Informal

Relaxed

Restful

Easygoing

Comfortable

Casual

Unhurried

Low Pressure

These are words that may describe the kind of experience that many adults are seeking following two and a half years of the COVID pandemic. Most people have felt the pressure to cope, survive, handle a myriad of issues and concerns during these challenging times.

Many adult programs at retreats can be highly scheduled, with sessions for learning lasting throughout the day until late in the evening. Some programs are educational in style and structure and may include professional training, team planning or team building.

There is wisdom we can glean from youth camps that can help adults at retreats meet the needs of the busy, worn-down adult. At youth camps, the essential nature of the program is community building, play, rest. Activities like swimming, walking, arts and crafts, archery, hanging out on the back deck, and games are at the heart of a good summer camp program. We have heard from adults for years, “I want to go to camp!” 

John Muir wrote,” Thousands of tired, nerve shaken, over civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; That wildness is an accessory; And that mountain parks and reservations are useful not only as fountains of timber and irrigating rivers, but as fountains of life.” 

In these days of instant global communication and coping with the pandemic of the past few years, life can feel overwhelming.

Creating opportunities for worn out adults to get out into natural settings without being highly scheduled is essential to our need to have time and space to relax, renew, rest, and rejuvenate.  

There is something deeply nurturing about being in nature. Just a few hours in nature can restore us. In clinical studies, it is noted that two hours of nature each day significantly reduces stress hormones by up to 800%. There are increased benefits of spending time in nature and leaving technology behind such as short-term memory, better problem solving, greater creativity, higher feelings of positive well being 

Research confirms the healing and restorative effects of nature on our mind and body. The Japanese practice of forest bathing, for example, basically just being in the presence of trees, is proven to lower heart rate and blood pressure, reduce stress hormone production, boost immune system, and improve overall feelings of well-being. 

Here are some fresh ideas for featherweight programs in natural settings that are truly retreats that counteract our busyness and stress. Elements that can be included in each retreat may include free time, singing, art, and a campfire program. 

Easy Retreat Ideas:

1. Soaking in nature retreat 
   Design a simple program that includes outdoor basking in nature each morning. Afternoons may offer optional activities such as swimming, hikes, art, rest time, and informal conversation. Evening activities might include stargazing and a campfire with readings from naturalists such as John Muir and Rachel Carson. 

2. Artist weekend 
   This retreat could include both art instruction by one or more teachers as well as participants bringing their own art projects to work on during the weekend. Mornings are good for plein air painting and workshops. Afternoons can be left open for people to work on their own projects. Including formal or casual conversations about creativity or inspirational sources is a wonderful way for people exploring the arts to talk about their internal process and how that is expressed in art. 

3. Reading weekend 
   For readers, this type of gathering is a delightful, restful way to have dedicated time to read a book! Be sure to include time in the evenings for people to share what they are reading and what they are enjoying or challenged by in the book’s story. Consider having outdoor seating or hammocks available for people to read under the trees. A time to discuss new authors or favorite readings is a must! Campfire gatherings might include favorite snippets that participants read aloud. 

4. Easy movement retreat 
   Enjoying the spaciousness in nature for easy movement is a great opportunity to slow down and relax into whatever practices are offered. Qi gong, beginning tai chi and yoga would be fitting activities. Including strolls through the natural setting, swimming, or dance may enhance your stress-free program. Having massage therapists scheduled on-site and available for individual sessions would contribute to a body-positive weekend!  

 So often when adults go on retreat, the schedule is packed with programming from early morning to late night. Needing a day off to rest following a retreat can be perplexing! Educational and informative seminars and workshops will continue to be popular as people seek personal growth and knowledge.

However, a different kind of offering is possible for those who may be seeking quiet and time to ruminate. We are constantly taking in information through the internet, television, newspaper, podcasts every day. Providing time apart from the perpetual incoming rush of information is essential for our ability to be grounded and can contribute to increasing our capacity to remain mindful, even calm, in such challenging times. 

–Rev. Tina Heck, UCCR Director of Reservations & Communications