ACA Arizona Retreat in September

http://aca-arizona.org/retreat-details/

Why do so many return every year? Because there is nothing like it.  Look at these pictures, then buy your ticket and book your flights!  You have an opportunity to be a part one of the best recovery retreats in the world.  The 31st annual ACA Arizona Retreat is September 9-11th.  Tickets are limited. Our camp is in the crater of an extinct volcano, on top of the mountain above the mountain-side artsy ghost mining town of Jerome.  If you are not familiar with the artist colony of Jerome, the streets are lined with gift shops, art galleries, and restaurants, where miners, gunslingers, gamblers, and cowboys roamed the streets only a century ago.  The retreat is 2.5 short hours from The Grand Canyon and less than 45 minutes from Sedona. Sedona vortex map. Click here to see a video of the scenic drive up and over the mountain into Jerome.

In September when it’s 105 degrees in Phoenix, it’s typically about 75 to 80 degrees on the mountain.  Late night temperatures are usually a comfortable 50 to 60 degrees.  That mountain weather will be a welcome change by September. For just $140 or less you can join us and take a break from the heat.  Let someone else do the cooking for a change, and work the program at your pace in a serene rustic environment.

Cost:  Only $140 ($120 for Tents, Campers and Hotels registrants) for a all-inclusive weekend pass and $75 for a day pass that includes lunch and dinner.  Pay at the bottom of this page.  If you can afford a small donation to help someone with limited funds attend, you’ll find that option on the payment page.

What to expect:  Lots of fun, new friends, plenty of food, fellowship, with a blend of ACA recovery meetings, speakers, workshops and great people who are also pursuing recovery and self improvement.   There’s campfires, music, guided-hiking, fishing, guided meditation, volleyball, frisbee golf, fields for games or sun bathing, basketball, kite flying, and anything else that sets your spirit free.  Want to hear what the 2015 retreat participants had to say? Click here.

Agenda: (view 2015 agenda)  The 2016 agenda will evolve as we get closer to the event.

The information below is from the 2015 retreat, but expect the 2016 agenda to be equally dynamic. Most of our speakers are themselves ACA’s, or in one program or another.  To protect their anonymity we will not label them here.  Additionally, ACA and the Retreat does not endorse any speaker, form of therapy or business.  We provide a forum for current information and you decide what you relate to, or not.

 

• Victoria Abel, MA, MNT, Clinical Addiction Nutritionist at the Prescott House,  returns with “Nutrition For Recovery“.  Victoria will review cutting edge research on the role of nutrition for trauma/addicts in recovery.  This was a big hit last year.  Expect some repeat with new information added.
• Dr. Judy Gianni, N.M.D., Naturopathic Medicine at Sierra Tucson on “Self Care Strategies Using Natural Medicine For Better Recovery, Mood and Brain Function”.
• Irene Norman, MC, LPC, Primary Counselor at The Meadows will expound on  “The  Love Addiction/Love Avoidance Cycle“
• Anne N. returns with “Step 11 Yoga for Depression & Wellbeing“.  Another big hit from 2014.
• Adam P.  returns with his ground-breaking research “Resonant Body Work” using sound to release old trauma. Another big hit from 2014. Expanded with new information, and potentially will be held outdoors weather permitting.
• Dr. Laura A. Pieri, Medical Director and Psychiatrist from the Essentials at Carleton.   Dr. Pieri will share an informative and experiential interactive presentation on “how the brain works, consciousness, and how it relates to addiction and recovery as well as its relationship to the ACA characteristics”.
• Liisa K. from Finland will lead a workshop entitled ‘Replace a bad habit with a new skill’.
• Informative and interactive sponsorship workshop discussion panel with Gloria P., Rebecca O., and Francis B.
• Don’t forget the outdoor candlelight ACA meetings.  If you get a chance to experience one at the mountain’s edge, do it.
• Marathon ACA meeting that you can join any time
• Trauma Release Exercises (TRE)
• Tai Chi
• Improved scavenger hunt with fun prizes and a few new ACA Redbooks signed by Claudia Black, etc.
• Evening campfires with laughter, song, and instruments. Some say that these are the best campfires they have ever attended.

Confirmed For The 2016 Retreat: Dr. Jon Caldwell, Chief of Psychiatry from The Meadows, on how to recognize when you become stuck in recovery and how to get unstuck.  This workshop will include writing exercises and some experiential work.  2014 Workshop Video

Also confirmed: Ken and Mary Richardson – Ken & Mary are international recovery speakers and also founded the 12-Step group CoDA.  Details of the workshop are developing.

