Cultivating Community Retreats
Cultivating Community is rooted in inclusion and belonging. It's a safe space for the outcasts, the marginalized, and those who have been "othered" by society. Curated and led by Amber Cantorna, these weekend gatherings are designed to be a safe haven for those who have been shunned from their faith communities, work places, and families simply for being who they are. If you're looking for a place to bring your whole self and find acceptance, celebration, and love, we invite you to join one of our tailored retreats where you can spend 4 days/3 nights with like-minded people building a community of belonging that's designed to last.
About Cultivating Community
2023 Retreats
Cultivating Community retreats were born out of a desire to reduce isolation for those working in social justice silos. Fighting for equality (especially for those who identify with one or more marginalized groups), is relentless and exhausting work. It's full of challenges, and often self-care gets pushed to the side for the sake of the work. As a result, leaders are worn down and on a fast-track to burnout. Cultivating Community retreats are the antidote to mental, physical, emotional, and creative fatigue. These weekends are specifically tailored to foster both interpersonal and community connection and target specific groups of like-minded people to intentionally engage in healing ourselves and supporting one another, so that we can continue to heal the world.
Come together with 15 other people in a luxury hotel-style home and share in meaningful activities that will bring you closer to others, and bring you home to yourself. It's an opportunity to give yourself the gift of connection, healing, inspiration, growth, and life. Join us for one of our upcoming gatherings and find respite for your soul, rejuvenation in your work, and collaboration with like-minded people in a safe and inclusive environment where everyone belongs.
March 9-12th, 2023 - Cultivating Community with Creatives
(Authors, Podcasters, Musicians, Content Creators, Videographers, and more!)
Aug. 10-13th, 2023 - Wild and Free
(An all women's retreat - Info and registration coming soon!)
Sept. 21-24th, 2023 - Together Again
(A reunion for CCR Alumni - Info and registration coming soon!)
Nov. 2nd-5th, 2023 - Coming Soon!
Cultivating Community with Creatives
March 9-12th, 2023
Monument, CO
*Registration deadline is Feb. 9th, 2023. Spots are limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.
"There is something deeply nourishing about showing up somewhere and feeling immediately nurtured by a host and a space. The care, thoughtfulness, and attention to detail that flows with Amber and Cultivating Community retreats is one-of-a-kind. Amber's approach to hosting is genuine, loving, and grounded in healing, inclusion and comfort for all participants and their unique needs. If you want to let go, rest, make meaningful connections, and open your heart - as you are - in a low-barrier, low-pressure environment, this gathering is for you."
-Jonathon Stalls (he/his), Walking Artist
Denver, CO
“Sometimes you have to prioritize getting away to a beautiful place and connecting with beautiful people. Doing so on a Cultivating Community Retreat led by Amber Cantorna will allow you to care well for your own soul while engaging with others who are helping to build a safe and inclusive world. You'll come away with new perspective, new strength, and new friendships.”
-Jen Johnson (she/her), Writer/Editor
Portland, Oregon
"I've never shown up to a new space where everyone knew I was queer. Retreat was the first time I felt safe enough to show up as all of me, all the time. It cracked my heart open in a tender way that needed to happen so that I can continue to heal and grow."
-Alie B. (she/her), Disability Inclusion Consultant
Birmingham, AL
“As a fierce Mama Bear ally of the queer community, attending the Cultivating Community Retreat with so many amazing queer people made me so aware of the continued work that must be done by allies to ensure that all LGBTQ+ people are supported, loved, and affirmed. This weekend retreat was energizing, draining, beautiful, hard work with a whole lot of fun mixed in it all.”
Carol Heath (she/her), Director of Community Life at Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church and Free Mom Hugs Chapter Leader
Sunnyvale, CA
“I've had the good fortune of attending two Cultivating Community Retreats and found them to be a place where you can truly be who you are. It’s a place filled with love and laughter, a place to make new friends, learn from them, and have unique experiences. I am ready to pack my gear and attend another one. It’s the PLACE TO BE.”
