Winter Retreat

When: August 2nd to 4th

Time: Arrive from 5pm on Friday - Leave site 10am Sunday

Where: Epworth Retreat & Recreation Centre 116 Finlay Road Cambridge 3494 New Zealand

Leader: Niamh Vercoe and Hannah Koumakis 

What To Bring: Packing List will be sent after ticket purchased 

Transport: You will need to find your own way to the retreat, however we will put you in group chats where you can organise to car pool with someone nearby. This is up to the attendees responsibility - Dear Community is not held liable.

Dear Community is delighted to bring you a Winter Retreat this August. Taking place at the picturesque location of Epworth Retreat and Recreation Centre, this retreat will see you reflect, reset and grow meaningful connections with some amazing women. From the 2nd to 4th of August, join us for an activity packed weekend designed to give you a break from the busy world, in a phone free environment.

We found that sometimes in order for us to deepen relationships, a one hour activity isn't enough - hence why we wanted to create a weekend gateway where women had the opportunity to really get to know each other.

A personalised experience from the moment you sign up, our attendees will fill out a Google form before arrival. This will help us in assigning you to a cabin with other like-minded women who share your values and interests. During the camp, you'll be encouraged to grow these relationships further through our ice breaker games, quiz evening and daily activities. Through the use of facilitated conversations, you'll be close to your roomies in no time.

Start the mornings of right as you're taken through a pilates session with Gold Coast trained pilates instructor Petra Wordsworth. For those not used to pilates, these sessions will be beginner friendly, focused on slower movements to catch your breath and have a laugh.

For our creative attendees, the fun continues with a painting session, where each individual will be given their own wine glass to paint and keep. With our focus being developing meaningful relationships with the women around you, these sessions will be combined with facilitated conversations, allowing the chance for vulnerable conversation in relaxed environments.

Each attendee will receive their own copy of “Dear Me”, a guided journal by Dear the Series. With a guided journal session, these beautifully written journals will take you deep within, breaking down mental barriers, and allowing the chance for true reflection to take place.

We are delighted to have Nicole Cameron, from Growth Hungry,  a experienced life coach as our guest speaker this retreat. Alongside our founder, Nicole and Hannah will go into topics like resilience, money management, finding your dream career and figuring out your purpose, to help make us feel a little less alone. Followed by a Q&A, this is your chance to ask for advice in a warm and welcoming environment.

This retreat isn't just about wellness; we've also integrated activities reminiscent of childhood, including games, an evening quiz, bonfires and movie nights. Picture your school camp, with bunks and camp style food but obviously with a Dear Community aesthetic twist to the weekend.

Just like school camps, we need every attendee to bring baking. While all main meals are catered for, morning tea and afternoon tea will be the baking brought in by our campers. To opt out of bringing baking, a $15 charge applies allowing us to drive into town to purchase baking on your behalf. On the Google Form that will be sent to you prior, you will have the choice to either opt out and pay $15, or bring baking. If you want to opt out, you will receive payment details following this.

Our retreat is unplugged, with the single rule being to leave all phones in our cabins. This shift from the digital world to mindful presence in the moment is super important to us. Situated alongside the Waikato River, your downtime could be filled with kayaking, laps in the pool or giving your all on the beach volleyball courts.

As adults, opportunities to attend 'camps' are actually quite rare. Our hope is you leave this retreat feeling inspired and empowered, with new friends, and a new zest for life. With goodie bags, spot prizes and lots of delicious food, this retreat is not one you want to miss.

Big thanks to Bargain Chemist for donating us a few special goodies!

Please note no refunds given!!

Please note that our events operate on a donation basis for attendance. Your contribution not only secures your spot at the event but, more importantly, funds our ability to host events across the country. Our mission is to extend the reach of Dear Community across New Zealand, and your donation plays a crucial role in making this vision a reality. We rely on these donations to pay our charity overheads, such as leader tickets, accounting, salaries, lawyers, subscriptions, designs and so much more. As a non-profit organisation and due to the nature of donations, refunds are not possible. We appreciate your understanding and support in making our community-building initiatives possible.

Please note, by purchasing a ticket and donating, you are agreeing to Dear Community’s terms and conditions.

Please note, by purchasing a ticket and donating, you are agreeing to Dear Community’s terms and conditions.

Attendance Policy

In order to ensure the smooth running of our events and to show respect for everyone involved, we request that attendees provide a minimum of 24 hours’ notice if they are unable to attend a ticketed event. Failure to do so may result in restrictions on purchasing tickets for future events organised by Dear Community.

This policy is in place to allow our leaders to offer the space to other community members in a timely manner. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.