Women’s

Summer Retreat

July 16th-19th, 2026 |Port Townsend, WA

The theme of this year’s Summer Women’s Retreat is play and creativity.

You are invited to join an intimate group of women for three days of summer sweetness—an opportunity to step away from the pace of daily life and reconnect with a deeper sense of joy, curiosity, and wonder.

Play is a powerful teacher. It invites courage, opens pathways for connection, and allows us to explore ourselves in ways that feel both light and meaningful. Through art, music, movement, time in nature, and shared experience, we will create space to soften, explore, and follow what feels alive.

The intention of this retreat is to meet playfulness not just as something fun, but as a doorway into deeper self-inquiry and feeling. Together, we will explore questions such as:

  • Where do I experience true joy in my life?

  • What walls do I put up that limit my sense of play, freedom, or expression?

  • What does my relationship to playfulness reveal about me?

  • How can I invite more wonder and aliveness into my everyday life?

No prior experience is needed—just a willingness to show up with curiosity and an openness to explore.

The Details

Arrival | 12:00 pm Thursday July 16th

Departure | 4:00 pm Sunday July 19th

Location | Port Townsend, WA *address sent out after registration

Cost | $600 regular registration, $500 early bird (by May 31st, 2026), scholarships available

Register Here

Who is this for?

This retreat is for you if:

  • You’re craving space to slow down and reconnect with yourself

  • You feel pulled toward deeper, more meaningful connection with others

  • You’re open to exploring your inner world with curiosity and honesty

  • You’re willing to step outside your comfort zone at your own pace

  • You value both reflection and shared experience

This retreat may not be the right fit if:

  • You’re looking for a fast-paced or highly structured schedule

  • You’re not interested in emotional or introspective experiences

  • You prefer a purely social or entertainment-focused environment

This is an LGBTQI+ affirming space.  All women, femme, and non-binary identifying people are welcome. This is not a suitable space for cisgender men.

What to Expect

Each retreat offers a doorway into self-exploration and connection—to others, to yourself, and to the living world around you.

These weekends can be powerful experiences that reveal both beauty and challenge. Because of this, we invite you to read carefully about what to expect from a Women’s Retreat.

This retreat is for women who are willing to bring curiosity to every aspect of their lives—the easy and the difficult, the beautiful and the painful.

  • The retreat is structured to offer many avenues for connection, contemplation, play, and creativity. Throughout the weekend, you will have opportunities to move in and out of your comfort zone.

    What feels easy for one person may feel like a significant edge for another. We invite you to meet each experience with curiosity and deep inner listening.

    Everything is optional. You are encouraged to stretch your edges safely and sustainably, while honoring your own limits. If something feels beyond your capacity in the moment, you are always welcome to take space and return when you feel ready.

  • A core part of the retreat is meaningful connection with the women in attendance. Whether this is your first retreat or one of many, opening up to new people can feel vulnerable.

    Moving through the weekend with courage, curiosity, and care can be deeply rewarding. In a shared space like this, we begin to see ourselves reflected in others—forming meaningful connections through moments of bravery, playfulness, vulnerability, and honesty.

    While connection is central to the experience, you are never required to be in group space at all times. We encourage you to take the time you need to rest, regulate, and be with yourself.

  • Throughout the retreat, your relationship with yourself will be brought deeply into awareness. We return again and again to the question: What is truly happening within me?

    Each experience offers a window into your inner world:

    • What is the state of my heart in this moment?

    • What sensations are present in my body?

    • What thoughts or reactions are arising?

    The intention is for you to leave feeling more aligned with your inner voice and more attuned to your body from moment to moment.

  • There will be plenty of free time for rest, play, conversation, and creative expression.

    Each day typically includes one main session for deeper exploration. The rest of the time is intentionally left open for integration—allowing you to process whatever is arising at your own pace.

    You are always encouraged to take breaks and rest when needed. We trust your ability to listen to yourself and honor what your body and mind are asking for.

  • Some activities may include:

    • Solo walks and time in nature

    • Group sharing

    • Learning and singing communal songs

    • Journaling

    • Guided rituals

    • Art (both free and structured)

    • Guided and free movement

    • One-on-one sharing

    • Small group discussions

    • Group games

    • Solo adventures and quests

Sample Itinerary

This gives a general feel for what our days might look like. The schedule is subject to change depending on what arises within the group.

  • 12:00 pm | arrival

    12:00-1:00 pm | welcome

    1:00-2:00 pm | lunch 

    2:00-4:00 pm | settling in, free time 

    4:00-7:00 pm | opening circle 

    7:00-8:00 pm| dinner 

    8:00-10:00 pm| free time

  • 8:30-11:00 am | breakfast

    11:00-2:00 pm | group activity  

    2:00-3:00 pm | lunch 

    3:00-5:00 pm | free time 

    5:00-6:30 pm | movement & song 

    7:30-8:30 pm | dinner 

    8:30-10:00 pm | free time

  • 9:00-10:30 am | breakfast

    10:30-1:30 pm | closing circle 

    1:30-3:00 pm | packing and departure

Sample Menu

All meals are prepared in a simple, nourishing vegan style, with a focus on digestion, balance, and variety. There will be plenty of options to build meals that suit your preferences.

