Retreat Details

• 📍 Location:  Manor Lodge at Camp because I said I would, Walhonding, OH  
• 📅 Dates:  Friday, September 11th, 2026, at 3:00 pm – Sunday, September 13, 2026, at 11:00 am.
• 💲 Cost:  All food (prepared by a private chef), lodging, and activities at a reduced cost of $700, thanks to the generosity of our donors. 
• A $100 refundable security deposit is required to confirm attendance upon application approval.  This deposit will be returned after the retreat, provided there is no property damage and cancellation policies are followed.
• 🛏️ Lodging:  Cozy resort cabins featuring wood-burning fireplaces, 5 hot tubs, and a cedar sauna.
• A Note on Accessibility: We believe that financial constraints should never stand in the way of healing and support. While our standard retreats are fee-based to help keep our camp sustainable, we remain deeply committed to keeping these experiences accessible. If you or your family need financial assistance to attend, limited sponsorships may be available depending on funding and space. To learn more and submit a request, please fill out our 2026 Bereavement Retreat Sponsorship Application. Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee a sponsorship, but we make every effort to accommodate as many requests as possible.

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:

Supported with compassion and care by Camp Because I Said I Would staff and Licensed Counselor, Jeff Collier.

Grief Support from Licensed Counselor Jeff Collier

Camp Because I Said I Would is proud to offer the expertise of our staff member and licensed counselor, Jeff Collier, to support families during this time. Jeff provides a compassionate, professional space to help attendees navigate the emotional landscape of loss with dedicated care.

Session Topics:

Goal-setting 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. 

Navigating Your Grief: Tools for Resilience

These two 90-minute workshop sessions, facilitated by Jeff Collier, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC-S) with because I said I would, focus on providing compassionate support and actionable strategies. Together, we will explore:

• Understanding Grief: An exploration of the diverse emotional landscape of grief, with an emphasis on validating the significance of your unique resilience journey.
• Honoring Memories: A dedicated space to reflect upon and pay tribute to the lives of those you have lost.
• Pathways to Support: A collaborative session to identify practical, healthy self-care strategies and the resources needed to support your well-being as you move forward.

Reserve Your Spot

Registration closes on Wednesday, September 9th 2026. 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!