Seabeck Retreat Information
~ Our Annual Retreat
in Seabeck, WA
~
For decades bereaved parents have been crossing the wooden bridge
into the serenity of Seabeck Conference Center in historic Seabeck,
Washington, just an hour and a half drive from Seattle. The majestic
Olympic Mountains rise to the west, scenic Hood Canal lies between
you and the Olympics and the wooded hills sloping up from the beach
set this place apart from being just another conference center. This
peaceful place sets the tone for a healing weekend. One feels
secluded and protected from the outside world while feeling the calm
and comfort of being with other bereaved parents who understand.
This is a safe, supportive place to do one’s grief work. We believe
that other bereaved parents are the greatest resource and support
for this most difficult journey we have to travel.
Our
retreat is just that...a
retreat. We leave behind the busyness of our everyday lives and
enter a relaxed and safe haven to work on our grief and bond with
other bereaved parents. The retreat is a place where we share our
thoughts, feelings, and precious memories of our children. The
weekend includes workshops, sharing groups, a reflection room,
burden basket, crafts, Children’s Memorial Garden and a candle
lighting ceremony on Saturday night.
The retreat is low-key and there’s no pressure to attend every
scheduled session. The weekend is yours to use however you need to
take care of yourself. If there’s an activity and you’d rather take
a nap or take a walk, do what YOU need to do.
Some people choose to not participate in sessions and yet do a lot
of grief work because they have the opportunity to be in a safe and
supportive setting that allows them the time and space to work on
their grief away from the distractions of a busy daily life. It's a
nurturing environment and you are with people who understand what
you are going through.
Our
TCF chapter works with WICS - Widowed Information and Consultation
Services – to plan the retreat. We share the main speaker and
workshops, but TCF and WICS have separate sharing groups, memorial
ceremonies and housing.
Together, TCF and WICS provide a children's program for those who
want to bring their children (ages 5-17). The children’s group has
their own program with their own activities and ceremonies. All
three groups share the dining room at meal time, but each group has
designated tables, so each is with their own group.
(For information about the Children’s Program, contact WICS at
206-241-5650.)
About 60 bereaved parents from Washington, Oregon and British
Columbia attend our retreat. At Seabeck you will find bereaved
parents with caring hearts who can relate to you and your grief.
Please join us at our Seabeck Retreat this year!!
For info call 206-241-1139 or email:
tcfmarge@aol.com.
For info about Seabeck Conference Center, visit
www.seabeck.org.