we've stepped away from our relationship to nature and adventure..and we're paying the price

The pace has not let up: 

You have been moving at the same speed for months, maybe longer. It does not feel urgent. It just feels like how things are and has become your norm of feeling a bit disconnected, on auto-pilot, or dissociated from life a bit. That is what makes it hard to name.

You are doing okay. But okay is not the same as whole:

The things that used to ground you feel further away. You function well. You show up. But there is a gap between the man you are on the surface and what is actually happening underneath. Old patterns re-emerge in relationships and life, and something bigger has to be done about them. 

you're stuck the daily cubicle and routine:

You cannot schedule your way into it. A single therapy session gets close, but not all the way there. What this work requires is time, space, and other men who are doing it alongside you. You feel the call to be outside, to slow down, and to be among others around the fire. 

The seasons are shifting, and you can feel it:

Early Fall is a natural inflection point. Something in you knows it. This is the moment to step off the loop, not because things are falling apart, but because you are ready to look at what is holding. Things need to be felt, grieved, and worked through in order to get ready for the colder months to come.

This isn't for you if:

• You want a quick fix or a weekend escape from reality or a vacation
• You are not open to sitting with discomfort or looking honestly at what is stuck.
• You're not wiling to be out in nature for a weekend, this won't be a stay at the Marriott, but you will find the setting will offer so much more.
• You need a high-energy, hype-driven motivational event.
• You are unwilling to be around other men doing serious work.

This is perfect for you if:

• You are ready to slow down and look at what is actually going on.
• You're ready to strengthen your relationship to nature or find that relationship for the first time.
• You're ready for a break from the ultra-processed, surface-level, and tech addicted world.
• You want structure, depth, and real tools, not theory.
• You are willing to be in community and to let others witness your process.
• You want to return home with more clarity and a place to put the work and to remember your wild self.

The full weekend, accounted for.

OCTOBER 9-11, 2026  |  The Au Sable River, Glennie, MI

(rendezvous in Mio, MI 10a on Friday the 9th, return to your car Sunday the 11th by 2p)

Programming

• Morning: Wake up to camp coffee and a fire. Welcome the new day with reflection and meditation. Share in a breakfast around the fire and move into nature therapy.
• Morning into afternoon depth work: Attachment, nature therapy, and parts work sessions led by Mike
• Later afternoon: Solo reflection time and group integration circles as well as personal check-ins from Mike 
• Evening ceremonies around the fire in council to process to integrate and honor change 
• Breath-work under the stars led by Tom, a certified embodiment practitioner
• A grief ceremony, personal challenge, and closing council to bring the changes back with you and integrate them into your life 
• Retreat follow-up to aid in integrating what you learned

 Daily Life

• All meals provided (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and yes, unlimited coffee, tea, and snacks

• Paddle on Friday and Sunday, stay two nights at the same campsite overlooking the river

• Long unstructured lunch breaks with access to the river, hammocks, and land

• Evening time around the fire or at rest (take what you need)

• Solo, group, and one-on-one time with Mike

Accommodations

• Dispersed rustic camping at a federal site overlooking the river
• Truly rustic and wild, with fantastic views each way, you can take as much as room as you’d like to find your spot overlooking the river, whether it be traditional tent or hammock.
• Mike can help setup gear rental and some extras if you need help.
• All canoe rentals included, however, you can also bring your kayak if desired for a small transportation fee with the outfitter. 

Your Facilitator

Mike Lamerato is a licensed therapist and the founder of Metro-Detroit Men's Therapy. He brings his insight, grounding and years of men's group facilitation to every retreat. Noticing how helpful retreats are for himself, he is honored to be able to host and hold the space for other men to take a break and take a weekend for themselves.