Summer 2026 Relationship Builder

August 4–9, 2026 | McClintock Bay Resort, Yukon

This summer, The Nelson Project brought 26 men together for a six-day Relationship Builder at McClintock Bay Resort on Marsh Lake.

Relationship Builder events create space for men to connect, learn practical skills, have meaningful conversations, spend time outdoors, and build relationships with one another. They are designed around a simple idea: strong communities are built when people have opportunities to spend meaningful time together, contribute their own skills, and support one another.

The August gathering brought together both returning participants and men attending a TNP Relationship Builder for the first time.

Learning From Each Other

A major part of this Relationship Builder was participant-led programming.

Over three mornings, men took part in hands-on activities including:

Fly tying
Axe handle making
Leatherwork
Drum making

These activities were led by men from within the TNP community who shared their own knowledge and skills with others.

This is an important part of The Nelson Project's approach. Men are not simply participants in our programming. They are encouraged to become contributors, facilitators and leaders within the community.

Sharing a skill creates an opportunity to learn something practical while also building confidence, communication and connection. Working side-by-side gives people a natural way to get to know one another, have conversations and build relationships.

Conversations About the Future

Afternoons provided space for group discussions about The Nelson Project and the community we are building together.

The men explored questions around membership, affiliate groups, participation and the different ways they can contribute to TNP beyond individual events.

These conversations gave participants a direct opportunity to help shape the organization's future and consider what continued involvement could look like.

Time to Connect, Relax and Have Fun

The fifth day was intentionally less structured, giving the men time to enjoy the outdoors and spend time together.

Activities included fishing, mountain biking, a medicine-making walk, a steam shack and archery.

The group also took part in an afternoon drumming session with Lonnie Powell and Phillippe Mouchet. The session was met with a great deal of enthusiasm and created another opportunity for the men to connect through rhythm, music and shared experience.

Throughout the week, shared meals were another important part of the experience. Sitting down and eating together creates some of the most natural opportunities for conversation, laughter and connection.

What the Men Told Us

At the end of the week, participants completed an anonymous evaluation of their experience.

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive:

100% said they would attend another Relationship Builder.
92% said they would recommend a Relationship Builder to another man.
96% felt welcome and included.
92% said they made meaningful connections with other men.
96% felt better equipped to build healthy relationships.
100% felt the activities were worthwhile.
100% said the experience encouraged them to continue working on themselves.
92% felt more confident asking for support.
84% felt more connected to their community.

Participants also expressed a strong interest in continuing to contribute to The Nelson Project. Ten men indicated that they would be interested in leading or sharing a skill or activity with others in the future.

The words participants shared in their feedback captured the experience particularly well.

“The best week of my summer so far.”

“My heart is full.”

Building Community Together

The summer Relationship Builder demonstrated what can happen when men are given time, space and opportunities to connect.

Through learning, conversation, recreation, shared meals and simply spending time together, the men built relationships and created experiences that extend beyond the six days at McClintock Bay.

The continued participation of returning men, together with new participants joining the community, is helping The Nelson Project grow a stronger network of men across Yukon.

We are grateful to everyone who contributed to making this Relationship Builder possible, especially the men who shared their skills, facilitated activities, supported one another and helped create the community throughout the week.

Thank you to everyone who was part of the Summer 2026 Relationship Builder.

We look forward to continuing to build this community together.

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