The Littlest Tumor Foundation puts on a four-day NF Family Wellness Retreat every summer. This is probably my favorite four days of the year because I get to see old friends, make new ones, and just have conversations about the struggles those who have NF go through with people who can sincerely sympathize with me.
All About the NF Wellness Retreat
Most of the volunteers at the retreat have been helping out there for many years, a few of them have been there since the retreat started. This usually takes place at the Imago Dei Village in Clintonville, Wisconsin. At the retreat, they have activities for the parents and kids of all ages. Some of these include arts and crafts, a challenge course, canoeing, a drum circle, yoga and meditation practice, and they typically bring in a rock wall. I enjoy all of them, but if there is something that someone doesn’t want to do, no one forces them.
Every night, we have a bonfire, which is a good time to talk to others with NF about anything and everything! It’s also a good time to ask questions if you aren’t sure if something that is going on in your life is NF related or not. If you’ve been going for more than a year, it’s also a great time to catch up with people you haven’t had a chance to talk to yet. If it’s your first year, it’s a chance to get to know others in the NF community better.
A Day in the Life at the Retreat
Every day, the volunteers have a set schedule made. After breakfast, we split back into our age groups and participate in our activities. We meet back with our families at the lodge for lunch, and then split back into our age groups for more activities. We then meet back at the lodge for dinner, after which, they set aside some family time. During this time, campers are allowed to go swimming in the lake they have at that campsite if they wish. Every day is a little different than the last, and every day, you’ll grow closer with others who have NF and learn something new about yourself. In just these few days, you’ll find that you’ve grown so much in knowledge about wellness and will be able to carry it through the rest of the year to better yourself and your family.
Learn more about The Littlest Tumor Foundation’s Family Wellness Retreat and other upcoming NF events.