Retreat Schedule

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DATES, THEMES AND RETREAT LOCATIONS

2003-2004 Program Year

September 12-14, 2003 at East Sandwich Preparative Meeting

Theme: "My River Runs To Thee, O Sea."
This will be a very special retreat because we are planning to take the whole retreat community on a whale watch out of Provincetown! We did this nine years ago and it was a huge success. This retreat will be limited to 40 children with 12 staff attending, as we have already reserved our cruise the morning of September 13th. A $12 field trip fee will apply in addition to the usual retreat fee. More details soon.
Registration begins August 10th.

November 14-16, 2003, at Westport Friends Meeting

Theme: "Tending the Hearth"

Yeast is the miraculous life that gives rise to bread, but it needs – or kneads! – the baker’s mindful tending. Join us for a spiritual romp through sacks of flour and wafts of warm loaves. As we joyfully make bread, we will consider what it means to pay attention and be fully present to each moment of God’s Love and Grace – the ultimate yeast. Children will go home on Sunday with their own tended loaves. Registration begins October 15th.

January 23-25, 2004 at Wellesley Friends Meeting

The theme for our January retreat will be approached with prayer and heartfelt hope. Knowing that our world is far from a peaceable kingdom, our theme comes from the Book of Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3: “A time for war and a time for peace.” The use of literary opposites in Ecclesiastes 3.1-8 was intentional by the ancient authors, and the implied meaning remains perplexing even to the present day. January is also our annual Sculpey retreat. Through verbal discussions in our Small Groups, and by what children create with their hands, hearts and Spirits, we'll explore how we continue, as Friends, to witness to and for the possibility of peace one with another, even as our nation is at war on foreign soils. How do we, as Friends, mind the Light during times of conflict and uncertainty, maintaining both hope and faith that a more peaceful world may yet prevail?
Registration begins December 20h.

April 2-4, 2004 at Westport Friends Meeting

Theme: “Bodyworks”

Our annual retreat for 6th graders only! A smaller transition retreat designed just for 6th graders with special games, foods and discussions. Our “Bodyworks” small group workshop will tenderly and playfully explore what’s going on with changing bodies and emotions and how to keep these precious gifts from God, safe. Registration is open anytime for this special retreat. Parents are especially encouraged to speak with Kevin and/or Gretchen in advance to obtain additional special info regarding this retreat. Awesome staffers TBA.

May 21-23, 2004 at Woolman Hill

Theme: "Something Inside So Strong"

The theme (and title) for this retreat comes from the song by the same name written by Labi Siffre. The littte story behind the selection of this theme is interesting. Earlier this winter, my wife Betty Ann, Gretchen, and her spouse Buddy and I had a wonderful opportunity to see Odetta perform live in concert. One of the many songs she performed that evening was "Something Inside So Strong." Every word, every stanza, is life and Spirit affirming, powerful and a testimony to the resiliency of the human spirit. I looked over at Gretchen thinking, now this is a retreat theme! And of course Gretchen was already writing the lines down as fast as she could! Later, Gretchen researched the music and the lyrics which we have included a link to below. Please take a moment to read the words to "Something Inside So Strong," by Labi Siffre.

Words to "Something Inside So Strong"

Registration begins on April 15th