BALTIMORE – Many of us are familiar with the discussion group called “Sirs and boys” that over the years have been incorporated into events as a workshop. The discussion group has been hosted by events such as ILSb and even CLAW. The group started as a Facebook group and grew from there into a discussion group that travels from event to event. Sir John Krikorian has always lead the group as a moderator keeping the discussion topics flowing and maintaining the group keep their focus on the aspect of D/s.
Like many events, each have only so much time to allot for each workshop and discussion group to focus on topics. In many cases we have seen the community create 101, 102 and so forth to accommodate those that have already learned the basics of the subject and are looking for more advanced discussions. The idea was formed after CLAW 15 that perhaps there may be enough people that would take interest in the idea of a relaxed-setting weekend. One that would focus totally on D/s and the many aspects that challenge the players involved, as well as provide healthy ways to improve upon their own dynamics and knowledge.
One of the more welcoming aspects of the weekend was its focus on purely being social and not attached to any contests, vending or play parties that we often see at other events. Not to say this is by any means not enjoyable, but rather insured the environment to be relaxed and less chaotic for those that wanted to enjoy time in leisure. Attire at most was simply boots, vests and covers for those that wanted to wear them. The traditional “full cow” was not expected and many even enjoyed the ability to wear tennis shoes, myself included.
July 4th was the date, and the retreat began to form. The weekend was spent in Baltimore with two presenters asked to attend. The two Presenters, Mary Elizabeth Boyd and Vince Andrews were each given one day each shortly after lunch to spend with the attendees answering questions and sharing their own input on the Sir/boy dynamic as well as topics of history and the leather culture. The Maryland boys of Leather welcomed the attendees with a Friday night welcome party at the local bar. Giving attendee’s time to see the local leather club as well as enjoy the scenery the city had to offer. Saturday night the attendees were welcomed to the top floor balcony of the hotel with a panoramic view of Baltimore and the city fireworks celebrating our independence day.
The attendees were able to stay on location and all three daily meals were included in the hotel charges. Each day started with breakfast, then round table discussion covering issues that ranged from relationship dynamics to community issues that impacted the D/s culture. The mid-day break allowed for an excellent meal for lunch and social time for the attendees. Another round of discussion, including break-out sessions for team building kept everyone on task and provided input and discussion among the attendees. Dinner was always welcoming and even served up lamb chops for one of the choices of entries.
Between the hotel staff, the fresh and wide range of food selections the weekend was very comfortable. By the end of the weekend it was decided by the attendee’s that another year would provide an excellent environment for future people. It was agreed that the 2016 year would be held in Maryland at the same location providing more time for next year’s attendees to plan for the weekend. The future hope of course is that the event weekend will be able to move from region to region across the nation during the July 4th holiday allowing for people from other areas to access and enjoy the same environment with the same in depth focus on the D/s culture.
All in all, the weekend was relaxing, the food was good and the attendee’s comfortable! The opportunity to focus on issues surrounding our D/s culture and sharing ideas and thoughts created an environment that reminded each of us how much we share and how much we can learn from each other. I look forward to next year, and I hope that many others will mark their own calendar for the July 4th 2016 Sir’s and boy’s Retreat in Baltimore Maryland!
Vince Andrews
