Home Alex Sheen Event At Camp BISIW Bereavement Bereavement Retreat December Adult Bereavement Retreat | Full Weekend or Saturday Only
Three-day adult bereavement retreat at Camp because I said I would

December Adult Bereavement Retreat | Full Weekend or Saturday Only

One retreat, two ways to join

You do not have to navigate grief alone. Join us for time to reflect, connect with others who have experienced loss, and explore practical resiliency skills. You are welcome to listen and participate at your own pace; you do not have to share your story before you feel ready.

Full weekend: Friday, December 11, 2026, 3:00 PM through Sunday, December 13, 11:30 AM.

Saturday only: December 12, 2026, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Optional dinner is 6:00 to 7:00 PM. All times are Eastern Time.

Location: Grand Hall at Camp because I said I would
3483 McCament Road, Walhonding, OH 43843

Register by: Tuesday, December 8 at 3:00 PM Eastern, subject to availability.

Choose your retreat option

Choose one registration option per adult

The Saturday program is part of the full weekend retreat. Weekend guests do not need a second Saturday ticket.

Full weekend | $700

Includes lodging, chef-prepared meals, program materials, sessions, and activities. Saturday lunch and dinner are already included. A separate refundable overnight security deposit applies.

Saturday only | $120

Includes the Saturday program, lunch, materials, and activities. No lodging or overnight security deposit. Add Saturday dinner for $35 when registering if you would like to stay for the meal; dinner does not include an overnight stay.

Need financial assistance? | $0 to request sponsorship

Select the sponsorship ticket for either the full weekend or Saturday only and complete the same attendee form. There is no separate application link. Please do not select both a paid ticket and sponsorship request for the same person. No payment is collected for the request. Funding and space are limited, and submitting a request does not guarantee an award or a place. Tell us if you need help with the overnight deposit or optional Saturday dinner.

What happens after you register?

  1. We acknowledge your request. Your first email means we received your information, not that your place is confirmed.
  2. Our team reviews your registration. We will discuss any sponsorship, remaining costs, and overnight deposit arrangements with you.
  3. Look for your separate confirmation. Once review and arrangements are complete, we will confirm your place. Please wait for that email before making non-refundable travel plans.

Paid registrations: Payment is collected at checkout. If your registration is not approved, the registration fee is refunded in full. Once approved, the registration fee is non-refundable.

Overnight guests only: A separate $100 refundable security deposit is required after approval. Our team will provide instructions and resolve deposit arrangements before final confirmation. It is returned after the retreat provided there is no property damage and the cancellation policies are followed. It is separate from the retreat fee. No deposit is collected with a $0 sponsorship request; please tell us if you need assistance. Saturday-only guests do not pay this deposit.

Who should attend?

  • Adults seeking support following the death of a loved one.
  • People interested in resiliency skills and practical approaches to navigating grief.
  • Those who would value connection with others experiencing loss.

The property and overnight accommodations

Our 92-acre retreat center offers resort cabins, wood-burning fireplaces, 5 hot tubs, a 3-tier cedar sauna, and peaceful surroundings for reflection and connection.

Full-weekend guests may indicate an accommodation preference in the registration form. Saturday-only guests can skip lodging questions. Preferences are requests, not guaranteed assignments. Private cabins require a party of 3 to 4; staff will confirm room and cabin assignments based on availability and group needs.

Facilitators

Alex Sheen, Founder of because I said I would

Alex Sheen

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.

Alex and the Camp because I said I would team will facilitate the retreat with compassion and care.

Retreat sessions

See the hourly schedule below for the Saturday program and weekend arrival and departure times. Additional weekend session details will be shared before the retreat; the program may be adjusted.

A gathering space at Camp because I said I would

Personal reflection and goal setting

Explore personal goals and small, meaningful intentions for the weekend through guided journaling and reflection.

Beliefs and self-understanding

Reflect on beliefs that shape your experience of grief and explore perspectives that support your well-being.

Navigating grief and finding support

  • Understanding grief: Explore the range of emotions associated with loss and acknowledge your individual experience.
  • Honoring memories: Make space to reflect on the life of the person you have lost.
  • Pathways to support: Identify practical self-care strategies and resources for continued support.

Register or request sponsorship by December 8

This retreat has limited availability. Choose paid registration or request sponsorship using the tickets below, then complete the attendee information. Registration closes Tuesday, December 8, 2026, at 3:00 PM Eastern Time.

Interested in volunteering? Contact [email protected] for volunteer opportunities rather than selecting a participant ticket.

Questions? Email [email protected].

Find Us on Facebook

View the December retreat event or the Saturday option. Both use the registration on this page. A Facebook response does not register you.

