Inside an exclusive ‘man camp,’ where one woman is trying to save men from themselves

Inside an Exclusive Man Camp

Inside an exclusive man camp where – Inside an exclusive man camp, Lori Jean Glass—a woman with over a decade of experience in guiding men through mental health retreats—has launched a five-day program aimed at reshaping traditional masculine ideals. This immersive initiative, known as a “man camp,” invites American men to confront emotional challenges, embrace vulnerability, and explore new dimensions of strength. While the retreat’s female-led coaching team sets it apart, the focus remains on creating a sanctuary where men pay several thousand dollars to engage in transformative self-reflection and connection.

The Man Camp Vision

At the heart of Glass’s program is the belief that modern masculinity is increasingly fractured, with many men feeling disconnected from their emotions in a society that rewards stoicism. “Men are struggling,” she explains, stressing the need for a space that allows for emotional honesty without fear of judgment. Unlike conventional retreats, this man camp encourages participants to shed their armor, blending physical activity with psychological exploration to foster a more balanced understanding of manhood. The goal is not to weaken men but to redefine strength as a blend of empathy and assertiveness.

Glass’s approach contrasts sharply with the hyper-masculine narratives dominating the manosphere. This movement, led by figures like Andrew Tate and Adin Ross, promotes ideals of dominance and emotional control, often framing vulnerability as a weakness. While her man camp seeks to counter these trends, it remains a niche effort amid a broader cultural shift. Yet, for those willing to step inside, the experience offers a unique opportunity to reclaim emotional depth in a world that increasingly demands it.

The Manosphere’s Influence

Despite its progressive goals, Glass’s man camp faces an uphill battle against the manosphere—a powerful online force that has reshaped how men perceive identity and strength. This movement emphasizes traits like financial success, dominance, and unshakable confidence, often casting men as the primary pillars of society. Critics argue that such ideologies can perpetuate emotional detachment, leaving men to struggle with isolation and internal conflict. Glass acknowledges this challenge, noting that for every man who enters her retreat, millions are being shaped by the manosphere’s message of unyielding masculinity.

“The alpha male is back, with a vengeance,” Glass observes, highlighting the growing cultural impact of the manosphere. Its rhetoric, which glorifies strength and control, has redefined what it means to be a man in contemporary society. While her program offers a counterpoint, it remains a small-scale intervention in a much larger discourse. “It’s about redefining what it means to be a man in today’s world,” she adds, emphasizing that true strength lies in emotional resilience and self-awareness.

Experiential Learning in the Man Camp

The retreat’s structure is designed to push men beyond their comfort zones. Participants start each day with morning yoga, followed by one-on-one therapy sessions and group exercises that delve into personal vulnerabilities. Art therapy and role-playing are incorporated to help men articulate their fears and hopes, fostering a deeper connection with themselves and others. Glass’s coaches, trained in psychological theory, create a safe space for participants to engage in these activities without shame.

Yet, the program’s luxurious setting and high cost—over $5,000 per person—have sparked debate. Some question whether the retreat feels more like a privilege than a necessity. Others doubt the effectiveness of art-based methods in addressing deep-seated emotional issues. However, Glass maintains that the structured environment and direct engagement with emotional challenges can lead to meaningful change. “It’s not about being soft,” she insists. “It’s about being real.”

As the days unfold, participants begin to shift from resistance to introspection, often expressing tears and embracing emotional honesty. The man camp’s blend of physical activity and psychological exploration creates a unique atmosphere where men can confront their inner struggles. While the manosphere promotes a rigid, unemotional model of masculinity, Glass’s retreat offers an alternative path—one that values connection as much as strength.

Participants’ Transformations

The men who join the man camp enter with varied motivations. Matt Sanders, 61, seeks to process the grief of losing his father, while Jason Owens, 52, grapples with the emotional toll of his wife’s passing. A younger participant arrives looking for guidance in navigating a divided society. For each, the retreat represents a chance to rebuild their sense of identity and find new ways to express themselves. “We’re not just talking about crying,” Glass says. “We’re talking about confronting the stigma that makes it hard to be human.”

Through shared experiences and guided reflection, the participants begin to dismantle the barriers they’ve built around vulnerability. The man camp’s immersive nature fosters a sense of community, allowing men to see themselves through new lenses. While the manosphere continues to shape cultural expectations, Glass’s program stands as a beacon of alternative masculinity, proving that emotional growth is possible even in a world that often demands emotional suppression.