West Virginia Women's Wilderness Empowerment Retreat

Ready to add some adventure back into your life? Join us as we explore both internal landscapes and the great outdoors at the TAPS West Virginia Women's Wilderness Empowerment Retreat.

Overview

Empowerment retreats are designed to safely challenge participants both mentally and physically. Hiking, zip-lining, river rafting and other adventures will be interspersed with the important work of self-discovery. You’ll gain a new sense of achievement when you look down at the water that you’ve floated and paddled down; you’ll see the world from several different perspectives - and maybe you’ll also start to see your grief and your life from a different angle, too. 

Traditional women’s empowerment retreats take place in hotel-style accommodations; here, we’ll be bunking in cabins. You’ll want to bring sturdy shoes, water shoes, outdoor clothing, earplugs if you’re a light sleeper, and pride that you’re trying from something new. In order to be present with the group, you’ll want to leave your cell phone in your room as much as possible (this is a technology-free event, except for emergencies). A TAPS staff person will be taking photos, so all you’ll have to do is be present (and look empowered).

During the retreat, we will focus on building connections and fostering accountability within our group. We will work to establish a supportive community that will provide encouragement and inspiration long after this event ends. Together, we honor the past, recognize the present and intentionally step into the future.

Schedule

Each day will include opportunities for movement and mindfulness - you can look forward to a rush of adrenaline each day and also count on having time to process.  You can expect to be outside for the majority of each day (so plan ahead with sun and insect protection, outdoor clothing in layers, etc.). Most of the work that we do on this retreat will be centered around your perspective and your personal power; it will be facilitated by TAPS staff and the Adventures on the Gorge staff. Another recurring theme will be observing physical and emotional reactions to what’s going on when your body is challenged by heights, speed, fear, and the need to trust. 

Wednesday, September 4 and Sunday, September 8 are reserved as travel days. There will not be any activities scheduled on these days.

Adventure Level

This retreat is challenging and physically demanding. Activities at this retreat include zip-lining, a couple hours white water rafting on the river, and hiking. Participants will need to know how to swim and must be free from significant mobility issues. You can expect to be outside for the majority of each day.

Event Fees

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and sponsors, TAPS will provide lodging, most meals and all activities for this healing retreat. The only contribution required from participants is a $50 program fee which will be collected at the time of registration. If for any reason you need to cancel your registration, you can request a refund of the program fee or you may choose to donate the fee to TAPS to support future programs.

Lodging and Transportation

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, lodging (Wednesday through Saturday nights) and most meals will be provided by TAPS. Travel to and from Lansing, West Virginia is your responsibility, but we will provide a shuttle from the airport. Programming starts on Thursday morning, however, the official check in will take place on Wednesday evening. 

You'll share a cabin with other attendees.  There will be one loft style bedroom with all of the beds and a small living space and bathroom downstairs.  TAPS covers the cost of lodging at no cost to you, and we'll take care of booking your lodging for the event. Please note that the cabins are smoke-free and we ask that you refrain from drinking alcohol on this event.  

You'll need to cover the cost of your transportation to and from the retreat. Please do not make travel arrangements until you receive a welcome email after registering.

This retreat will be contained to the resort property and our outdoor activities. If you would like to explore the West Virginia area, please plan to extend your visit before or after the retreat.

Registration Details

Registration will open Friday, July 12 at 12 p.m. Eastern (look for the blue button at the top of this page at that time). The registration will be on a first come, first served basis. If you have attended a TAPS retreat within the past 12 months, we kindly ask that you wait until Saturday, July 13 at 12 p.m. Eastern to register for this event. Previous attendance will not automatically be recognized due to pending registration system updates, but it will be manually verified. Any registrations violating this rule will be canceled, and you will be able to try again after 12 p.m. Eastern on July 13.

If you have any questions, please email empowerment@taps.org or call 800-959-TAPS (8277).