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Foster Parent Retreat

August 22, 2025 @ 4:00 pm - August 24, 2025 @ 10:30 am
We are excited to announce the first annual Rooted: A Foster Parent Retreat happening from August 22 – 24, 2025. This was made possible by a generous donation from Newfoundland Power: A Fortis Company, Waypoints who provided their facility at cost and our recent on-line auction.
 
This weekend will be about relaxation, connection and learning.  A tentative schedule is listed below.  This adult only foster parent retreat will begin at 4:00 pm on Friday, August 22, 2205 and departure will occur following breakfast on Sunday, August 24, 2025. Singles and couples are welcome! Space is limited to 30 people, so complete your registration as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Deadline to register is July 31st, and no refunds will be issued after Friday, August 8th.  Registration form:    ROOTED: A Foster Parent Retreat – Google Forms
 
Registration cost: $40 per person. This includes all meals (Friday supper until Sunday breakfast), snacks, accommodations, and activities. Registration will be confirmed after payment is received. Payment can be made by EMT to nlffa@nfld.net or by credit card at https://fosterfamiliesnl.ca/donations-and-support/ (There are no fees to pay by credit card).
Travel stipend: To offset travel costs, FFNL will reimburse attendees for their mileage at a rate of 25 cents/km. This will be based on the foster parent‘s home address to Springwood, and return. For couples and those travelling together, the stipend will be provided to one person only. This event is not funded by or in affiliation with The Department of Families and Affordability (formerly CSSD), and they are not responsible for any expenses incurred by participants.
Springwood does not have private sleeping accommodations. Participants agree that they will be sleeping in a shared bunkhouse and are responsible for bringing their own sleeping bags, pillows, and any items you need to ensure your comfort. (You’ll get to feel like a kid again at summer camp!). There is hot running water and showers available.
Participants agree that this is an alcohol and drug free event.
Each participant must complete an individual registration form and sign the waiver.
 
Tentative Schedule:
Friday

  • 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM | Arrival & Welcome Reception
    Check-in, grab a welcome packet, light snacks, informal mingling.

  • 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Dinner

  • 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM | Opening Circle & Icebreakers
    Warm welcome, group introductions, purpose of the retreat, fun group games.

  • 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM | Fire Pit Social (Optional)
    S’mores, music, storytelling—unwind and connect.

Saturday

  • 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Breakfast

  • 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Workshop: Discuss working as a team and advocating skills

  • 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Free Time / Self-Care Activities

    Potential activities to be confirmed: nature walk, scavenger hunt, face masks, team building activity on ropes course etc.

  • 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch

  • 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Outdoor Adventures
    Choose your fun: kayaking, ropes course, or group games.

  • 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Reflection Circle
    Group discussion/Support circle: what inspires you, sharing wisdom, being heard.

  • 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Rest / Optional 1-on-1 Chats with FFNL staff/Yoga?

  • 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Dinner

  • 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM | Evening Game Night or Fire Pit Hangout 

    Laughter, low-key bonding time, optional games, art or relaxing fireside.

Sunday

  • 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Breakfast 

  • 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Closing Circle
    Gratitude, next steps, group photo, goodbye notes.

  • 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Check-Out & Departure

Details

  • Start: August 22, 2025 @ 4:00 pm
  • End: August 24, 2025 @ 10:30 am