Retreat Details

• 📍 Location:  Manor Lodge at Camp because I said I would, Walhonding, OH  
• 📅 Dates:  Friday, December 12, 2025, at 3:00 pm – Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 11:00 am.
• 💲 Cost:  All food (prepared by a private chef), lodging, and activities at a reduced rate of $500, thanks to the generosity of our donors. Families interested in covering their costs may contribute $800 per person, but this is not necessary and does not influence application approval in any way.
• 🛏️ Lodging:  Cozy resort cabins featuring wood-burning fireplaces, 5 hot tubs, and a cedar sauna.

This three-day retreat is designed to strengthen emotional resilience through proven mental health approaches while exploring practical strategies for coping with grief. Share experiences with others in a safe, supportive environment, and create lasting connections to aid your healing journey. In this nurturing and tranquil space, you’ll find peace, renewal, and the tools to navigate your grief with greater understanding and strength.

• Resilience Building: Learn essential skills to strengthen your emotional resilience, helping you adapt and recover from grief.
• Community Support: Connect with others who share similar experiences, creating a network of understanding and mutual support.
• Self-Care Tools: Gain practical techniques for supporting emotional and physical well-being during and after the retreat.

Who Should Attend?

• Individuals seeking support for coping with grief after the loss of a loved one.
• Those interested in resiliency skills and mental health approaches to healing.
• People who want to connect with others experiencing similar challenges.

Retreat Highlights

At Camp because I said I would, our tranquil 92-acre property provides a peaceful setting for guests attending the 3-Day Bereavement Retreat. Each cabin is designed for comfort and relaxation, featuring private hot tubs where you can unwind after a day of reflection. The cozy ambiance is complete with fireplaces and spacious private yards. The serene natural surroundings, combined with modern amenities like Wi-Fi and access to a sauna, create an ideal environment for healing and connection.

• Resort cabins with wood-burning fireplaces.
• Relax in one of 5 hot tubs at camp.
• Enjoy access to our 3-tier cedar sauna. 

Facilitators:

Alex Sheen, Founder of because I said I would, is a 5-time TEDx Talk speaker and author, known for his global work on resiliency skills and mental health habits. 

Supported with compassion and care by OhioHealth

Grief Support Team from OhioHealth

OhioHealth is a proud community partner in this event, offering the expertise of licensed grief counselors to support families during this time. Their compassionate team helps attendees navigate the emotional landscape of loss with care and professionalism.

Session Topics:

Goalsetting session: Personal Reflections & Future Aspirations

Participants explore individual goals, with the option to set small, meaningful intentions for the weekend. Through guided journaling, reflect on your current state of mind and identify areas for growth or healing.

Limiting Beliefs: Overcoming Self-Imposed Barriers

In this workshop, participants identify common limiting beliefs that may be hindering their healing process. Through discussion and guided activities, they’ll examine how these beliefs shape their grief and how to shift their mindset toward healing. 

Grief 101:  My Greif Matters:

Grief counselors from OhioHealth Loss and Healing Services are master’s level social workers and counselors experienced in supporting youth and adults who are grieving the deaths of friends and family members.

The two 90-minute sessions during the retreat will include meaningful discussions and hands-on activities. The sessions will offer:

• Information about typical grief feelings and responses AND validation that your grief and your expression of grief is unique and important.
• An opportunity to remember and honor the person/people who died.
• Time to brainstorm healthy and practical self-care strategies and the support needed to move forward within your grief.

Reserve Your Spot

Registration closes on Wednesday, December 10th, 2025. With limited availability, this retreat is designed for a small, intimate group to ensure a personal and impactful experience.

Take this important step in your journey toward healing, connection, and renewal.

Please email [email protected] with any questions!