Post #1 - Join Us at Sibling Strong Retreats: Connecting, Healing, and Renewal for Bereaved Siblings.

Grief can often feel like a long, lonely road, especially for those who have lost a sibling. We, Ben Harris and Kim Burditt, know this struggle all too well. That is why we are excited to introduce Sibling Strong Retreats, a special initiative designed just for adults who have experienced the loss of a brother or sister. Our goal is to create a warm and supportive space where individuals can find connection, healing, and renewal through shared experiences.

While our first retreat will focus on Military Surviving Siblings, we aim to expand our services to include all grieving siblings in the near future. We believe that fostering community understanding and support can help facilitate healing for those who have faced similar losses.

A calming woodland retreat space for reflection.

Introducing Sibling Strong Retreats

At Sibling Strong Retreats, we are dedicated to creating a nurturing environment filled with activities and resources that support emotional healing. Each retreat is thoughtfully curated, featuring diverse programming highlights that empower participants to process their grief in engaging ways.

Through share groups, adventure activities, and an environment built to foster peer support, attendees will have the chance to connect with others who truly understand their journey. We focus on creating spaces where vulnerability and empowerment coexist, allowing loved ones lost to be celebrated and remembered together.

Programming Highlights

Grief Processing: Dive Deep into Your Emotions

Our retreats will feature group discussions and individual reflection exercises that help attendees process their unique experiences. For example, during one session, participants can share their stories and feelings, creating a safe space for everyone to express what they are going through. This area of connection is crucial as studies show that connecting with others can drastically improve emotional well-being—by up to 50% in some cases.

Creative Workshops: Express Yourself

Creative outlets can be deeply healing. Our workshops will offer various expressive activities, such as painting and journaling, that allow participants to explore their grief. Research indicates that creative expression can reduce stress and anxiety levels by as much as 60%, promoting emotional clarity and healing.

Breathwork & Yoga: Mind-Body Connection

These practices are vital for emotional healing. Our breathwork and yoga sessions focus on helping attendees regulate their emotions. Participants will learn techniques to foster inner calm, which research shows can improve mood and reduce feelings of anxiety by as much as 40%.

Recreational Activities: Joy in Movement

Laughter and moments of joy can coexist with sorrow. That’s why we’ve planned activities such as kayaking, hiking, and campfire gatherings. These informal settings provide an opportunity to create lighthearted connections while honoring the emotional experiences of all participants.

Community Building: Building Lifelong Bonds

Shared meals and accommodations strengthen the sense of community during our retreats. We know that the friendships formed in these spaces can last a lifetime. Our aim is for attendees to leave retreats with not only cherished memories but also lasting support networks, potentially impacting mental health positively for years to come.

Self-Care & Suicide Prevention: Tools for Resilience

Mental health and wellness are at the forefront of our commitment. We will equip participants with self-care strategies and suicide prevention resources. Through targeted workshops, we aim to provide the tools necessary for navigating grief while placing a strong focus on overall well-being.

Operations & Funding

Sibling Strong Retreats will be lead by the two of us along with a dedicated team of experienced facilitators. Our retreats will be supported through donations, crowdfunding,

and event fees.

Meet the Leadership Team

Ben Harris

I have over 19 years of experience in communications, engagement, and management. My personal story as a bereaved sibling drives my passion for creating healing spaces through Sibling Strong Retreats.

Kim Burditt

Co-founder Kim Burditt has a strong background in suicide prevention and support initiatives. As a macro social worker and suicidologist, her expertise, including her previous work at the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), enriches our mission.

Why Retreats Matter

Grief can feel overwhelming at times, but through initiatives like Sibling Strong Retreats, we believe it can transform into strength. Our retreats offer bereaved siblings a unique opportunity to come together, share their stories, and learn from each other's experiences in a safe environment.

Imagine spending a weekend hiking in beautiful landscapes, creating heartfelt pieces of art, or simply relaxing by a warm fire, sharing memories of those we lost. This retreat is not just an event; it’s a chance to redefine grief and healing.

Join Us

We invite all bereaved siblings to join Sibling Strong Retreats. Let's walk this healing path together. Regardless of whether you are a military surviving sibling or someone who has experienced the loss of a sibling, our retreats are designed for understanding, support, and renewal.

If you would like to participate or learn more about our retreats, stay tuned for updates! We are committed to creating a resilient community filled with hope among siblings who have faced unimaginable loss.

A tranquil lakeside area perfect for reflection and connection.

Embracing Our Journey Together

As we start this important journey through Sibling Strong Retreats, we are filled with hope and energy. Our goal is to support bereaved siblings as they discover their unique paths to healing. Together, we can build a community where grief is acknowledged, celebrated, and transformed into strength.

Join us in creating a safe space that nurtures sibling bonds and fosters connections that last. We can't wait to welcome you into our community and support you on this journey toward renewal.

Together, let’s embrace the power of connection and healing—one retreat at a time!