We are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies. If your needs are highly specific, we may reach out to suggest bringing supplemental food.

    • Oats with sweet or savory topping options (sweet: yogurt, spiced apples, granola, nut/seed butter | savory: shredded carrots, chives, tamari, nuts, cucumber)

    • Coffee and tea (both caffeinated and decaf/herbal)

    • Non dairy milk (typically oat) 

    • Toast with nut butter, jam, plant based butter 

    • Salad/bowl bar that includes greens, a vegan protein (beans/tofu), a grain, veggies, sauces, nuts/seeds

    • Tortilla chips & salsa

    • Hummus 

    • PB&J materials

    • Seasonal soup 

    • Thai peanut noodles 

    • Zucchini lasagna 

    • Roasted veggies & grain bowls

    • Mediterranean sweet potato bowls 

    • Veggie pasta with garlic bread

    • Fruit 

    • Toast 

    • Chips & salsa 

    • Hummus & veggies

The Venue

The retreat takes place on a peaceful five-acre property in the Eaglemount area, about 20 minutes south of Port Townsend, WA. The space sits at the edge of an open clearing, encircled by cedar trees.

Our main gathering space is a beautiful 30-foot yurt. The surrounding land includes gardens, a pond, and walking trails through the forest.

  • On this property, you are welcome to either camp on the land or sleep in the yurt.

    Camping
    There are well-maintained campsites throughout the surrounding forest where you can set up your tent. If you choose to camp, please bring everything you need to stay comfortable—such as a tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, headlamp or flashlight, extra layers, earplugs, and any personal items. You are also welcome to share a tent with others.

    Sleeping in the Yurt
    The yurt remains relatively warm overnight and has a wood stove should it get cold. The yurt can be used as a shared sleeping space. If you choose this option, please be aware there may be some noise throughout the night. You will need to bring your own sleeping setup, including a sleeping pad, sleeping bag or blankets, pillow, and anything else that helps you feel comfortable.

  • Kitchen

    The kitchen is situated in a stand alone tiny home with a wrap around deck. There will always be tea, coffee, and snacks available on the covered deck. The kitchen itself is fairly small so we will try to limit the number of people using that space so that our cooking team can work.

    Showers
    The property has one indoor shower attached to the tiny house kitchen. There is also a beautiful, private outdoor shower that looks out onto a cedar grove at the back of the property.

    Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion will be provided. Please bring any additional toiletries you prefer.

    Bathrooms
    The property includes two composting toilets—one attached to the tiny house kitchen and another tucked into the cedar grove a short walk away.

    These are simple, eco-friendly systems that do not use water or flushing mechanisms. While they are more rustic than conventional bathrooms, they are clean, well-maintained, and easy to use.

    The indoor bathroom has a sink, and a second sink is available near the tiny house for anyone using the outdoor toilet.

  • The property offers ample space for both connection and quiet time alone.

    The yurt has a covered deck with a couch, chairs, and other comfortable seating for relaxing and socializing. Around the yurt and kitchen, you’ll find gardens with benches, hammocks, and peaceful nooks to enjoy the surrounding plants and wildlife. The tiny house kitchen also includes a covered deck with seating.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No experience is necessary. All practices are guided and accessible, and you are invited to engage at your own comfort level.

  • Yes. Many participants come on their own. The retreat is designed to support connection while also honoring independence and personal space.

  • No. Everything is optional. You are always encouraged to listen to your body and choose what feels supportive for you in each moment.

  • Moments of emotional intensity can arise, and you will be supported in navigating them. You are always welcome to step away, rest, or take space as needed. The environment is designed to be respectful, consent-based, and supportive.

    We also have a Community Care team led by Ella Simon (details below). At any time during retreat you are encouraged to ask for support. If you would like support making a comfort plan prior to retreat, Ella is available for a call to help create that.

  • There is a balance of structured sessions and unstructured time. Each day typically includes one or two main group session, with the rest of the time available for rest, reflection, or connection.

  • Typically the group ranges from 15-25 depending on the venue and level of attendance.

  • Yes. We do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies. If your needs are highly specific, we may reach out ahead of time to coordinate with you.

  • The full cost of retreat is $600 per person and includes all meals. Early bird registration (May 2026) offers a $100 discount. You may also apply for scholarships if you have a financial need.

meet our team

Rayla Freeman

Kitchen Lead, Community Care Support, Facilitation Support

Leila Strong | Facilitator

Leila is devoted to tending and supporting women through meaningful, community-centered spaces. Since 2021, she has been leading monthly Women’s Circles, a foundation that grew into hosting retreats beginning in 2024. She has since facilitated five sold-out weekend retreats, along with day-long gatherings, rites of passage rituals, facilitation trainings, and online workshops.

Leila continues to expand her offerings through training in community song holding and spiritual companionship, deepening her commitment to guiding others in connection, expression, and transformation.

Ella Simon

Community Care Lead, Kitchen Support, Facilitation Support

Sonia Hassan

Community Care Support, Facilitation Support

This retreat is not about becoming someone new, but about returning to yourself—with more awareness, compassion, and connection.

There is space here for your full experience: the parts that feel open and the parts that feel uncertain. You are welcome to come exactly as you are.

If this feels aligned, we would love to have you join us.

Register Here

Space is limited to keep the retreat intimate.