsite chef. If you have specific food allergies or health needs, Rainbow Lodge is happy to accommodate. Water, coffee, tea, and soda are available all day.
The lodge boasts a large, sunny deck off of the dining room, a fire pit, a volleyball court, and nature trails. The lodge is also a short distance to many outdoor activities in the foothills of the Cascade range.
/ history
In 1987, a group of sober gay men decided to head out of town, and thus began the Men’s Recovery Retreat. Originally held at Doe Bay on Orcas Island, the early years were a bit more rustic than today’s venue, and the name was a bit longer: Gay Men In Recovery Spirituality Retreat. Nonetheless, the purpose of the retreat remains the same: an opportunity to get away, build fellowship, have fun, and reflect in a safe, nurturing environment. Since 1992, we’ve called the Rainbow Lodge home.
Each year, volunteers have stepped up to keep this special weekend going. The volunteer committee follows a set of traditions to ensure transparency and continuity of leadership. We hope you have the wonderful experiences we have and are inspired to help out.