The facilities:   We have 3 large lodges and 6 cabins. You can bring your tent, camper, motorhome or stay at a hotel in Jerome or a neighboring community.  Each retreat lodge has 6 bedrooms, each with 5 beds (2 bunk beds and 1 single twin bed).  The lodges have separate rooms for men and women. The restrooms are large with multiple sinks, private showers.  camp diagram and lodge layout

The Retreat lodges have an interior fireplace in a spacious common room; kitchenette with refrigerator, freezer, and sink; indoor restrooms with 3 private shower stalls in each one; and a covered porch that runs the width of the cabin.  Lodges are dorm style, with built-in bunk beds and private restrooms and showers in each.  Please provide your own bedding (sheets, blankets, pillows and towels), as none will be provided.

Tents, campers and motorhomes:  There are vast areas to set-up your tent for close neighbor socializing or complete privacy.  You can use the multiple

bathrooms and showering facilities in any of the lodges.  In the event of heavy rain, we can usually find space for you in the lodges.  There is a motorhome and camper area on the east side of the camp with electricity and water connections, but no sewage connections. We can easily handle 50ft. motorhomes.  If you want to start your weekend early, there is a public campground in the area.

Hotels: In the event you would prefer the comforts of a hotel or bed & breakfast, there are many in the area for you to choose from.  The accommodations in Jerome are only 10 to 15 minutes from camp.  The hotels in Prescott, Prescott Valley or Camp Verde are about 25 to 30 minutes from camp. Here is a list of the hotels in Jerome along with their contact information.

Free time:  We provide you with events, but you manage your schedule. When you need a break, try some of the activities listed below or just go make something happen.  Make time for yourself, and try to find time to take one of the hikes so you can experience the views, wildlife, fresh air and mountain beauty.

Activities:   Meetings, workshops, meditation, hiking, fishing, volleyball, basketball, frisbee golf,  kite flying (bring one), exploring, and any group type games you bring. Trails for riding your mountain bike. If you need some solitude, you can find that too. Walk across the street and explore the pond.  Walk to lookout point.  Drive to Jerome and go shopping, have a meal or coffee.

Nightly Campfire Jam Session:  Bring your acoustical instruments.   It’s always a blast.

Food:  Includes dinner on Friday, 3 meals on Saturday, and breakfast and lunch on Sunday.  The food is good, and you won’t leave the table hungry.  If you have any kind of a restricted diet, please make arrangements for your food as the cafeteria cannot cater to special needs.  They do have some alternatives for vegetarians, but not vegans.  There are also grocery stores on the way to the event, or in Prescott Valley which it about 20 minutes from the camp site.   There are refrigerators in the lodges where you can store your special dietary supplies.

Restrictions:  No refunds (you can always sell or donate your slot).  You must be 18 or better, and actively working a 12-step program to attend this retreat. Designated smoking area.  $35 returned check fee.  No pets, alcohol,  guns, or fireworks are allowed on camp property.  If you ride your motorcycle, keep the noise to a minimum by idling thru the camp.

Details: The camp will be open at 12:00 noon for arrivals on Friday.  Dinner for Friday night is at 5:00 pm. (The kitchen closes after 6:00 pm) The price includes 3 days and 2 nights on the mountain and 6 balanced meals. (Dinner Friday Night, 3 Meals on Saturday, and Breakfast and Lunch on Sunday).  Meals are served family style and include an entree, vegetable serving,  and salad bar.  Vegetarian meals are also available.  Meals are served on a schedule which will be available in an information packet when you arrive.

What to bring:   Click Here

Directions:  Click Here

Arrival Instructions:  Click Here

What can you add?  Are you a skilled yoga instructor, good at guided meditation, Tai Chi, breathwork, like to lead groups, help organize, photographer,  we’re interested in hearing from you.  If you have an electric golf cart, bring it along.  Do you have a craft, product or service that you want to donate to our list of scavenger hunt prizes or event prizes? Participation and volunteering drive the success of this event.  Tell us what you can do, by sending a note to retreat (at) aca-arizona.org. 

Important: If you would like to talk to us before paying, send us an email with your contact information to retreat [at] aca-arizona.org.  We’ll respond quickly and answer your questions.