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Unfortunately, we have decided to cancel this year's scheduled retreat. Our first priority in holding any event is ensuring that our participants feel safe. Right now we just can't do that. Kara and I hope to reschedule this event as soon as possible. When that happens, information will be updated on this site.
The Teachers Aligned Mindfulness Retreat will be held at beautiful Indigo Nature Retreat in Old Fort, NC. This secular retreat is designed for participants to explore mindfulness practice, build community, and cultivate an atmosphere that facilitates personal renewal and reconnection. The retreat is intended for public school educators, administrators, school counselors, school psychologists, and college professors who prepare teachers. The retreat will be facilitated by Kara Foster-Lee and Todd Scholl.
The Teachers Aligned Mindfulness Retreat will be held at beautiful Indigo Nature Retreat in Old Fort, NC. This secular retreat is designed for participants to explore mindfulness practice, build community, and cultivate an atmosphere that facilitates personal renewal and reconnection. The retreat is intended for public school educators, administrators, school counselors, school psychologists, and college professors who prepare teachers. The retreat will be facilitated by Kara Foster-Lee and Todd Scholl.
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Registration
All registration fees are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, we can try to transfer your registration to someone on the waiting list, but cannot guarantee we will be able to do so. The retreat will take place rain or shine.
If you have specific questions about the retreat, contact Todd Scholl at 843.999.6550 or toddscholl@gmail.com.
If you have specific questions about the retreat, contact Todd Scholl at 843.999.6550 or toddscholl@gmail.com.
Book
All retreat participants will receive a copy of Fostering Resilient Learners: Strategies for Creating a Trauma-Sensitive Classroom, Kristin Souers and Pete Hall.
In this galvanizing book for all educators, Kristin Souers and Pete Hall explore an urgent and growing issue—childhood trauma—and its profound effect on learning and teaching. Grounded in research and the authors' experience working with trauma-affected students and their teachers, Fostering Resilient Learners will help you cultivate a trauma-sensitive learning environment for students across all content areas, grade levels, and educational settings. |
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Tentative Agenda
The schedule below is subject to change. It is a tentative outline of the retreat to give you an idea of what to expect.
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- 3:00 - 5:00 pm - Check-in, unpack, socialize, set your intention for the retreat
- 5:00 - 6:30 pm - Dinner
- 6:30 - 8:00 pm - Welcome, orientation, introduction to mindfulness in education, and short mindfulness practice (Yoga Studio)
- 8:00 - 10:00 pm - Socialize, conversations, quiet time on your own
- 10:00 pm - Quiet hours begin
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- 7:30 - 9:00 am - Breakfast
- 9:00 - 10:00 am - Intention Setting, Guided Breathing Practice (Outside - Weather permitting), Debrief
- 10:00 - 11:00 am - An Introduction to Trauma-Informed Teaching (Yoga Studio)
- 11:00 am - 12:00 pm - Walking Practice (Outdoors, weather permitting)
- 12:00 - 1:00 pm - Lunch
- 1:00 - 2:00 pm - Why Do We Teach? Reconnecting to our Purpose (Yoga Studio)
- 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm - Personal Time (Walk, meditate, journal, rest, read, socialize, or hold quiet conversations)
- 4:00 - 5:00 pm - Restorative Yoga (Yoga Studio - Bring your own mats. Limited mats available for $10 fee.)
- 5:00 - 5:30 - An Introduction to Plant-Based Eating (Main House Kitchen)
- 5:30 - 7:00 pm - Dinner
- 6:30 - 7:00 pm - Optional Group Sit (Yoga Studio)
- 7:00 - 8:00 pm - Fire Circle, Sharing, Daily Debrief
- 8:00 - 10:00 pm - Socialize, conversations, quiet time on your own
- 10:00pm - Quiet hours begin
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- 7:30 - 9:00 am - Breakfast
- 9:00-10:00 am - Guided Breathing Practice / Self-Care Practices / Journaling
- 10:00 - 11:00 am - Sharing Session / How do we take this practice back to our schools? / Closing (Yoga Studio)
- 11:00 am - 12:00 pm - Pack up, clean up, departure
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Accommodations
Located in the heart of Pisgah National Forest with the Blue Ridge Mountains as its canvas, Indigo Nature Retreat is set on five acres near Old Fort, NC, with over 1,000 acres of undisturbed natural forest in its backyard. Indigo Nature retreat provides the perfect setting to get away and unwind. Dense foliage, rolling currents, and diverse trails make it a peaceful home away from home.
We will be the only people on the premises during our retreat. Each retreat participant will stay in one of the five cabins. Click here for details and photos. Each cabin features two twin beds, one of which is a loft twin, the other being a wrap around sofa that converts into a twin. Each cabin has two sitting areas, a mini fridge, coffee maker, heat and A/C, and fire pit. The cabins are tucked into the beautiful Pisgah Forest with Newberry Creek flowing on the property. If you are looking for a space to truly disconnect, and re-connect with all that matters, this is your place. We will place retreat participants with a cabin mate of the same sex unless you and a fellow participant request otherwise. Please note there is no running water or bathroom facilities in the units, however, the community barn with two full bathrooms is less then 100 ft. away.
All retreat participants will have access to the main lodge and community barn. Both of these buildings feature two full bathrooms, community kitchen, and dining area. That means four full bathrooms for ten participants and the facilitators, which should be plenty.