Hourly Schedule

Friday, December 11 | Full-weekend guests

03:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Arrival, Camp Tours, and Settling In
Check in, settle into your accommodations, and join a tour to explore camp and its amenities.
04:30 PM - 06:30 PM
Welcome and Resiliency Workshops: Positive Next Steps
Meet fellow guests and hear Alex Sheen’s personal connection to grief. Personal Reflection and Goal Setting introduces possible next steps and the habits that support them. Limiting Beliefs: The Four Types of Negative Thinking explores more balanced, compassionate perspectives. Includes a refreshment break.
06:30 PM - 07:15 PM
Private Chef Dinner: Gather Around the Table
Sit down together at 6:30 PM for a freshly prepared dinner and relaxed conversation.
07:15 PM - 10:00 PM
An Evening at Your Own Pace
Enjoy conversation, games, available camp amenities, or quiet time. Optional bingo begins at 9:00 PM in Manor Lodge. An earlier bedtime is always welcome.

Saturday, December 12 | Weekend and Saturday-only guests

07:45 AM - 08:30 AM
Breakfast at Your Own Pace: Overnight Guests
Come anytime during this breakfast window. Early finishers may enjoy a short, self-guided morning walk before activities begin.
08:30 AM - 10:15 AM
A Welcoming Start: Arrival or Escape Room and Recreation
Saturday-only guests: check in at 8:30 AM, followed by introductions and orientation. Overnight guests: rotate between the escape room and open recreation in two groups.
10:15 AM - 01:30 PM
Meaningful Remembrance and Practical Skills
Explore The Four Types of Self-Control, then Creating a Personal Memorial through a scrapbook, photo album, legacy map, or another creative project. Gather afterward for a Candlelight Vigil, with opportunities to honor your loved one through a name, memory, or silent reflection. No artistic experience is needed. Includes a break.
01:30 PM - 02:30 PM
Lunch Together
Gather at 1:30 PM to sit down for lunch and connect with fellow participants.
02:30 PM - 04:45 PM
Adjusting to Grief: Support for Everyday Challenges
Adjusting to Grief explores practical approaches to changing routines, relationships, reminders, and support needs after loss. Stress Management: Practical Tools for Overwhelming Moments introduces gentle breathing, grounding, and everyday coping skills. Includes a break.
04:45 PM - 05:30 PM
Time to Reflect and Saturday Farewell
Enjoy a quiet pause or available recreation before a brief closing gathering. The Saturday day program ends at 5:30 PM.
06:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Private Chef Dinner
Sit down together at 6:00 PM. Included for weekend guests; Saturday-only guests may join through the optional dinner registration.
07:00 PM
A Relaxed Evening: Full-Weekend Guests
Choose games, conversation, available camp amenities, or rest in your accommodations.

Sunday, December 13 | Full-weekend guests

07:30 AM - 09:00 AM
A Gentle Morning: Breakfast, Walking, and Packing
Breakfast is available from 7:30–8:15 AM. Enjoy an optional self-guided walk, pack your belongings, and prepare for the final morning together.
09:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Your Next Chapter: Bringing the Weekend Home
Practical Habits and Time Management explores manageable routines and priorities. What’s Worked for You offers guided sharing of helpful experiences and resources. Finish with Your Next Chapter, using the Promise Planner and small-group feedback to create a clearly written goal and practical plan. Includes a break.
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Resources and Farewell
Collect information about other programs, support services, and online resources, complete a brief retreat survey, and enjoy departure snacks as you say goodbye. The retreat ends at 11:30 AM.
  • 1Select Ticket
  • 2Attendees
  • 3Payment
  • 4Confirmation
Form/ticket icon icon
Full weekend | Paid registration
$700.00
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Available Tickets: 17

For one adult. Includes lodging, meals, program materials, sessions, and activities. Staff review is required. If not approved, your registration fee is refunded; once approved, it is non-refundable. A separate refundable overnight security deposit applies.

The "Full weekend | Paid registration" ticket is sold out. You can try another ticket or another date.
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Full weekend | Request sponsorship
$0 to request sponsorship
Form/up small icon icon Form/down small icon icon
Available Tickets: 17

Request financial assistance for one adult attending the full weekend. No charge to submit. Funding and a place are not guaranteed. Staff will review your request and discuss any remaining costs and overnight deposit before confirming attendance.

The "Full weekend | Request sponsorship" ticket is sold out. You can try another ticket or another date.
Form/ticket icon icon
Saturday only | Paid registration
$120.00
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Available Tickets: 17

For one adult attending the Saturday program. Includes lunch, program materials, sessions, and activities. No lodging. Dinner is optional and costs extra. Staff review is required. If not approved, your registration fee is refunded; once approved, it is non-refundable.

The "Saturday only | Paid registration" ticket is sold out. You can try another ticket or another date.
Form/ticket icon icon
Saturday only | Request sponsorship
$0 to request sponsorship
Form/up small icon icon Form/down small icon icon
Available Tickets: 17

Request financial assistance for one adult attending Saturday only. No charge to submit. Includes no overnight stay. Funding and a place are not guaranteed. Tell us if you also need help with the optional dinner. Staff will confirm approved assistance and attendance separately.

The "Saturday only | Request sponsorship" ticket is sold out. You can try another ticket or another date.
Total: 0
Date
Dec-11 - 13-2026
Time
Eastern Time
3:00 pm - 11:30 am
Location
Grand Hall Event Venue
Grand Hall Event Venue
3483 McCament Road Walhonding Ohio 43843

Organizer

Katy Wolfe
Phone
571.630.4619
Email
[email protected]
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