Trish Young (she/her), Food Distribution Volunteer to Underserved Communities
Denver, CO
What To Expect
Our Spring 2023 retreat is curated to creatives! Progressive authors (traditional or self-published), podcasters, musicians, videographers, content creators, even drag queens are invited to join us for 4 days/3 nights of building lasting relationships with like-minded people! Whether you're energized or burnt out, single or coupled, LGBTQ+ or straight/cis, we invite you to come away for a weekend of restoration, rejuvenation, and rich conversation with others who are doing similar work. Our schedule will allow for conversation and fun, introspection and healing, laughter and tears. Wherever you're at and whatever you're facing in your current season of creativity, investing in this weekend will provide you the opportunity to recharge and have a whole new group of colleagues to come alongside you for the journey!
See a sample of the schedule HERE.
(*Tickets will go on sale to the public on Thursday, Dec. 8th, 2022.)
Group Size: 14 people (plus 2 facilitators)
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This retreat is intentionally limited to 14 people to maximize community building and facilitate both personal introspection as well as cultivate relationships that will last a lifetime.
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This retreat has space for 4 couples and 6 singles. Singles will have a private bed in a shared a room with one to three other people. Couples will have a private room to themselves. Friends who are willing to share a queen or king bed are also welcome to register for a “couples” room.
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Spots are on a first-come, first-served basis. Come by yourself or with your partner/spouse for a true getaway! (Note: Your partner does not have to be in a creative line of work to attend with you!)
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This as an opportunity to network as well as to invest in yourself and the longevity of what you do. Creatives are prone to burn-out and being intentional in finding restorative time away will help re-energize you so that both you and your work can continue to thrive.
Arrival Info
Colorado Springs Airport (COS) - 33 miles from retreat center (can Uber/Lyft to retreat center from COS)
Denver International Airport (DIA) – 67 miles from retreat center (Groome offers roundtrip shuttle service from DIA to Monument for $44/person each way. The Monument shuttle stop is 6 minutes from the retreat center and pickup from the shuttle stop can be arranged at no additional cost by contacting us at [email protected])
Check-in: Everyone must check in to the retreat center between 3-4:30pm on Thursday.
Check-out: The retreat will conclude at 10am on Sunday. It is advised that you allow at least 2 hours at the airport (plus drive time) if flying out of Denver Int’l Airport, and at least 1 hour at the airport (plus drive time) if you are flying out of Colorado Springs Airport. Please do not schedule a flight that will require you to leave the retreat center before 10am as it is important that each attendee is present for our final gathering and the conclusion of our weekend together.
Cost
This retreat is all-inclusive and we strive to provide a luxury retreat experience on an affordable budget. We invite you to see this as an investment in your work, in yourself, and in the people you will meet along the way who will become part of your support network as you continue on your journey.
SINGLES:
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$295 – Retreat Fee (including all activities, supplies, and a retreat t-shirt)
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$570 – All meals and 3 nights in a private bed/shared
room at a luxury 5-star 7,000 sq. ft. home
(Approximately $190/day)
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$865 – All-Inclusive Cost (Excludes airfare and transportation to/from
retreat center)
COUPLES:
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$590 – Retreat Fee ($295 x2)(including all activities, supplies, and 2
retreat t-shirts) -
$835 – All meals and 3 nights in a private room at a luxury
5-star 7,000 sq. ft. home (Approximately $139/day per
person)
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$1425 – All-Inclusive Cost ($305 Savings! - Excludes airfare and
transportation to/from retreat center)
*Note: Everyone is required to stay on site as part of the community building experience.
***Scholarships are not available at this time but please check back for partial scholarship opportunities.
COVID Protocols:
All participants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and have received a booster shot within 6 months of retreat dates to attend. Everyone will also be administered a rapid test on arrival to ensure the safety of all participants. Careful planning leading up to retreat is key as you will not be reimbursed should you test positive on arrival. KN95 or N95 masks are required through the airport and during airline travel (as well as shuttle/Uber/Lyft if applicable) to retreat.
What to Bring
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Layers, layers, layers!
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Journal/Pen
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Hiking/walking shoes
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Sunglasses
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Masks/Hand sanitizer
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Reusable water bottle
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A mind and heart that are open and ready to connect, learn, heal, and grow!