Workshops in the Wilderness
Nature | Story | Community
Retreats
Carefully curated programs in breath taking landscapes centered around experiences in nature, guided writing exercises and expert teachers within an intimate group setting. Designed to promote connection, well-being and health. Ideal for solo, couple or group vacations.
Retreats vary in length from one-day to 'taster' weekends, to up to five-days. All of our retreats are in-person at hand-picked locations that we hope offer the perfect blend of wilderness along with modern amenities.
Designed to empower and promote health, well-being and longevity.
Ideal for solo, couple, or group vacations.
The word retreat comes from the Latin word retrahere which means re- ‘back’ + trahere ‘to draw’ so to ‘draw back, withdraw, pull back.’ It was first used as a military term meaning to ‘fall back from battle,’ to a safe space.
Going on a retreat, choosing to withdraw from a world of constant yet not necessarily meaningful connection for a short time is about being intentional. It’s taking time out for you. Time to distance yourself from the every day chatter and buzz. Time to rediscover your true sense of self.
All of the retreats are designed using four key elements:
Wilderness Destination + Group Outdoor Activity + Writing Workshops + Acclaimed Teacher
At any True Elk retreat you can expect to have a transformative experience in a beautiful and calm environment with workshops being delivered by qualified teachers & practitioners. Come and learn in nature.
TrueElk retreats include:
Teaching by nationally acclaimed instructors
Intimate groups of no more than 14 in each workshop session
Comfortable & Cosy Lodging
Nourishing Food
Carefully crafted daily programming
Experiences in nature
Time for rest and relaxation
Creative
Personal Development
Spiritual
Corporate/Team Building
"As a new writer hesitant to share my stories, I was blown away by the support, guidance and inspiration I received from the True Elk Workshop. It was welcoming and accessible- I felt like I belonged, even amongst experienced writers, and came away with a ton of useful tips and ideas to advance my writing practice. Not only did I learn a lot, but the experience was immediately cathartic for me. I experienced firsthand the value of body-based writing practice and sharing my personal narrative. It was a life-changing experience and I will definitely be attending another workshop in the future. "
Victoria Goodday
Workshop Principles
All phones are switched off during the workshop
Be respectful of all participants during and after the workshop
Understand that whatever is said within the context of the workshop is confidential
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have to share what I write?
Only if you feel comfortable to do so. Our aim it to create a safe space so that if you want to share something you've written you can. Sharing is definitely part of the experience and can be very empowering. You may notice that as the week goes by and you feel more comfortable with the group and more open to reading something out.
What if I can't write?
Everyone has a story to tell. You don't have to be a polished writer to attend. Let our teachers guide you in the simple art of expressive writing which doesn't require you to be good at grammar or have excellent vocabulary.