SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
| Friday, August 21, 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM (EDT) | Check-In & Welcome | Participants arrive, check in, and receive welcome bags and name badges. |
| 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM (EDT) | Ice Breakers & Introductions | |
| 2:45 PM - 3:20 PM (EDT) | Room Check-In | |
| 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM (EDT) | Sharing Hope Community Conversation (Part 1) | |
| 4:45 PM - 5:00 PM (EDT) | Break | |
| 5:15 PM - 6:30 PM (EDT) | Breaking Bread & Bonding | Dinner is a warm, social experience where participants connect over lighthearted conversation. |
| 6:30 PM - 7:00 PM (EDT) | Clean up & Free time | |
| 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM (EDT) | Conversations & Creative Arts Hour | Participants will engage in reflective conversation and then a creative arts activity, encouraging self-compassion and emotional expression regardless of artistic experience. |
| 9:00 PM - 9:15 PM (EDT) | Mindfulness & Relaxation Practice | This session features simple mindfulness techniques to calm and balance participants. |
| 9:15 PM - 10:00 PM (EDT) | Nightcap Social (Optional) | The evening closes with an optional nightcap social for relaxed conversation, reflection, or journaling. This unstructured time creates a gentle closing, and participants are encouraged to rest as they wish. |
| Saturday, August 22, 2026 | ||
| 8:00 AM - 8:15 AM (EDT) | Breaking Bread & Bonding – Breakfast | Participants start the day with a nourishing breakfast to energize the body and prepare for upcoming activities. This relaxed meal offers time for conversation or quiet reflection, supporting both relationship building and personal grounding. |
| 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM (EDT) | NAMI National Plenary Session | |
| 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM (EDT) | Break | |
| 10:15 AM - 11:30 AM (EDT) | Sharing Hope Community Conversation (Part 2) - Demystifying Mental Health Care | The second Sharing Hope Community Conversation, inspired by the model from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), focuses on demystifying mental health care. |
| 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM (EDT) | Yoga | This yoga session combines gentle movement and music to create calming wellness experience. Yoga supports mental health by reducing anxiety, improving emotional regulation, and releasing tension. Participants are encouraged to connect breath with movement and honor. |
| 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM (EDT) | Lunch – Nourish & Recharge | |
| 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM (EDT) | Self-Care Workshop | This interactive self-care workshop blends creativity, education, and relaxation. Participants will participate in a self-care activity while listening to music and enjoying casual conversation. |
| 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM (EDT) | Break | |
| 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM (EDT) | Mini Field Day – Freeing the Inner Girl | This playful activity invites participants to reconnect with joy through movement, laughter, and teamwork. |
| 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM (EDT) | Break | |
| 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM (EDT) | Narrative Reflection | This narrative therapy-inspired activity encourages participants to reflect on their personal growth and future journey with prompts engaging facilitation. |
| 6:00 PM - 7:20 PM (EDT) | Dinner | |
| 8:00 PM - 8:30 PM (EDT) | Mindfulness & Relaxation Practice | Participants will close the evening with mindfulness and grounding techniques to calm the nervous system. Breathing exercises and guided relaxation help transition from activity to rest, supporting emotional regulation and better sleep. The atmosphere will be peaceful and reflective. |
| 8:30 PM - 9:30 PM (EDT) | Nightcap Social (Optional) | The evening concludes with an optional nightcap social for continued conversation, tea, or quiet reflection. This unstructured time allows participants to wind down at their own pace. Attendees may journal, connect with friends, or simply relax in a calm, supportive environment. Participants are prompted to retire whenever ready for rest. |
| Sunday, August 23, 2026 | ||
| 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM (EDT) | Breakfast & Plenary Session | |
| 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM (EDT) | Sharing Hope Session (Part 3) – Continuing the Conversation | The final Sharing Hope Community Conversation focuses on sustaining mental wellness and continuing conversations beyond the retreat. |
| 10:00 AM (EDT) | Farewell | |
Time Zone: (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada) [Change Time Zone]