Men’s Center New England
Day of Fellowship and Council
STEP OUT OF THE ROUTINE. STEP ONTO A NEW PATH.
A One-Day Men’s Retreat
Join a circle of good men for a full day of honest connection and experiential processes in a secluded natural setting.
Date
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time
9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Location
Nobscot Scout Reservation, Sudbury, MA
Provisions
Morning coffee, lunch, and end-of-day refreshments.
What This Day Is...
This retreat is designed to assemble men who are ready to step out of the routine and take part in a day of reflection, connection, and catharsis. The day opens with a process that creates trust and camaraderie through spontaneity, continues with a talking stick council session, moves into guided reflection and writing time in nature, and culminates in a closing fire ritual at sunset—with an opportunity to burn the burden and release what no longer serves. Together we’ll create a container designed to bring good men together and bring out the best in them.
What This Day Is NOT...
This retreat is not group therapy. It is not "alpha male training" or "boot camp for being a better man." You are not here to prove yourself or perform for others. You do not need prior experience with men's work. You only need a willingness to show up with humility, humor, and humanity.
What Else Should I Know?
What is a “talking stick ceremony”?
Talking stick is a tradition found in many cultures in which the person holding the stick has the full attention of the council. For our purposes, participants will take the talking stick when they feel a “burning desire” to speak from the heart. The men will bear witness and offer attention, not advice. That’s why this is called a container: a space where what needs to be said can be spoken and heard without judgment, interruption, contradiction, or fixing.
What do I need to bring?
Bring comfortable clothes, especially something warm for the evening. Wear whatever helps you feel most like yourself. The day is about presence, not performance. Please also bring a journal or notebook for the afternoon writing and reflection portion. The closing fire activity at the Council Ring will involve a 10-15 minute walk from the lodge at dusk on unpaved trails, so bring a flashlight, good shoes and a blanket to sit on - the log benches can be mossy or damp.
What if it rains?
The day will continue rain or shine. A guiding principle for the day is: “Never let what you plan get in the way of what you need to do.” The lodge is reserved for the full day, and there is a fireplace available for the closing fire moment if needed. The writing portion can also be done indoors if the weather requires it. Bottom line: the day will adapt, and it will work.
What is the writing and fire ritual about?
In the afternoon, there will be time for guided reflection and writing focused on what feels heavy, stuck, or ready to be released. During the closing fire ritual, there will be an opportunity to give voice to that weight and then burn the burden. But no one will be required to read their writing aloud. For those who wish, they may share it with one other trusted man before burning it or silently, solemnly incinerate it. The choice is yours to do what feels honest.
What’s for lunch?
Lunch is included. Final details are still to be determined, so please make sure to note any allergies or dietary needs in the registration form.
Registration & Rates
Early Registration: $225 through June 15
Standard Registration: $250 through August 31
Late Registration: $275 through October 10
Event is limited to 60 participants
Online registration includes a standard ticketing fee at checkout.
Refund Policy
Registrations are non-transferable. Full refunds are available through September 17, 2026.
Facilitator
Michael Lynch, LMFT
Michael Lynch is the principal facilitator of Day of Fellowship and Council. A longtime leader in men’s work, licensed therapist, and experienced group facilitator, he has spent more than fifteen years helping men step out of isolation, engage in honest self-examination, and connect in ways that are both grounded and transformative.
Men’s Center New England, founded in 2019, grew out of a vision that began in 2010 after attending his first four-day retreat with Men’s Center Los Angeles under the direction of Dr. Stephen Johnson. MCLA’s founding credo is: “Bring good men together and bring out the best in them.” As a participant, tribe leader, and member of Dr. Johnson’s Wisdom Council, Michael saw firsthand how powerful that work can be.
Through Second Path Productions, he hopes to carry that spirit forward in New England and create a space where good men can gather, show up authentically, and bring out the best in one another.
Will you join him?
Professional Relationship Notice
This event is presented by Second Path Productions LLC and is separate from the clinical services of Michael Lynch, LMFT and Men’s Center New England.
Registering for or attending this event does not establish a therapeutic relationship with Michael Lynch, LMFT, and participation in this event is not psychotherapy, counseling, or mental health treatment.
For current clients of Michael Lynch, LMFT, participation in this event is not considered part of your treatment and is separate from therapy services.