Ocean Grove Health Retreat '25

Please take the time to fill out the application ASAP

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U MATTER

This 3-Day Retreat is offered at a fraction of the cost of similar retreats throughout the country. We officially include people living with HIV, people who are affected by HIV, and our allies. This affordable retreat is due to the generosity of the donating nearly half of the lodging cost in memory of our friend, and Buddies' former Director, Stephen Scheuermann. We are also lucky to have the support of volunteers, speakers, restaurants, and groups who provide meals with presentations.

HIV has been one of the biggest fears that many of us have faced.

HIV, a virus that has changed lives forever in ways never expected. We, as a community, have fought to inform policy that is beating this virus and that is seeking to establish a permanent voice of equality in how we are treated.

U=U is now official; UNDETECTABLE = UNTRANSMITTABLE ! We are now controlling partners in the plans to End the Epidemics. HIV, although still with us, is becoming less relevant to the rest of the world. Many have come through and have realized that we are probably not going to die from AIDS. We may even see a vaccine or a cure in our lifetimes. Yet, some survivors have been left in situations that are not easy to manage on our own. Our goal here is to gather as many people together to build an honest community of support. We seek to share laughter, fun, stories, tears, wisdom, joy... and plan for a future: U MATTER | A place to be well!

Of course, our major goal is lowering the viral load to undetectable and stopping the spread of HIV. HIV is only one of the health challenges we face. HIV is now very treatable, more easily preventable, and no longer a death sentence, yet we still have unique challenges that other illnesses do not. HIV has given us an opportunity to renew who we are and how we take care of ourselves… even when we slip backward. We are not much different than other people who decide to turn their struggles into championships. HIV, however, is a unique challenge and it helps us to find support from others who experience similar twists in: health, lifestyles, family, relationships, employment, legalities, spirituality, and more... (Activities can include a session of massage, reiki, yoga, meditation, and/or other individual care time. Tips for professional volunteers and housekeeping are encouraged.)

THIS YEAR'S THEME IS: U MATTER | A place to be well!

Activities and Presentations Will Touch On: Health & Wellness Beyond HIV; Giving Ourselves Space to Heal; Physical Activity & Cardiovascular Health; Mental Wellness; Healthier Cooking; Listening & Understanding; Healthy Communication; Self-Advocacy; FUN iN SOBRIETY TOGETHER, Disclosure vs. Non-Disclosure; Sexual Intimacy; Healthy Relationships; Prevention & PrEP; Spirituality and More…

Participants will be able to see the Jersey shore (≈300 steps away) and breathe it in, just as the warm weather begins to envelop its coast. All will have a chance to relax and enjoy themselves and others who are different, yet, share similar life circumstances. It is a time to gain awareness of where we are in life and to where life may be calling us. It is a time to discover and acknowledge our strengths, weaknesses, talents, frailties, desires, needs, and more… Together we create a safe, stigma-free environment where we have a chance to articulate who and what may support us in our journeys towards a healthier life. This time is less intense and more relaxing and fun!

YOU MAY ATTEND: Any adult may regardless of age, sex. race, nationality, socio-economic status, looks, religious beliefs, or political stature. This retreat originally began as a "Gay Men's Retreat HIV+" and is now inclusive of all. Yet, we are committed to keeping a stigma free environment that allows us to be open and free to address our issues without judgment or ignorance. Safe space is a priority! It is our goal to keep this time free of judgment or fear. We will ask that selected applicants will only be those who can present a proof of status and/or demonstrate how HIV strongly affects their lives. Anyone who pays prior to filing an application is entitled to full refund if not selected. If you are coming for any other reasons than: self-enhancement, relaxation, fun, and/or brief time away from responsibilities... you may choose not to apply or to call and find out if you may experience what you hope to get out of this retreat.

Space is limited; apply soon! 1 SPACE MAY BECOME AVAILABLE

Early Bird cost is good until June 5th - Long Term Survivors Day

To Bring or Not To Bring …

Bring weather appropriate, comfortable clothing. Bringa nice-a pair of clothes for going one night on the town… but DO NOT OVER PACK unless you are THE QUEEN! Clean bedding, pillows, and towels are provided. Generic soap and shampoo are also provided; please bring your own tooth brush, hair brush, and/or any specialty care items for hygiene with you. Bring medications but please list any that you are bringing; narcotic prescriptions must be approved prior to acceptance of application. Alcohol and recreational drugs also may not be brought on premise. Smoking may only happen off premise… it will be assumed that anyone found smoking in the house is on fire and appropriate measures will be taken to put you out. There will be plenty of free time and open space for people who need to smoke. Watches and cell phones should not be audible or visible during presentations and/or discussions; there will be safe areas available to place them during those times. Please leave negative attitudes at home. Bring on the fun and stay positive! Any questions email us at ZXZlbnRzIHwgbmpidWRkaWVzICEgb3Jn .

Talents and Skills

If you have any talents or skills that you believe can benefit persons attending this retreat, please let us know; write: ZXZlbnRzIHwgbmpidWRkaWVzICEgb3Jn subject: retreat talents and skills

The Schedule

FULL SCHEDULE WILL BE EMAILED TO ALL REGISTRANTS

on the Friday before the retreat

We no longer piggy-back on the Annual Jersey Pride Celebration

Those Who Arrive Early (TO GO TO BEACH, PARADISE, ETC...) may Check In & Leave Baggage in Secure Area - Room Keys will be handed out at 6PM

FULL SCHEDULE WILL BE POSTED... This retreat is for self-relaxation and growth. Please, however, try to attend as many activities that you feel you are able to. Additionally, any sponsored meals will only be for participants. If you choose not to participate for a sponsored meal, you must then provide for your own meal at that time. The schedule will provide for plenty of free time and personal space. All we ask is that you try not to schedule or partake in alternative activities during times that things are scheduled.

Gathering and Pizza & Salad will be at SUNDAY @ 6:00PM

The Retreat Orientation will begin Sunday evening promptly at 7:00PM, all are expected to join.

All attendees will enjoy pizza and salad prior to welcoming and “house-keeping”. We will enjoy a couple activities followed by an inspiring talk. Then just before retiring to a comfortable room we will have warm beverages and cookies out on the porch.

Meals by: , , , & consumer educational programs.

Transportation

Each participant may:

1. Drive down in one's own vehicle; there is plenty of safe street parking.
2. Carpool with friend(s). (Please offer an appropriate gratuity for gas and tolls when someone is kind enough to drive.)
3. Use NJ Transit

Payment

*Minimum down payment is $50 for anyone requesting payment options; please email ZXZlbnRzIHwgbmpidWRkaWVzICEgb3Jn or to inquire. ALL BALANCES DUE ON AUGUST 1ST

THIS YEAR'S THEME IS: U MATTER

Activities and Presentations Will Touch On: Health & Wellness Beyond HIV; Giving Ourselves Space to Heal; Physical Activity & Cardiovascular Health; Mental Wellness; Healthier Cooking; Listening & Understanding; Healthy Communication; Self-Advocacy; Disclosure vs. Non-Disclosure; Sexual Intimacy; Healthy Relationships; Prevention & PrEP; Spirituality and More... We will bring to it massage, reiki and yoga as well.

IT'S LIKE A VACATION WITH PURPOSE!

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• #wellness
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