Skyland Trail Alumni Enjoy 2024 Fall RESET Retreat
ATLANTA – The Skyland Trail Alumni Program hosted its 2024 Fall Reset Retreat from November 4–7 at the scenic Walnut Grove Lodge in Ellijay, Georgia. The retreat, designed to help former clients reconnect, rejuvenate, and reset, was attended by alumni from across the state/country who came together for an experience of community, creativity, and mental health support.
“Having alumni retreats is important for several reasons,” says Skyland Trail Adult Alumni Coordinator Tera Carter, CPS, WHMC. “Living with a mental health condition, I understand the value of escaping our environments to clear our heads and rejuvenate. This is why we call it a ‘reset.’ It’s a chance to be in nature, relax, and connect with others.”
The retreat featured a blend of therapeutic activities and recreational experiences. Alumni engaged in needle felting, created intricate nature mandalas, and participated in reflective exercises like a mindful “awe walk” through the lodge’s picturesque surroundings. The pieces found on the awe walks were used to create the mandalas. Evenings were filled with celebrations, including a pajama party and a movie night under the stars, where alumni enjoyed Inside Out 2.
“Many of our alumni struggle with isolation and building relationships,” Tera explains. “The retreats offer a rare opportunity to foster meaningful connections. Often, participants leave with new friendships they can carry into their daily lives.”
One of the highlights of the retreat was the collaborative cooking experience. “We cooked together every night,” Tera shares. “It’s a great way to bond. Helen’s famous pumpkin waffles were a big hit!”
Alumni paid a minimal fee for accommodations, with scholarships available to ensure everyone could participate. Generous support from an anonymous donor and grants from Walmart and Costco helped make the experience possible.
Skyland Trail has been hosting alumni retreats for almost a decade, offering a unique extension of its therapeutic programs. “It’s not just about reconnecting with others,” Tera notes. “We bring elements of Skyland Trail’s adjunctive therapies into the retreat environment. It’s a piece of Skyland that alumni deeply value and miss.”