This retreat is an ideal experience for those who want to mindfully plan for a post-pandemic learning environment. We want to support you as you discern what wisdom you will incorporate into your collaborative spaces.
OMO was founded on the belief that we ALL can Learn, Grow, and Lead together.
OMO was founded on the belief that we ALL can Learn, Grow, and Lead together.
This all-inclusive weekend is for women who are connected to education in some way. Whether you are a public school teacher, professor, corporate trainer, or Sunday school teacher, we are creating time and space to re-examine what it means to teach after a year of global unrest, trauma, and disconnection.
This weekend is for those who value both togetherness and quiet. You will have an opportunity to connect with others as much as or as little as you prefer. Workshops will be offered throughout the weekend. The extensive grounds of the Bon Secours Retreat Center are open for you to explore alone or with others. The newly renovated, private rooms are fully stocked with everything you need. Rooms are even TV-free, so you can take a break from screens. Everything is included, so there is no need for you to cook or clean; meals are prepared daily and include a wide variety of fresh options. Various diets can be accommodated.
We will focus on:
This weekend is for those who value both togetherness and quiet. You will have an opportunity to connect with others as much as or as little as you prefer. Workshops will be offered throughout the weekend. The extensive grounds of the Bon Secours Retreat Center are open for you to explore alone or with others. The newly renovated, private rooms are fully stocked with everything you need. Rooms are even TV-free, so you can take a break from screens. Everything is included, so there is no need for you to cook or clean; meals are prepared daily and include a wide variety of fresh options. Various diets can be accommodated.
We will focus on:
- Remembering (our experiences as students)
- Releasing (practices that no longer serve us or our community)
- Recommitting (to the core beliefs we have around education).
Everything will be through the lens of racial justice and radical inclusion of all identities and beliefs.
Here’s a preliminary look at our schedule. Remember: everything is optional; you can do as much or as little as you desire. You can participate in every gathering or spend most of your time alone in nature.
Saturday- August 14, 2021
Sunday- August 15, 2021
Saturday- August 14, 2021
- 7:30am: Arrival
- 8am: breakfast
- 9am: Morning Gathering: Remembering
-Welcome and Setting Expectations
-Remembering our intentions as leaders/educators and as former young students
-Restorative Justice in everyday practice
-break - 11-12noon: Labyrinth Workshop *bring journal
- 12noon: lunch and pool time
- 1:30pm-4pm: Afternoon workshop
-Session One- 1:30pm-2:30pm Best Practices: Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic motivation
-Session Two- 3-4pm Planning for Balance: Working and living one week at a time
-break - 5:30pm: dinner, rest, and outdoor time
- 7-8pm: Evening Gathering: Releasing to Recommitting
-Group journaling and yin yoga
-Processing what we learned during workshops and/or quiet time today - 8-9pm: Game time!
-Space for fun with cards and board games after a day of reflecting
Sunday- August 15, 2021
- 7am: Sunrise Stroll
- 8am: breakfast
- 9:30am: Whole Group Gathering: Mindfulness Workshop
-break
*11am room checkout/bags can be stored - 11-12noon: Creating spaces for others- SEL
- 12noon: lunch
- 1-3pm: Closing
-Group sharing and pool time - 4-5pm: departure
Things to Bring:
- comfy clothes, bathing suit, and shoes; layers for all different weather experiences
- journal for writing and reflecting
- face mask(s) and hand sanitizer
- reusable water bottles (water refill stations are in every meeting room)/travel mug
- foldable camping chair for outdoor gatherings (some attendees will bring extras for anyone who doesn't have their own)
Optional Items:
- a book to swap (bring a book & take a book)
- drum or noise maker
- craft items to use and share with others
- a bottle of wine to share during dinner
- yoga mat, blocks, beach towel, meditation cushion, cozy blanket
- sunscreen and bug spray
- floppy hat or baseball cap (it's gonna be sunny/hot!)
- comfy clothes, bathing suit, and shoes; layers for all different weather experiences
- journal for writing and reflecting
- face mask(s) and hand sanitizer
- reusable water bottles (water refill stations are in every meeting room)/travel mug
- foldable camping chair for outdoor gatherings (some attendees will bring extras for anyone who doesn't have their own)
Optional Items:
- a book to swap (bring a book & take a book)
- drum or noise maker
- craft items to use and share with others
- a bottle of wine to share during dinner
- yoga mat, blocks, beach towel, meditation cushion, cozy blanket
- sunscreen and bug spray
- floppy hat or baseball cap (it's gonna be sunny/hot!)
Location: Bon Secours Retreat Center- 1525 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, MD 21104
The serenity of these 313 acres of woodland and farmland rests at the high point of a hilly setting in the Howard County countryside some 20 miles from Baltimore City. The spacious grounds are a haven for native wildlife. The labyrinth and peace garden support more reflective activities. We chose Bon Secours because of its integration in nature, newly renovated facilities, affordability, and convenience for us in Howard County. Please note that Bon Secours was founded by a Catholic sisterhood and is still run by the Catholic Church so Christian elements will be on display. Crosses can be removed from rooms by guests as desired. Bon Secours follows the same tenet as OMO: ALL ARE WELCOME; they host non-religious groups like ours as well as groups from other religions.
Lodging Accommodations
Delicious Dining
The professional food and beverage staff will help you refuel with a delicious selection of choices, prepared fresh each day in the Bon Secours kitchen.
- 70 guest rooms, all with queen-size beds, private baths, linen and towel service and free Wi-Fi
- Guests frequently comment about the superb cleanliness of our lodging rooms and comfort of our beds and linens
- A host of other amenities, including a fitness center and outdoor swimming pool
Delicious Dining
The professional food and beverage staff will help you refuel with a delicious selection of choices, prepared fresh each day in the Bon Secours kitchen.
- Meals are served daily in our two bright and welcoming communal dining rooms
- Light refreshments are available throughout the day in hospitality lounges located on each floor of the Center (coffee, tea, water and a bowl of fresh fruit)
- Dietary Allergies/Restrictions:
- OMO provides Bon Secours a list of those attendees reporting allergies/restrictions
- In order to guarantee a positive dining experience, those guests who have special dietary requests or needs (allergies, restrictions, etc.) are asked to speak to a supervisor in the Food and Beverage Department upon arrival.
- Those guests who require a very restricted diet (gluten free, organic, vegan, etc.) are welcome to bring some of their own food items to supplement what the Center provides. Refrigerators and microwaves are available for guest use.
- OMO provides Bon Secours a list of those attendees reporting allergies/restrictions
- Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request (at each meal time).
This Educators' Retreat was created in partnership with the Horizon Foundation.
