Grief Retreats for Connection,
Healing, and Adventure
Sibling Strong Retreats --
A Journey of Healing, Connection, and Growth
Grieving the loss of a sibling is an experience unlike any other, and finding a space to process that grief among those who truly understand can be transformative.
Sibling Strong Retreats offers a peer-based, non-therapeutic approach to healing, rooted in best practices in grief support. Through shared stories, reflective conversations, and outdoor challenges that gently push participants outside their comfort zones, this retreat creates a space for connection, meaning-making, and post-traumatic growth.
Over the course of just under four days, attendees will explore their grief, reflect on their personal journeys, and consider what it means to carry their sibling’s memory forward. Each day blends intentional discussion, physical activity, and informal connection, allowing participants to engage at their own pace while building lasting bonds with others who "get it." These retreats are designed to offer a balance of structured reflection, shared grief, and moments of lightness—all while fostering the strength and resilience of bereaved siblings.
Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of their grief, a renewed sense of self, and lifelong connections with those who truly understand.
Sample Retreat Schedule
Day One: Arrival & Welcome (Participants Arrive by 5 PM)
Day Two: Exploring Grief & Outdoor Challenge
Day Three: Deepening Reflection & Adventure
Day Four: Closing & Carrying it Forward
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Check-in & receive welcome packets
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6:00-9:00 PM: Welcome Dinner & Introductions
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Retreat overview & ice-breaker activity
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Connection exercise to set the tone for the retreat
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6:30 AM: Optional morning walk/run/yoga
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7:30-8:30 AM: Breakfast
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8:45 AM: Morning Session: Navigating Grief
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Potential discussion topics (tailored to participants):
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The waves of early grief – learning to navigate
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Changing identity after loss
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The story we tell about our grief
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Family dynamics in grief
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Setting intentions for the day
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11:45 AM: Lunch
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1:30 PM: Outdoor Activity (Potential activities: Rafting, Kayaking, Hiking, Ziplining)
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4:00 PM: Free time
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6:00 PM: Dinner & Evening Reflections
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Debriefing the day’s experiences
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Connection activity
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8:30 PM: Late-night gathering (games, informal conversations, firepit)
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6:30 AM: Optional morning walk/run/yoga/sunrise hike
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7:30-8:30 AM: Breakfast
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8:45 AM: Morning Session: Post-Traumatic Growth & Meaning-Making
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Potential discussion topics (tailored to participants):
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Somatic breathwork
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Shifting focus from loss to life
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Exploring what a “living legacy” could look like
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12:00 PM: Lunch
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1:30 PM: Afternoon Activity
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4:00 PM: Free time
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6:00 PM: Dinner & Evening Reflections
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What’s shifting for you?
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Connection activity
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8:30 PM: Nighttime optional activities: night hike, star gazing, game night
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6:30 AM: Optional morning walk/run/yoga
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7:30-8:30 AM: Breakfast
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8:45-11:00 AM: Final Session: Integrating the Experience
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Retreat reflections: What surprised you? What did you contribute?
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Visual demonstration of connection & shared experience
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Maintaining connections beyond the retreat
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12:00 PM: Retreat Ends, Travel Home
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Sibling Strong Retreats (SSR) 3-night grief retreat? A Sibling Strong Retreat is a peer-based grief support retreat designed specifically for bereaved siblings. It is not therapy, but it is grounded in best practices in peer support, creating a space where those who have lost a sibling can connect with others who truly understand their grief. Through a combination of guided discussions, shared experiences, individual reflection and outdoor activities, participants find strength, healing, and a sense of community. The retreat includes an element of outdoor adventure—something that gently pushes you outside your comfort zone, whether that’s hiking, kayaking, or another activity that fosters resilience and personal growth. This retreat is about connection, renewal, and stepping forward with support from those who "get it." It’s an opportunity to honor your sibling, process your grief in a supportive environment, and build lasting relationships with others who share a similar journey.
Who can attend a SSR retreat? Adults aged 21 and over who have lost a sibling, regardless of when or how that sibling died, are invited to attend.
What’s included in each retreat? The registration fee of a Sibling Strong Retreat includes three nights lodging, 9 meals, and all materials and activities. Transportation to and from the retreat location is not included; however, depending on retreat location, airport transport may be able to be arranged/provided.
What types of activities should I expect at a Sibling Strong Retreat? A consistent component to Sibling Strong Retreats are the outdoor activities, as we strongly believe that adventure, physical activity, and new experiences with a group of peers are integral to our retreats. Depending on the season and location, activities could include hiking, kayaking, white water rafting, river tubing, bike riding, yoga, Segway tours, ropes/challenge courses, etc. Each retreat will have a clear description of its planned activities, as well as the level of physical activity recommended for each activity.
Who's running Sibling Strong Retreats? While we will include a variety of activity instructors and occasionally guest facilitators, the cofounders, Ben and Kim, will be the retreats' primary facilitators. Learn more about us on the About page!