The Retreat Program is one of The Chewstick Foundation’s best programs. Two to three times a year, we offer a safe, family-friendly atmosphere – full of fun games, community building, art, creativity and a much-needed break from the drudgery of daily life. The Retreat program was established in 2011, and every year we focus on building community, developing skills and offering opportunities for growth and enrichment to all that participate.

Not only are the Retreats an inspiring and enlightening initiative, but their consistent delivery has kept the spirit of Chewstick alive over the past few years, although the program was suspended during 2020-2022 due to COVID.  The Retreat encourages people from diverse backgrounds to foster meaningful connections and an appreciation for the beauty of our island. The 2025 Retreat program dates are the Summer Retreat on Paget Island, March 21 – 23, the Summer Retreat June 27 – 29 and the Fall Retreat on October 14-16, locations to be determined. While the core focus of each retreat is to provide the chance to learn, connect, unwind, and get inspired while appreciating the epic beauty of Bermuda, each retreat is different.

Signup deadline for the Spring Retreat is March 19th, 2025. Early Bird Prices apply until March 12th.

Activities will include creative writing, music, workshops, and yoga in the gorgeous setting of our island home, while meeting a bunch of really awesome new people.

Dates and island locations for 2024 are as follows:

If you are a person who likes to tell stories, dance, play dominoes, swim, paint or just want the chance to appreciate 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.

Retreat package is inclusive of round-trip boat transportation to the island, indoor community accommodations, 6 meals, snacks, art supplies, workshops, and materials for the Retreat fireside, where all participants are encouraged to share a story, poem, song or skill before the always fun, sing along vibe.

Participants can opt to bring a tent, or stay in shared dorm-style accommodation (bunks are limited).

Learning from each other on the Retreat

Break-Out Sessions

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 an incredible discount for facilitators).

Family Vibes / Under 18s

All participants under age 18 are required to attend under the supervision of a parent or guardian.

A Retreat Childcare program is available for children ages 5-11 during Workshop blocks and large group activities, as directed. This program will engage children with dynamic and inspirational activities.

While children under age 5 may be able to participate in childcare activities, this depends on their ability to not be a distraction for other participants. Parents/guardians are responsible for children for the duration of the Retreat. Of course, it takes a village we will all look out for them.

A peek into what’s in store

Supporting Equitable Access

In keeping with the community building ethos of the Retreat, even if you can’t make it over the island there is the opportunity to support. In wanting to make the experience accessible to as many people as possible, past participants and friends have the opportunity to pay it forward by sponsoring an individual or subsidizing a few people that wish to come but cannot afford the $250 all-inclusive price. If you or anyone/organization you know can help sponsor an individual, it would be greatly appreciated and totally change a life. Please help if you can.

A very special THANK YOU to Butterfield and Vallis and Huckleberry for supporting our meals throughout the weekend!

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. Friday evening boat departure and Sunday afternoon boat return information will be confirmed by email. Sign-ups can be made by filling out the form.

Download Packing List PDF

Payment Options

Pay online in the Chewstick Shop

Cash or Credit Cards accepted; please make cheques payable to The Chewstick Foundation.

Payment plans are available! Please email info@chewstick.org.

Even MORE information about the Retreat is available here!