Camp Widow 2011

In case you're not aware of it, I want to tell you about a wonderful program offered by the Soaring Spirits Loss Foundation.  An annual event created by widows for widows, Camp Widow™ is a weekend-long gathering of widowed people from across the country, and around the world, coming together to create a community that understands the life altering experience of widowhood. Camp Widow™ provides practical tools, valuable resources, and peer-based encouragement for rebuilding your life in the aftermath of the death of a spouse--all in a fun, uplifting, laughter-filled atmosphere.

This year, Camp Widow™ will be held at the San Diego Marriott Hotel and Marina in San Diego, California from August 12-14, 2011.

Who's invited?  You may be wondering whether Camp Widow™ is for you, whether you “qualify” as a widow, or if support people can come too.  According to SSLF Executive Director Michele Neff Hernandez:

Camp Widow™ welcomes anyone who has lost a life partner to participate in this program: all ages, men and women, married and not married widows, LGBT widowed, those with any or no faith background, remarried widows and their new partners. No matter how long you’ve been widowed, or how you joined our ranks, you will find a community like no other when you step up to the registration desk at Camp Widow™. We work hard to offer you a variety of resources that apply to any stage of the evolving journey of widowhood. Your support system is welcome too, as are professionals working in the grief recovery field who would like to take part in this incredible weekend.

Full event registration includes the option to attend our Introductory workshops on Friday, one ticket to the Friday evening Welcome Reception; a fabulous send off at the Saturday morning keynote address; a choice of four workshops on Saturday from our selection of presentations designed to address the specific needs of the widowed community; access to our event bookstore; one ticket to the Soaring Spirits Semi-formal Award Banquet featuring a three course dinner that includes wine, a cash bar, and great entertainment; the opportunity to run or walk in our Third Annual Widow Dash 5K, and one ticket to our farewell breakfast buffet.

Michele adds that those who register for Camp in the month of June will be entered to win a free night's stay at the host hotel, the San Diego Marriott Hotel and Marina.  You'll find complete registration information here: http://www.campwidow.org/registration/