“What we think, we become.”
- Buddha -
Greetings from Alliance Veteran PTSD Retreat. It was not easy to decide to apply or inquire about AAR. We've heard it from other veterans and we're glad you're here. Let's now get started by sharing some key details about ROTO3.
OUR NEAREST WELLNESS RETREAT IS APRIL 11, 25 2023. APPLY NOW
The 14-day retreat includes:
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The team will feel connected and trust each other through adventure activities.
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Workshops promote resilience, empowerment and reflection as well as strategies for continued wellness success.
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Yoga and meditation are specifically designed to treat PTSD. They enhance gentle exercise and prana breath, which reduce anxiety and create stillness in the mind. This provides tools to help you reduce stress.
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Participants can give back to the community and feel a sense that they have a greater purpose through our community outreach
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Working with your hands is a powerful way to build team and sustain organic living. The program's calming and grounding effects include learning about local culture and spending time in nature with its organic and sustainable gardens.
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Mentors are there to support personal growth by helping people re-establish their vital aspects.
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For those who require extra companionship, our program has onsite emotional support dogs.
How it Works
AVR’s adventure-based activities are an important part of wellness therapy in addition to relaxation, and other self- care amenities offered. Our empowerment-based adventure program is a unique experience based around the therapeutic benefits of the adventure experience along with a common ground approach. This helps our participants access emotions that can be shared in a safe supportive environment, with mentors and peers who understand, and work through together if required.
It’s easier to share about the impacts of trauma when you feel supported by mentors. Trust is formed with your mentors and is built throughout the retreat amongst participants, who quickly become your team mates. This holistic approach has been proven to help veterans achieve significant, sustainable results within a relatively short time frame - you will be taking home more than memories, you will be taking home life lessons, insights about yourself, calming techniques and a new confidence to use as you move forward.
We believe in and maintain an inclusive program that is open to all veterans serving members of the armed forces, and RCMP that are affected by PTSD and OSI. Our program supports the betterment of women, LGBTQ2+, and Indigenous veterans. The program will not discriminate against or deny support to an individual who identifies as one of the aforementioned groups. Additionally, board of director member and mentor, Jani Drew is a member of the indigenous community which assist in developing programs and strategies that cater to people from those communities; ensuring that cultural beliefs are maintained and respected. We support the LGBTQ2+ through our program promotion of a safe and inclusive environment for all, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Our program creates a safe space for peer support and diversity in the LGBTQ veteran community.
About Our Retreat
AVR’s 14 Day Retreat is located at the beautiful Cummings Highlands Resort in Tuguis, Looc, Romblon (https://www.cummingshighlands1.com/) on Tablas Island. The *all-inclusive cost* for the 14-day retreat is $1000.00 CDN or $755.00 USD (*excluding airfare*)
*Due to the nature of the program, its location, and distance to travel to the Philippines we do not accept service dogs.*
Getting Started
1. Interviews via Skype/Phone from Cindy Cummings Program Director
This is an important step. This is a great way to get to know each other a little better. Information from your application will allow us to accommodate you as best we can to ensure your success.
2. Program Materials
Your Welcome Package contains an AVR Program Guide, which outlines daily activities, locations, and a personal journal. We also give you a retreat tee-shirt and a welcome gift.
3. Lodging
Poolside Cabins. Visit the website! (Private or shared) Please advise if you have any medical sleep disturbances. We will try to accommodate separate lodging however this is not always possible.
4. Food
Your 14-day menu program includes 3 meals per day, fresh farm produce, fresh market foods, and some Western favorites. We can accommodate vegetarians, but we do not offer vegan options. Daily activities are not permitted to bring alcohol.
5. Adventure Excursions
We handle all logistics, field planning and permits. We also provide the equipment necessary for each day's adventure, including safety supplies. We are accompanied by qualified adventure guides who will take you to amazing places.
6. Relaxation
We are certain that you will feel relaxed and embrace the healing properties of this program, regardless of whether it is a yoga or meditation class taught by certified yoga instructors, walking through the beautiful tropical touring gardens, or spending time in the pool.
7. Self- Care
We partner with a registered massage therapist to offer a paid service for therapeutic massage. For self-help and other resources, visit our library nook. We offer creative and alternative ways to express ourselves through art, music, native cuisine lessons, daily journal writing, and other team adventures.
8. Mentors
Mentors are there to support you every day, and they will be there to help you through each step. These sunsets are amazing and provide the backdrop for group discussion time. This inevitably includes laughter, camaraderie, and support from mentors and peers who "get you". Mentors meet for a "check-in" every day but are available to chat with you one-on-one if needed.
9. Transportation.
We will meet the team in Caticlan outside the airport. This will be your first point to connect to Tablas We will then be taking a private bunka boat to Tablas, where we will me met at the port of Sta Fe and taken directly to Cummings Highlands Eco Resort to get settled in.
*We arrange all transportation for your exciting adventures and excursions.
Whats not Included
Airfare from your closest international airport to Manila, as well as the connection from Manila to Caticlan Aklan . Travel insurance with Covid coverage. (Must provide documentation).
We are diligently working towards a veteran family wellness program, at this time spouses cannot attend the program with the participants.
How to Pay
You will pay $1000.00 CDN via e-transfer to Alliance Veteran PTSD Retreat: allianceadventureretreat@gmail.com . You will then be provided with an official receipt.
If required, our Program Manager will speak to your VAC representative or VA to explain the program. If requested, our Program Director will discuss with you one-on-one to provide information and details about how to arrange your flights from your nearest international airport.
We have provided some links for veterans and first responders who might be short on funds or may face long wait times to apply for funding at the VAC or local VAC offices.
You may find helpful fund-raising or subsidy suggestions at the following links. Information about Fund Raising: https://www.gofundme.com/
Important Travel Information
You are responsible for bringing your own medication or nutritional supplements. Medical support are onsite however they cannot prescribe narcotics for you while in country.
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Although Marijuana is legal in Canada/USA and may be part of your treatment plan, you can not bring it with you.
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Please consult your doctor prior to departure for medical alternatives if required.
