Registration is now open for a new event from the folks at Q-Squared. It's called Q-Spring and is, basically, a somewhat more intimate springtime version of the group's annual late-summer CAMP event. They're calling it (with all these caps) "A Celebration of Self and Spring for Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Men."

Q-Spring is intended to be a personal experience in a communal setting. Q-Spring will celebrate the coming season of new growth when the earth wakes up and new life breaks forth but most important, it will celebrate something even more remarkable: you!

The launch outing for the new event will be on the weekend of May 9 to 11. Cost is $145 if you register before April 9 or $175 for registration (if available) made after April 9 through May 1st. (They're warning, however, that this event will allow fewer registrants than CAMP and might, therefore, sell out earlier.)

The language of the descriptions should give a notion that this is intended to be a personal-growth community-bonding sort of group.

Here's another hint, as they promise you will

Discover new parts of yourself and enjoy the company of other men in a non-judgmental, attitude-free atmosphere.

Although the actual location isn't publicly disclosed, the "Q-Guys of Q-Spring" do reveal that the retreat will be held at conference center in a "charming waterfront setting" this is a short ferry ride from Seattle. Registrants will be staying in rustic cabins built in the 1930’s that have been updated with modern conveniences. Those conveniences include heat, electricity, carpeting, bunk beds and a basic bathroom. There will be about 6 to 8 occupants in each cabin.

All meals will be provided, but registrants are asked to bring towels, toiletries, a pillow and sleeping bag and/or bedding from home.

You're required to not bring any of the following: "attitude", alcohol, illegal substances, fireworks, or dogs or any other pets

When you get there, you'll be asked select from a list of workshops "that allow you to express yourself in ways both familiar and challenging." In addition to these sessions, you will have opportunities to meet in smaller discussion groups.

And there will be time to play with campfires, sing-a-longs, opportunities for performance, and light-hearted competition.

Although the Oprah-like language of the invitation would seem to limit the audience to those more open to this kind of personal-growth stuff, the weekend is, like CAMP, this one is a weekend about stretching your boundaries. The organizers promise diversity among participants, so it's possible, at least, that even those of us who find the language of the descriptions a bit grating might get something out of it.