About the Retreat
Being the primary support for a loved one with a disability can sometimes feel overwhelming and all-encompassing. At times it can be isolating, exhausting and difficult to disconnect from our role as caregivers. At Plan Institute, we worked with family caregivers to create the BC Caregiver’s Retreat, offering a chance to relax, rejuvenate and connect with other caregivers in a beautiful setting.
Please see below for the details of this year’s event. If you have questions, please reach out to Rachael Plant, Program Manager at rplant@planinstitute.ca.
2024 Caregivers Retreat
Please note, the Expression of Interest form for the 2024 Caregivers Retreat is now closed. We will be reaching out to successful applicants by Friday, July 26.
When:
Friday, October 4 to Sunday, October 6, 2024
Where:
Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort, Parksville, Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
Click here to view a map of the location.
Who:
The retreat is open to anyone who is a primary caregiver for someone with a disability, including children, parents, siblings, or partners.
Schedule:
This year’s retreat will include both group activities and personal time. There will be a facilitated group session on Saturday, October 5, where attendees will have the chance to meet other caregivers. For the remainder of the weekend, you will have free time. You are encouraged to take this time to do whatever makes you feel good – reading, taking a walk along the beach, visiting the spa, or simply enjoying the serenity of picturesque Tigh-Na-Mara resort.
Cost:
While the cost of this year’s retreat will be subsidized by Plan Institute and through the generous support of the Syd Vernon Foundation, the Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation, and posAbilities, we will be asking for a small fee from each attendee. This will go towards accommodation and the cost of running the event. The fees are as follows:
- $100 for a single occupancy room for the weekend, or
- $160 for a double occupancy room for the weekend.
Selected participants will be required to pay the fee within two weeks of being notified in order to secure their place on the retreat.
A small number of full bursaries are available. There will be space to indicate this need on the expression of interest form.
What is included:
The retreat fee includes two nights at Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort, a facilitated group session, and a shared group lunch on the Saturday. A gift card to contribute to the cost of other meals or spa services will also be provided.
Attendees are responsible for the cost of travel to and from the resort, as well as the cost of activities, and any other personal fees incurred during their stay.
A limited number of travel bursaries are available. If you need assistance with the cost of transportation, please indicate so in the designated section on the Expression of Interest form.
Expression of Interest Process:
The Expression of Interest form for the 2024 Caregivers Retreat is now closed.
Availability:
Each cabin comes equipped with a queen or king-sized bed and comfortably fits two people. You are welcome to share the weekend with a friend, sibling, parent, or partner.
When completing the Expression of Interest form, you will be asked to indicate how many individuals will be staying in your cabin. Some rooms contain an additional murphy bed or a sofa bed. If you plan to have more than two people staying in the cabin, please indicate this in the Additional information section of the Expression of Interest form. There will be a fee of $20 per additional guest (over two people). We may not be able to accommodate all requests for additional guests.
Please note that we are asking attendees to make alternative arrangements for childcare and/or respite care during the weekend so that caregivers can fully participate in the facilitated group session.
If you have any questions or concerns about the retreat, please reach out to rplant@planinstitute.ca.
We are grateful to the Syd Vernon Foundation, the Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation, and posAbilities for their generous contributions and for making this weekend retreat possible.