You may extend your stay before or after the retreat, if cabins are available. Guests should contact INDIGO Nature Retreat directly for availability and reservations at mommabear@indigoretreat.com. Asheville is only 30 miles away and has wonderful restaurants, breweries, and entertainment options. If you have the time, we encourage you to explore the area before and/or after the retreat.
We will be the only people on the premises during our retreat. Each retreat participant will stay in one of the five cabins. Click here for details and photos. Each cabin features two twin beds, one of which is a loft twin, the other being a wrap around sofa that converts into a twin. Each cabin has two sitting areas, a mini fridge, coffee maker, heat and A/C, and fire pit. The cabins are tucked into the beautiful Pisgah Forest with Newberry Creek flowing on the property. If you are looking for a space to truly disconnect, and re-connect with all that matters, this is your place. We will place retreat participants with a cabin mate of the same sex unless you and a fellow participant request otherwise. Please note there is no running water or bathroom facilities in the units, however, the community barn with two full bathrooms is less then 100 ft. away.
All retreat participants will have access to the main lodge and community barn. Both of these buildings feature two full bathrooms, community kitchen, and dining area. That means four full bathrooms for ten participants and the facilitators, which should be plenty.
You may extend your stay before or after the retreat, if cabins are available. Guests should contact INDIGO Nature Retreat directly for availability and reservations at mommabear@indigoretreat.com. Asheville is only 30 miles away and has wonderful restaurants, breweries, and entertainment options. If you have the time, we encourage you to explore the area before and/or after the retreat.
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Meals
Plant-based meals will be provided. On Monday, dinner will be provided. On Tuesday, breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be included. On Wednesday, breakfast will be available. All meals will be plant-based, so if you have special dietary requirements, please plan to supplement with your own food. We also recommend bringing some snacks and a water bottle. We will do our best to provide coffee and tea, but you may want to bring your favorite creamers, sweeteners, etc.
The retreat center has two kitchens. Both have fridges, microwaves, stoves/ovens, dishwashers, cookware, and utensils. Kitchen equipment, including pots, pans, bowls, service ware, and glasses are provided. There is also an outdoor BBQ grill on site for your use. There is an Ingles Grocery Store in Black Mountain about 15 miles from the retreat center if you need anything.
The retreat center has two kitchens. Both have fridges, microwaves, stoves/ovens, dishwashers, cookware, and utensils. Kitchen equipment, including pots, pans, bowls, service ware, and glasses are provided. There is also an outdoor BBQ grill on site for your use. There is an Ingles Grocery Store in Black Mountain about 15 miles from the retreat center if you need anything.
Retreat Expectations
- Limited use of personal cell phones/technology in order to foster mindful awareness
- Secular teaching and practices to honor people of all faith backgrounds
- Content geared towards public school educators and professionals working with youth
- CHOICE - You may opt out of any activity
- A collegial, casual atmosphere - Wear comfortable clothes, no prior experience necessary, relax
- This is a retreat, not professional development or a workshop
- As much as we love animals, no pets are allowed at the retreat center
- There will be a maximum of ten retreat participants
- If you are currently struggling with physical and/or mental health issues, this retreat would not be appropriate for you.
What to Bring
- Snacks, special food
- Water Bottle
- Comfortable clothes including clothes and shoes for walking, yoga, and sitting outdoors. Please preview the weather forecast for Old Fort, NC and bring appropriate clothes for both day and night. Keep it simple and casual.
- Light blanket
- Pillow (Pillows are provided, but sometimes it's nice to have your own.)
- Flashlight
- Umbrella
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Toiletries (Including shampoo, soap, etc.) / Meds
- Yoga mat (If you don't have one, we recommend purchasing one. We will have rental mats available for $10.)
- Meditation cushion (We will provide a cushion for those that do not have one.)
- Journal and pen
- Towels (Linens provided. Towels are not.)
- Phone and charger - WiFi will be available, but we strongly encourage you to limit cellphone use during the retreat. We do encourage you to take photos though.
Retreat Principles
Candles and Incense
Use of open flames, candles, incense, and other flammables is not permitted inside any of the facilities. Participants will be held liable for any costs and damages caused by fire.
No smoking
Smoking is prohibited in the facility and outdoors within twenty (20) feet of the facility, as well as at any other designated No Smoking areas. This includes all vapor cigarettes and products.
Quiet Hours
Quiet hours are to be observed from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am daily.
Vehicles
Cars may be brought to the facility for loading and unloading then are to be parked at the designated parking lot. Mountain bikes are welcome.
Food and Garbage
The retreat center is located next to Pisgah National Forest. To keep both our guests and the wildlife safe it is important that all food be stored inside the facility.
Use of open flames, candles, incense, and other flammables is not permitted inside any of the facilities. Participants will be held liable for any costs and damages caused by fire.
No smoking
Smoking is prohibited in the facility and outdoors within twenty (20) feet of the facility, as well as at any other designated No Smoking areas. This includes all vapor cigarettes and products.
Quiet Hours
Quiet hours are to be observed from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am daily.
Vehicles
Cars may be brought to the facility for loading and unloading then are to be parked at the designated parking lot. Mountain bikes are welcome.
Food and Garbage
The retreat center is located next to Pisgah National Forest. To keep both our guests and the wildlife safe it is important that all food be stored inside the facility.
Map to Indigo Retreat Center
