2020 Breastie Retreats: Postponed
With many members of the community being immunocompromised and the remaining uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, we've decided it is in the best interest of the community to postpone all retreats.
All Breasties who were selected for retreats for 2020 will be offered a spot on a retreat in the same location for 2021. New dates to come — stay tuned! In addition to rescheduling postponed retreats, we hope to host additional retreat weekends in 2021.
Check Out Our Retreat in Round Top, Texas
Video Credit: Erin Panosian
FAQ
What is a Breastie Wellness Retreat?
So glad you asked! Breastie Wellness Retreats are free weekend-long getaways for women affected by breast and gynecological cancers to come together.
They take place Friday-Sunday in various scenic locations around the United States. The intention for each retreat is for women to meet other survivors, previvors, thrivers or “high risk” individuals and bond in nature over shared experiences.
Activities range from yoga, meditation, hiking and other location/weather appropriate activities. There are also optional story-sharing centered activities that aim to inspire connectedness and help all women know that they are not alone and capable of so much more than just “getting sick.”
The weekend is all about being pampered and taking time for YOU. For a closer look, check out video footage from our previous retreats. Acceptance for Breastie Retreats is based on an application process.What's the status of 2020 reatreats?
After consulting with healthcare professionals and the remaining uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 we decided it was in the best interest of the community to postpone all 2020 retreats.
All Breasties who were selected for retreats for 2020 will be offered a spot on a retreat in the same location for 2021. New dates to come — stay tuned! In addition to these 3 retreats (Colorado, Canada 1 and Canada 2) we hope to host additional retreat weekends, where we will take new applicants / Breasties off of the 2020 waitlist.
If you are looking for additional information, please check out the following link for frequently asked questions and concerns about The Breasties organization’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
We thank you for being understanding and for your patience as we move forward - we know that we will move this mountain, and our 2021 retreats will be better than ever.Who can come on a retreat?
Breasties, Breasties, Breasties! Retreats are open to women affected by breast and gynecological cancers in any capacity — survivors, thrivers, previvors, warriors and/or anyone who considers themselves “high risk.”
What goes on at retreats?
Every retreat is special and has different activities that are unique to the city we are in. A few staples we love include a fun craft, morning yoga and meditations followed by an afternoon hike, bonding sessions and healing activities. You can also expect breakout dance parties and delicious food that accommodates all dietary restrictions.
Is everything free?! What’s included?
Yes! We believe that you shouldn’t have to pay for community, especially when going through something as life-altering as a cancer diagnosis or high-risk journey. Various food options, lodging for the weekend and activities are all provided for! You are only responsible for getting yourself there and back.
When do applications close? When will we hear back?
Typically retreat applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, each year. Given the unique situation of 2020 retreats in light of COVID-19, we will be offering all selected retreat applicants from 2020, a spot on a retreat in 2021. We hope to be able to open applications for more even more locations and more Breasties in the coming year.
How is a retreat different from camp?
Retreats are FREE and each trip is designed for a smaller group, providing a more intimate bonding experience. Camp Breastie differs from retreats in that registration is open to everyone, at our at-cost rate!
We can accommodate a couple of hundred women, so space is not limited in the way retreats are. We are thrilled about Camp Breastie – and know it will be a once in a lifetime experience. Don’t worry – we still will create that intimate feel at camp, as you have smaller groups within your bunks and break-out sessions!
We definitely encourage everyone to register for camp AND apply for a retreat!Learn more about camp here.How big are retreats / how often are they?
Depending on the size of the space, each retreat can accommodate between 18-20 women. We've averaged 4 per year in the past.
Why are retreats application-based?
Retreats are application-based because at this time, we can unfortunately only accommodate a small group of women in each location.
What happens if you’re accepted but can’t make it?
If you are accepted for an upcoming retreat and learn that you can no longer make it, we ask that you please let us know as soon as possible. Due to the limited space on each retreat, we are unable to accommodate all of the applicants we receive. The earlier we know that you can no longer make it, the better chance there is that we can offer the spot to another Breastie.
If you’ve been on a retreat in the past, can you come on another?
Unfortunately, we don’t have the resources to open retreats to previous attendees (although we would love to eventually!). In the interest of helping as many women as possible, we only accept applicants who have not been on a retreat before. If you have already been on a retreat, you are still invited to join in on the fun at Camp Breastie or local meetups/events!
Do I have to apply again if I applied last year but didn’t get it? Will I have priority this year?
Yes, even if you applied to a retreat in the past and were not accepted, you will have to apply for this year’s upcoming retreats — this is so we can know if you are still interested. Additionally, if you weren’t accepted last year and applied again this year, you will be given priority to attend an upcoming retreat.
What do I bring?
- A full packing list will be sent your way closer to the retreat.
- Think comfortable clothes for day-time activities, sneakers, pajamas, warm clothing for night time bonfires, and one semi-formal outfit for a special dinner Saturday night.
- You don’t NEED money for anything, as the weekend is all-inclusive.I have more questions!
Feel free to e-mail us gro.seitsaerbeht%40staerter for any retreat-related questions or concerns!
We can't wait to move mountains with you in 2021!
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