Cross-Professional Seasonal Retreats

2009 Retreat Series

We welcome you join a retreat series designed to sustain the courage, commitment, and integrity of those who serve children, families, and our community.

Are you someone who:

  • Works with children, families, or your community?
  • Is committed to aligning your personal values with your actions?
  • Wants to make a bigger positive difference in the world?
  • Would like to rekindle a spark for a beloved vocation or find a new one?
  • Is interested in stepping into a leadership role or strengthening your current leadership?

What is Courage & Renewal work?

Our work is inspired and guided by Dr. Parker J. Palmer, author of Let Your Life Speak, A Hidden Wholeness, and Courage to Teach. Since 1996 we have brought together over 1000 service professionals (mainly educators in our first 10 years) for quarterly retreats to help rejuvenate their heart and spirit – personally and professionally.

Each retreat consists of carefully designed individual and collegial activities around seasonal themes, using the power of a diverse range of poetry and teaching stories, journaling, art, nature, and dialogue. We spend time in reflection - alone and with others - exploring the interconnections between our personal and professional lives and identities. All retreats include unscheduled time to rest, play, exercise, and explore the natural world.

What are the benefits of a Courage & Renewal retreat series?

Retreat series help individuals strengthen connections between who they are and the work they do. Men and women of all races, ethnicities, and belief systems have a unique retreat experience based on their own questions. Powerful learning arises from the safety and trust that develop among cohort members over time.
Every year, participants report:

  • A renewed passion commitment to their work
  • Improved relationships at work and home
  • Greater commitment to health and life balance
  • Increased interest in personal and professional reflection, and
  • A (re) vitalization of themselves as leaders.

Retreat Details

  • Four weekend retreats at Cedar Springs Renewal Center near Sedro Wooley, WA.
  • Open to anyone who leads or works in education, human services, early learning, childcare, philanthropy, non-profits, community service, clergy, healthcare or related fields.
  • Because cohort learning is an essential element of this process, participants must commit to all 4 retreats

When:  Feb 6-8, 2009; May 1-3, 2009; July 30-Aug 2, 2009; Oct30-Nov 1, 2009
Applications due: Oct. 15, 2008 ($100 discount for Apps received by September 5, 2008)
Leaders: Jeanne Strong, Karen Harding
Cost: $1875 covers meals, materials, and facilitation.
Clock hours and Social Work CEUs available.

Download PDF Cross Professional Retreat Series Flyer and Application.

Register online.