“As Caregivers, we put out so much, and sometimes we need to nurture ourselves before we bottom out. At the time I went to the Caregiver’s Retreat I was hanging on by a thread, and it was absolutely revitalizing. I would so recommend this retreat to other Caregivers!”
– Carolyn Main, Caregiver’s Retreat 2014
About the Retreat
Plan Institute is honoured to be able to offer the BC Caregiver’s Retreat this year free of charge due to the generosity of our funders at the Syd Vernon Foundation.*
Being the primary support for a loved one with a disability can be an all-consuming and sometimes overwhelming experience. Some of us feel isolated, exhausted, and disconnected from ourselves outside of our caregiving roles. The Covid19 Pandemic has taken a toll over the past 18 months, and it has not been an easy road to travel for many caregivers.
This special weekend retreat was developed by and for family caregivers to allow for the chance to relax, rejuvenate and connect with other caregivers in a beautiful setting.
While this weekend usually involves a gentle schedule of group activities, due to Covid-19 and individual comfort levels, we have decided to redesign this year’s retreat to be free of facilitated or planned activities. There will be no facilitators present. Along with this redesigned retreat, we are so grateful to be able to fully cover the cost of the accommodations for all participants. In the past, the retreat was generously subsidized by the Syd Vernon Foundation, with partial fees contributed by participants.
We hope that this year’s retreat offers caregivers a chance to take a much-deserved break from your busy lives, and to reflect, relax and unwind. There will be no expectation of you other than to enjoy yourself.
When
Friday, October 1st to Sunday, October 3rd, 2021
Where
Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort, Parksville, British Columbia
Who
Family Caregivers from British Columbia are encouraged to fill out the expression of interest form below.
Expression of Interest Process:
To make sure all deserving caregivers have the opportunity to attend the retreat this year, we will ask all interested caregivers to fill out a form with their basic information. The form will be open from Thursday, September 2nd at 12 pm PDT till Tuesday, September 7th at 12 pm PDT. After the form is closed we will randomly select individuals (imagine pulling names out of a hat!) to determine who will be offered the opportunity to attend this free weekend of self-care. If your name is selected, we will reach out to you directly by Wednesday, September 8th. You will have 24 hours to confirm your attendance before we randomly select another individual.
Thank you for your interest, please note the Express of Interest is now CLOSED.
Availability:
14 Spa Bungalow cabins have been booked, and are ready to be enjoyed! We ask that if you are attending the retreat with a friend or family member to please consider sharing a cabin. This will allow more caregivers to attend.
During registration, please let us know how many individuals are in your party. If you would like more than 2 individuals to stay in the cabin, we ask that you please email us (learning@planinstitute.ca) after submitting your application form. Each cabin comes equipped with a 1 King bed and 1 Queen Murphy bed.
Cost*:
The cost of the hotel for 2 nights will be covered by Plan Institute and the generous support from the Syd Vernon Foundation.
A gift card to contribute towards the cost of meals or spa services will be provided.
Participants are solely responsible for the cost of travel to and from the resort, as well as costs of activities and any other fees during their stay.
For individuals needing to take BC Ferries to and from the resort, and who require assistance with covering the cost, please note this in the application form. We will do our best to help.
We are extremely grateful for the incredible donations that make this retreat possible!