The Chewstick Foundation’s thrice annual Island Retreat program for 2016 concludes with the Fall Retreat, taking place Friday, October 7th through Sunday, October 9th 2016.

Here’s the link to sign up!

The Retreat programme is now in its sixth year and has met and surpassed its purpose to bring people together to connect, to learn and to have fun while appreciating the epic beauty of Bermuda. If  you are a person who likes to tell stories, dance, play dominoes, swim, paint or pontificate on  life with others, the retreat is for you! If you simply need a moment of pause from the daily demands of work and home life take the chance to unwind and maybe learn something as well. In addition to participant-led break out sessions, there is free time to reflect and to get inspired by the beautiful surroundings, activities such as hair braiding, Bocce (Chewstick’s official game), fishing (provide own equipment) and the Retreat fireside where participants are encouraged to share a new skill, story, poem, song or anecdote and everyone gets to participate in the always fun, sing along vibe.

The price breakdown is as follows:

General: $250
Members: $175
Youth (ages 12-18):$125
Child (under 12): $50

The Standard VERY IMPORTANT Information 

Break-out Sessions are 1.5 to 2 hour workshops that offer insight into a variety of fields that all help participants to deepen personally and collectively. They are led by passionate people that want to share their fields of expertise and personal experience in a safe and organic environment. All attendees are invited (though not required) to submit a Break-out Session option for consideration, and everyone who attends is expected to bring a passion for learning and sharing. There are 3 Break-Out Sessions scheduled for each Retreat, with up to 9 options to choose from.

We don’t know who will attend well in advance, so it is difficult to let you know what each Retreat will offer specifically, but if you’d like to lead a session include a brief description in  the sign up form, we will let you know as soon as possible if yours has been accepted (there’s a discount for facilitators). Some useful information is below:

What do Participants Need to Bring?
The Retreats alternate between Ports Island and Paget Island, two of the most beautiful and fully equipped islands in Bermuda. Unlike traditional “camping”, each island is fully equipped with plenty of beds, full kitchen and dining areas and bathroom facilities –making this excursion quite the opposite of “roughing it”, but you still need to bring a few things.

Learning from each other on the Retreat

Essentials:
Pillow, Bedding (fitted sheet & blanket), Sleeping Bag and/or something to keep you warm
Clothing (2 sets of day wear/night wear etc. recommended)
Sneakers, Sandals, Boots etc.
Pajamas
Swimsuit/Swim Shoes
Towel (bath and swim towels recommended)
Toiletries
Flashlight
Chair (if you don’t bring it, be prepared to sit on the ground!)
Camera
Plate/Bowl/Fork/Spoon/Butter knife/Cup/Water bottle
Good vibes
Optional:
Any snacks you may want
Any other tools you need for your craft (musical instruments, notepad, sketchbook, art supplies, etc.) If unsure, contact us for more information.
Lotion, sunscreen, hand sanitizer etc.
Bug repellent (though we haven’t had any problems with mosquitoes etc.)
Games (no electronic games please)

A peek into what’s in store

Please Do Not Bring:
Bad vibes
Portable game systems
Pets
Any illicit substances or materials
Anything you cannot carry yourself

Under 18
We are proud to be able to offer the opportunity for young people ages 6-18 to be able to attend and participate. The youngest will be taken care of by a child care provider away from the different workshops, while those willing and able to participate in deepening activities will be allowed to. Those under 18 will be required to get parental consent as well as an over 18 chaperone. If a chaperone cannot be identified we would be willing to ask other mature attendees if one would be able to be a personal chaperone for you. Please inquire well in advance if you will be bringing a child or if you need a chaperone.

Space is limited for this special event and we are inviting participants to take part in a journey along with roughly 50 participants for this tremendous, life-changing personal adventure. October 7-9 (the Fall Retreat) , participants will depart from Albouy’s Point on Friday evening at 6pm and return to the mainland on Sunday afternoon at 1:30 pm. Sign-ups can be made by phone on 292-2439 or by filling out the form. Cash or Credit Cards accepted; please make cheques payable to The Chewstick Foundation.