LIVING YOUR AUTHENTIC LIFE

The Art of Caring for Self and Others

July 17-July 27, 2023

Come for any of the dates during this period.  Two-night minimum, $199/night.

Please note that rooms will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis for each date, so please let us know soon!

LGBTQ+ Welcome and Celebrated!

Self-Esteem/Self-Care, Personal Empowerment and Leadership Skills

Young people are struggling to find their place in this complex world – to figure out who they are and how they relate to their environment, their community, and to the earth.  Without these connections, it is hard to develop a healthy sense of self or embrace self-care and balance.  Our physical, mental, and emotional health is not separate from how we relate to the world around us.

We use arts and nature along with classes in self-awareness/self-care/harm-reduction, and connection with all living beings to inspire personal insights and grow leadership skills. 

Learn powerful tools for decision-making, healthy choices, setting intentions, overcoming procrastination, and consciously creating a life that works! It starts with self-discovery and, through that, building self-esteem and clarity about who you are and the direction you choose to take in life. You will leave with motivation and a sense of direction - a new outlook on your life, yourself, and where you want to go from here.

This program is ideal for older teens and young adults about to begin their college careers or preparing for life on their own, as well as anyone wanting more social-emotional tools and those interested in building a sense of what they have to offer in this world.

We understand that this is a busy time in your life and full of challenging decisions.  Whether you are planning for college, deciding whether to go or to take a break, or deciding what to do with the rest of your life, we would like to support you in making choices from your most authentic self.  

Please join us for a healthy dose of inspiration to build skills and jump-start this next phase of your life!  

Financial Assistance: Please inquire about scholarships as donor or recipient at ciaricco@gmail.com.

Year around support options: Individual and group sessions and intensives.

You can go slow. Allow your dreams and goals to change, but live an intentional life.
— Kumail Nanjiani
The most important thing in your life is to live your life with integrity and to not give into peer pressure to try to be something that you’re not.
— Ellen DeGeneres

Painting by Sophie Williams


CLASSES MAY INCLUDE

  • Daily Check-ins and Self-Discovery/Self-Awareness Support

  • The Basics of Self-Care/Self-Love/Self-Esteem

  • Harm Reduction Classes

  • Art Classes: Painting/Drawing/Art-in-Nature

  • Journaling/Poetry Writing

  • Ecological Farming/Embracing Nature

  • Healthy Cooking Classes

  • Conscious Decision Making

  • Leadership/Self-Esteem and Performance Skills

Amenities & Activities Include

  • Mountain Views and Nearby Mountain Hikes

  • Indoor and Outdoor Pools

  • Nearby Lakes and Streams

  • Quechee Gorge Hike

  • On-Site Restaurant*

  • Activities/Game Room 

  • Arcade

  • Onsite Store*

  • Fire Circle/Marshmallow Roasting

  • Bungee Trampoline*

  • Mountain Coaster*

  • Billings Animal Farm and Museum*

  • Exploring the beautiful town of Woodstock, VT

  • Vermont Institute of Natural Science

  • Rapture Aviary Enclosure

  • Songbird Aviary

  • Open-Air Art Museums

  • Climbing Wall*

  • Miniature Golf or Disk Golf*

  • Scenic Chair Lift or ZipLine*

  • Paddling choice of Canoe, Kayak, or Raft*

  • River Tube Trip*

  • Forest Canopy Walk*

  • Ropes Challenge Course

    *optional, requires additional fee

In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught.
— Baba Dioum, 1968
I encourage you to live with life. Be courageous, adventurous. Give us a tomorrow, more than we deserve.
— Maya Angelou

“During the retreat I learned and practiced how to

be more self-expressive, confident, and accepting of

myself and others. There was space for everyone to

share their emotions and thoughts, having the group

to lean back on. The retreat was so, so much fun, we

all shared many laughs and I ended up having such a

strong relationship with everyone so quickly.

— Elliana Howard, age 15