JOY SCOUT CAMP
women’s widow retreat
September 21-24, 2023
I know what it’s like to feel alone, misunderstood, judged - to feel like the rest of the world is continuing around you while yours has stopped. I know what it’s like to feel like joy isn’t possible.
And I know how important it is to connect with others who have been through a similar experience.
If you are a widow looking to reconnect with her joy, I invite you to join us for the fall equinox, on the shores of Lake Superior, as we turn over a new leaf, together.
Joy Scout Camp is a women’s widow retreat intended to help you reconnect with yourself, with others who “get it,” and with your joy.
This isn’t about moving on from your grief, but rather embracing its presence while also making room for joy in your life. It’s about integrating the full pendulum of emotions in a safe and judgment-free space.
Joy Scout Camp is a place for you to show up how you are, as you are - and to remind you that joy still exists.
What’s included
A 4 Day/3 Night Stay at the magical Walden Institute
Accommodations will be shared spaces overlooking the lake *
All drinks & meals provided, suitable to dietary preferences
One-of-a-kind intimate experience
Transportation to and from the Marquette airport (within a certain window)
Year-long membership to Forced Joy Club to stay connected before and after the retreat
All activities (listed below)
* Please note that the house is not ADA accessible and there are stairs to both the bedrooms and the lake. If you have accessibility concerns, please reach out *
Activities
CONNECTION & COMMUNITY
Spend time with other widows who get it. Whether over a coffee overlooking the lake or a glass of wine around the fire, the weekend is meant to facilitate deep and meaningful connections.
SWIM & SAUNAS
Whether you want to give cold plunging a try or just want a good sweat session, lake swims and sauna sessions are available all weekend long.
MASSAGE & MOVEMENT
Relax with an on-site massage, take a hike along the shores of Lake Superior, and partake in gentle exercises meant to help regulate your nervous system.
BONFIRE & DANCING
Celebrate the Fall Equinox with a fireside ceremony, followed by a silent disco dance party under the night stars.
The Property
Designed by Herbert Fritz Jr.—the last completed work of the last practicing student of Frank Lloyd Wright—is the Walden Institute. One of the most beautiful homes in one of the most spectacular parts of America, owned by the non-profit True North Treks.
The 4-story retreat-style home features 4,600 sq/ft of living space, a deck overlooking Lake Superior, a gourmet kitchen, a woodburning fireplace, sauna, and several miles of private trails.
Additional spaces include a yoga studio, on-site hiking trails, and a private beach nestled below. Nearby sit Pictured Rocks Natural Lakeshore and Hiawatha National Forest. The property provides providing maximum serenity and awe-inspiring star gazing to guests.
Hiking, daily dips, campfires, homecooked meals, and deep conversations await!
Testimonials
“Joy Scout Camp is a must for any widow her grief journey. Sharing time, space, struggles, laughter, and tears with women who "get it" can really shift your grief and your experience with it to that of hope.”
“Dana immediately made everyone feel at ease and comfortable to share as little, or as much of their journey. We laughed, we cried, we shared our difficulties and our triumphs, our fears and our hope for the future. I left camp with my heart full of love for this group of incredibly strong women that I had only met a few days before and they are still inspiring me.”
“Feeling stuck and lost in grief is so isolating and this retreat helped me to progress in my healing journey. Dana is a great resource, support and being with other widows was an experience I didn’t know I needed. I’m so glad I went. When I got home and family asked how it was I told them “transformative!”
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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You’re welcome to join! To us, the term widow means the loss of a life partner. Legal documents don’t matter here.
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This trip is for women, or those identifying as women. Stay tuned for future events for all genders!
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As a member of the shy, introvert club, I know what a big step a retreat can be! However a lot of thought has gone into ensuring that Joy Scout Camp facilitates connection in a safe, comfortable way for everyone. The intimacy of this retreat is great for those who may take a little longer to come out of their shell.
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Not for this trip. All of us - including me! - will be sharing rooms. Think of it as sleep-away camp with luxury bedding and views of Lake Superior. If you really want your own space, there are tents available for sleeping under the stars.
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It’s fully encouraged! The Upper Peninsula is a beautiful, untapped resource with hiking, waterfalls, and beaches. If you’re interested, I’m happy to provide some recommendations for the area.
ABOUT DANA
Dana is the Founder of the Forced Joy Project and the Forced Joy Club. While Joy Scout Camp is her first solo retreat, she has 5 years of planning and facilitating retreats for young adults with cancer with the non-profit, Cassie Hines Shoe Cancer Foundation.
When Dana lost her husband, Brad, it was moving to Northern Michigan and reconnecting with nature that allowed her to reclaim her joy.
Her favorite ways to spend her time are getting lost in a deep conversation around a bonfire, feeling the freedom allowed by floating in a lake, and dancing under the stars.