The Retreat

Anyone that has experienced The Chewstick Foundation’s Retreats knows that this program is nothing short of life-changing. Originally conceptualized as an annual event, the Retreats have quickly become a staple of the Chewstick Foundation’s programs designed to break down barriers and empower individuals to re-engage with themselves and connect with one another on a whole new level.

Retreats feature participant-led workshops, collaborations, group activities and quiet time dedicated to enhancing the overall process of personal and collective growth. Despite what you may think, everyone is creative in some way, including and especially YOU! No matter your area of interest or skill level, all are welcome and encouraged to participate, no experience necessary. Participants leave with new, deep, personal relationships and continue their collaborations and creative growth well beyond the focused weekends.

2023 Retreat Dates are:

Summer Retreat	Darrell’s Island	Friday June 9 – Sunday June 11
Fall Retreat	Port’s Island	Friday Oct 13 – Sunday Oct 15

Learn More & Sign Up for the 2023 Retreats!

On each Retreat will utilize a “Bredren” system, which serves to enhance the experience by partnering participants up to create a personal bond and encourage collaboration with unlikely individuals. This system allows participants to see that they can indeed learn lessons from everyone around them and at times all that is needed is the opportunity to deepen without distractions. The Retreats provide an opportunity to remove the distractions of everyday life and foster camaraderie in a safe space, off the main island of Bermuda. We encourage participants to unplug from their cell phones and the worries of daily living and give in to a totally creative weekend. Space is limited for this special event and we are inviting participants to take part in a journey along with roughly 40 participants for this tremendous, life-changing personal adventure. Participants depart from the dock on Friday evening at 6 PM and are returned to the mainland on Sunday evening at 2pm.

Break-out Sessions are 1.5 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 12 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 in the past Break-out Sessions have included:

• Yoga
• The Knowing-Doing Gap (Personal Empowerment Strategies)
• Creative Writing
• Capoeira
• Life Drawing
• Photography
• Salsa
• Advanced Blues Guitar
• Head Wrapping Techniques
• Carnival Makeup
• Art Journals
• Improv
• Greek Mythology
• …and more!

Fun Stuff

Apart from all the deepening exercises that are central to The Retreat, it’s also a lot of FUN! Attendees have the option to participate in fun activities such as:

• Hiking/Exploring
• Swimming
• Bocce Tournament
• Football
• Yoga
• Salsa
• Chess
• Jamming
• Fishing (provide your own equipment ; )
• Fireside Sing-alongs
• Sitting off on the rocks
• …and more!

What do Participants Need to Bring?

The Retreats alternate between Ports Island, Paget Island, and Darrell’s Island, three 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.

Essentials:

• Pillow, Bedding, 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)
• Plate/cup/cutlery/reusable water bottle
• Toiletries
• Flashlight
• Good vibes

Optional:

• Tent
• Any snacks you may want
• Chair (if you don’t bring it, be prepared to sit on the ground!)
• Camera
• 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.
• Laptop (wifi may be available : )
• Bug repellant (though we haven’t had any problems with mosquitoes etc.)
• Games (no electronic games please)

Please Do Not Bring:

• Bad vibes
• Portable game systems
• Pets
• Any illicit substances or materials
• Anything you cannot carry yourself