Because we all need sanctuary sometime...
The Sanctuary Weekend™ is a three-day retreat that will help you re-connect, restore, and re-focus. Come to southern Oregon’s scenic Rogue Valley, and recharge in a rural setting while engaging in activities that will reduce stress and anxiety, and sharing in sessions that will elevate your spirit and renew your vision.
We initially created the Sanctuary Weekend™ retreat to serve veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, and the military families who were struggling with the stress, anxiety, and isolation of repeat deployments. We had remarkable results, including significant reductions in stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness. While there are obviously challenges and realities that are exclusive to today’s military families and veterans, it is equally clear that constant worry, tension, and a sense of disconnection are widespread.
Many Americans are feeling stressed, isolated, and overwhelmed, yearning for a little time out to focus on what really matters. The Sanctuary Weekend™ retreats offer a refuge for you to rest, heal, and connect with others who have walked in your shoes while learning self-care and stress-management skills, and gaining tools to help restore a sense of emotional, physical, and spiritual wellness.
The Sanctuary Weekend™ model was developed over a period of six years by a team of facilitators with decades of experience in their respective fields. The retreats provide hands-on instruction, and combine traditional and complementary therapies, along with some good common sense. Each retreat is tailored for the group it serves, and includes personal instruction from established experts, national authorities, and peer mentors.
Retreat Activities include:
- Educational/Motivational Seminars and Peer Support specific to retreat participants (see below)
- Horseback riding
- Massage and/or hydro-therapy
- Guided meditation
- Rafting/kayaking
- Reiki & energy healing
- Yoga & yoga hikes
- Some really great home-cooked meals & treats!
Sanctuary Weekend™ Retreats are tailored for the following groups:
- Activists and Advocates
- Military Spouses and Wives of Combat Veterans
- Non-profit Personnel
- Women Contemplating Change
- Women Veterans
- Writers & Aspiring Authors
Accommodations & Transportation
Depending upon the size of the group (8-24), lodging will be provided by the Applegate River Lodge, the Box R Ranch, Callahan’s Siskiyou Lodge,the Flying L Ranch, or Lithia Springs Resort. We will provide round trip ground transportation for the folks flying in to the Rogue Valley Medford Airport.
If you would like to schedule a Sanctuary Weekend™ in southern Oregon, or in your state, or for further information please contact Stacy Bannerman at 253-217-2153 or stacy@stacybannerman.com.
Women veterans connect at Sanctuary Weekend.
Women who went to a Sanctuary Weekend said:
“My husband stated, ‘WOW, something happened over the weekend, you are relaxed and I don’t know how to describe it. It’s like you found yourself.’”
“I feel connected in a way I have not experienced [for years].”
“This retreat would have given me a reason to live in my first year after deployment. You could potentially save a vet’s life by bringing them to a Sanctuary Weekend for Women Veterans retreat in the first year.” – OIF Woman veteran
