Why this trip? 

Most men spend plenty of time working, providing, solving problems, and taking care of responsibilities.

What many don't get enough of is time with good men in nature — away from the noise, expectations, and constant demands of daily life.

This weekend is a chance to slow down, reconnect, and spend a few days doing real things together.

We'll raft, camp, cook, laugh, explore, sit around campfires, and have the kinds of conversations that seem to happen naturally when men step away from screens and routines.

There will be opportunities for reflection, mindfulness, movement, and meaningful discussion, but this isn't a workshop disguised as an adventure.

It's an adventure that naturally creates space for connection, perspective, and growth.

What Makes This Different

This is not:

• a luxury retreat
• a highly structured personal development intensive
• a catered escape from real life

This is:

• a weekend with good men
• shared responsibility and contribution
• adventure in a beautiful place
• campfires, conversations, and connection
• practical tools for navigating life with more steadiness

The goal isn't to perform.

The goal is to show up.

The Setting

We'll spend three days rafting and camping on a scenic stretch of the Upper Colorado River.

• Mostly calm floating with a few fun splashy sections
• Beautiful canyon views, cottonwoods, wildlife, and open skies
• Warm summer days and cool Colorado nights
• Time to unplug, relax, and enjoy being outside

No prior rafting experience is required.

Just a willingness to participate, contribute, and be part of the group.

How the Days Will Flow

This trip is intentionally designed with plenty of space.

Rather than packing every hour with activities, we'll follow a simple rhythm:

Adventure. Connection. Rest. Repeat.

You can expect:

Mornings

• Coffee and breakfast
• Optional yoga, mobility, stretching, or meditation
• A relaxed start to the day

Days

• Rafting
• Swimming
• Exploring
• Conversation
• Shared camp responsibilities
• Plenty of time to enjoy the river and scenery

Evenings

• Shared meals
• Campfires
• Stories and conversations
• Optional men's circles and reflection
• Optional relaxing Yoga Nidra practice before a great night sleep

Nothing is forced.

The best moments often happen naturally.

Mornings — Ground & Orient

• Gentle movement and mobility

• Breathwork and nervous-system regulation

• Short teachings on why we get reactive (stress physiology, polyvagal basics) with solutions to show up more steady in your life

The aim isn’t self-improvement. It’s orientation — starting the day resourced and present.

Days — River Time & Shared Contribution

The river is our primary teacher.

We shuttle boats, paddle, float, cook, and care for camp together.

• Time for conversation, silence, and chill

• Space to notice how we respond to uncertainty and inconvenience

• Learning happens inside real moments, not just in conversation

Afternoons — Practice in Nature

We weave in simple, effective tools on the river that you can use in real life:

• Mindfulness, breathwork and pranayama

• Grounded movement (vinyasa, yin-inspired, qi gong–based flows)

• Optional contrast or cold-water practices (conditions permitting)

Nothing fancy. Just practices that work.

Evenings — Integration & Council

Evenings slow down.

• Shared meals

• Reflection and group processing

• Space to name what’s actually happening — without fixing or posturing

This is where compassion for younger parts can emerge naturally — not as pathology, but as information viewed through adult eyes.

What You'll Take Home

Beyond a memorable weekend, many men leave with:

• New friendships
• Greater perspective
• Practical tools for managing stress
• More confidence in the outdoors
• A renewed sense of energy and clarity

Sometimes a few days in nature with good people is exactly what we need.

How We’ll Lead

This isn't guru-on-the-mountain leadership.

We'll be participating alongside you.

We'll offer guidance, facilitate conversations when appropriate, and create a safe, welcoming environment, but there is no expectation that anyone needs to share more than they want to.

The emphasis is on authenticity, contribution, and connection.

Who This Is For

This weekend is for men who:

• Enjoy camping, rafting, and outdoor adventure
• Value meaningful conversation and authentic connection
• Want to unplug from the pace of daily life (yay - no cell service out here!)
• Appreciate mindfulness without needing it to be the focus
• Are willing to contribute to the group experience

No experience with meditation, men's work, or personal growth programs is required.

Just come as you are.

Logistics at a Glance

• Dates: June 11-13, 2027

•  Location: Upper Colorado River, Colorado

•  Group Size: Approximately 20-30 men

•  Style: Self-guided rafting and riverside camping

•  Food: Shared camp meals 

Pricing: 2027 pricing announced 6 months prior to trip - includes boat rentals, campsite; each man contributes to food/beverage. 

Hear from the Men 

The best way to understand AWAKE Men isn't from me—it's from the men who've experienced it.