Retreat Yourself West 2012

We are happy to be able to offer Retreat Yourself West 2012 in majestic Morley, AB.

We will spend four days at the lovely spa lodge and conference centre, Nakoda on the Lake. The venue has a lot of event experience and we are sure you will have a life-changing experience surrounded by the peaceful scenery and accommodating staff.

The Retreat is free for you except for your travel costs. We will have more information soon on where we will meet to travel to the venue, but we will provide your food, accommodations, and program necessities.

We'll be there from Thursday to Monday and applicants are required to stay for the duration of the program. 

Please apply today if you're interested. Space is limited!

When

May 3-7, 2012

Where

Nakoda on the Lake in Morley, AB 

Program

The main purpose of Retreat Yourself is to meet people who understand what you're going through and to connect with them. There is time to talk about your experiences, relax, and share stories of the good times and the bad times.

Retreats have four stages:

1. Welcoming and introduction: We take some time to get to know one another from the start so we're comfortable and open for the rest of the weekend. 

2. Small group discussions: We discuss topics that are relevant and chosen by you from relationships, family and friends, sexuality and intimacy, fear of recurrence, the future, and more.

The entire group decides on four main topics and we discuss each one throughout the weekend. Of course, you're not limited to the topics you choose and you'll have many other discussions happen spontaneously throughout the weekend.

3. Information and tools:  We try and give you an update on the situation of young adult cancer survivors in Canada and also give you some tools to help you in your daily life.

4. Free time: The free time is a mix of structured and non-structured activities. Depending on the weather and the location, some people will just go out for a walk, swim in the pool, play basketball or volleyball, or just take a little afternoon nap. We also have a game night where we get together and play.

This is a rough outline of what a retreat looks like but we try to be flexible with our schedule and each group gets to choose what their program is like.

what to bring

The following is a list of things you might like to bring with you:

• Bedding is provided, however many people like their own sleeping bags or pillow, so if you would like to bring your own feel free. Otherwise, bedding will be provided.
• Toiletries (i.e. shampoo/conditioner, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
• Hair dryer
• Sporty footwear/hiking boots (for outdoor activities)
• Flip-flops/shower footwear (bathrooms and showers are shared)
• Raincoat/umbrella
• Sweater (it can get cold at night)
• Swimsuit (heated pool outside)
• Beach towel
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Bug repellent
• Camera
• Flashlight
• Any necessary medications
• Any special snacks you would like to bring along (junk food will not be served at the Retreat)
• Musical instruments and any other items needed to show off your talent
• Any other personal items you may wish to bring along (i.e. CDs, DVDs, games, etc.)

Retreaters will want to pack casual clothing for the Retreat such as shorts, sweatpants, jeans, t-shirts, sweater, jacket, etc. (whatever you will be most comfortable in).

Please contact Shali at shali@youngadultcancer.ca if you have any questions.

Image courtesy of Nakoda on the Lake