A back-to-nature winter weekend for men exploring connection, resilience and personal growth through woodland camping and shared experiences

MAN UP – INTO THE ELEMENTSA Men's Woodland Resilience Weekend

Saturday 30 – Sunday 31 January 2027

Sylvan Ferns | Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire

Connection. Resilience. Personal Growth.

Step Away. Reconnect. Discover Your Resilience.

What happens when we step away from the everyday comforts and distractions we've become so used to?

Into the Elements is a two-day, overnight woodland experience bringing men together to explore resilience, connection and personal growth.

Set in a beautiful woodland environment in the middle of winter, this weekend is an opportunity to slow down, reconnect with nature, share experiences and reflect on how we respond to life's challenges, uncertainty and change.

Through fireside circles, shared experiences, personal reflection and time outdoors, we'll explore what resilience means to each of us.

There will be moments of challenge, moments of stillness and opportunities to connect.

We won't be revealing every activity in advance. Part of the experience is arriving with an open mind and allowing the weekend to unfold.

A Back-to-Basics Experience

This is not a luxury retreat.

We'll be spending the weekend camping in the woodland, embracing the winter environment and stepping away from many of the everyday comforts we often take for granted.

It may be cold. It may be challenging. And that's part of what makes the experience meaningful.

But resilience isn't simply about pushing through difficult situations. It's also about understanding ourselves, recognising our limits, supporting one another and discovering how we respond when life doesn't go to plan.

The weekend is designed to be supportive and inclusive, with activities adapted to individual needs.

What Your Weekend Includes

Two days of professionally facilitated men's group experiences

One night's woodland camping (bring your own tent and sleeping equipment)

Saturday lunch and evening meal

Sunday breakfast and lunch

Hot drinks and shared fireside experiences

Opportunities for reflection, connection and personal development

Woodland-based activities, with optional elements including breathwork and contrast therapy, subject to final arrangements

Food and Dietary Requirements

We'll be preparing simple, nourishing meals suited to the woodland environment, with opportunities for communal cooking and sharing food together.

Once you've booked, we'll contact you to ask about any dietary requirements, food allergies or intolerances, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free needs.

We'll use this information to plan the meals and make suitable arrangements wherever possible.

Facilities and What to Bring

Sylvan Ferns is a natural woodland setting with basic facilities.

There is a compost toilet, but no mains water, electricity or washing facilities.

We'll arrange communal drinking water, cooking facilities and a shared gathering area.

Participants must bring their own tent, suitable winter sleeping equipment, warm clothing and waterproofs.

This is a genuine winter camping experience, so appropriate preparation is essential.

A detailed equipment list, joining instructions and further practical information will be sent ahead of the weekend.

Who Is This Weekend For?

Into the Elements welcomes men who are:

Navigating change or uncertainty

Looking to strengthen their emotional resilience

Feeling stuck, overwhelmed or disconnected

Interested in personal development and self-understanding

Wanting to connect with other men and nature

Curious about exploring something outside their everyday routine

You don't need to have attended Man Up before or have experience of men's groups.

Arrival and Departure

Saturday 30 January: Arrival between 9am and 11am, with time to settle in, pitch tents and help establish our shared woodland space.

Sunday 31 January: Closing activities and departure around 4pm.

Your Facilitators

Jordan Quinn – Integrative Psychotherapeutic Counsellor | BACP Registered

Jordan is a qualified counsellor working with adults and young people. He is the founder of Brum Circle, co-founder of Wild & Wise Group Therapy and co-facilitator of Man Up.

His work brings together trauma-informed therapeutic practice, lived experience, community connection and personal development.

Dave Redfern – Registered NCIP Therapist | Men's Work Facilitator

Dave is an experienced men's group facilitator and co-founder of The HOPE Movement.

He brings years of experience supporting men through personal challenges, relationship changes, fatherhood, emotional wellbeing and personal growth.

Together, Jordan and Dave bring professional therapeutic experience, lived understanding and a shared commitment to creating meaningful spaces for men.

An Accessible Weekend

We want Into the Elements to be accessible while recognising the time, preparation and resources involved in creating and facilitating the experience.

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Description supplied by the event organiser.