A Crazy Idea... Thoughts?

JoJoGee

So, I was in the shower, where all good ideas are generated, and a big idea popped into my head...

I would like to plan a 'local' retreat for mothers who have children with special needs.  I'm thinking 1.5 days, all meals provided, and 20 - 100 people.  The focus of the retreat would be on making connections and self care (surprised?).  I realize this is sort of a crazy idea, and it will be a big undertaking, but I believe I can do it with a little help and some support from local organizations (even if it' it turns out to be a small retreat).  But, before I get myself in too deep, I wanted to pick your brains...

1) If something like this was offered in your area, would you attend it?  How much would you be willing to pay for something like this (I understand this number will vary based on COL and other factors)?

2) Would it be reasonable to expect participants to pay a fee (for food and site rental), as well as volunteer for one chore (sch as preparing a meal)?  Or, should I make the voluntereing and fee seperate, so that those who volunteer could pay a discounted fee, but then not everyone would be required to volunteer?

3) Would you expect off-site childcare to be offered?  Would you use it if it was?  Would you be willing to pay more if it was?

4) Have you, or anyone you know, ever planned anything like this?  Any thoughts when it comes to planning?

5) Any other input?

MirandaHobbes

 I haven't really heard of anything like this. I'm more familier with 1-2 day "conferences" that are more academic/networking  in nature, not for the purposes of self care or relaxation. I personally don't equate networking with relaxing. If I want to self care, I'll schedule a spa appointment by myself or with my spouse. JMO, although I'm not a regular attendee of many of the SN conferences and such offered in my area either.  

ToastieSimons

1) If something like this was offered in your area, would you attend it?  How much would you be willing to pay for something like this (I understand this number will vary based on COL and other factors)?

Absolutely.  Hmm...the price is a difficult one.  For me, 1.5 days OOT meals and lodging included, I would say $300?   

2) Would it be reasonable to expect participants to pay a fee (for food and site rental), as well as volunteer for one chore (sch as preparing a meal)?  Or, should I make the voluntereing and fee seperate, so that those who volunteer could pay a discounted fee, but then not everyone would be required to volunteer?

I would expect to pay a fee.  Any retreat costs money, even quilting ones, or religious sabbaticals.  As for the volunteering for a chore, what if you broke it up into "bonding times" and had small groups organized by age or number of children so the women could cook and bond, or wash the dishes and bond in small groups. 

3) Would you expect off-site childcare to be offered?  Would you use it if it was?  Would you be willing to pay more if it was?

no.  I would expect my husband or parents to stay with the children.  TBH I would not be able to relax knowing my children were being cared for by someone I just met.  For my peace of mind, I would rather leave them home. 

4) Have you, or anyone you know, ever planned anything like this?  Any thoughts when it comes to planning?

https://www.christiansjourney.org/  this lady plans a retreat for mothers of children who have drowned, she may be able to offer advice 

5) Any other input?

Assembly_Reqd

We are attending a SN couples retreat at the end of June starting at 7pm Friday and ending at noon Sunday. It is free retreat for 25 couples which will include a hotel room, meals and snacks except for Saturday night dinner, and a 250 dollar stipend available for child care. Even without the childcare stipend I would have made us go.

It is sponsored by a big grant won by our state's deaf/hoh parent support office in conjunction with sponsorship from our deaf-blind organization, local school for the deaf, and department of education. Due to the grant this is probably a once in a lifetime weekend. You can see by the sponsoring groups what types of parents they marketed to, but they did not limit to attendees by those dx's. A lot of my parent buddies from Nate's school are going and we cannot wait!

It does have a educational component and the theme is How to form Collaborative parent professional relationships and the discussions are lead by Janice Fialka, a LMSW and ACSW who wrote "Parents and Professionals Partnering for Children with Disabilities: A dance that Matters" There will also be some small group discussion for moms and also for dads, some free chair massages. DH and I will be bringing liquor for the hotel room and maybe some lingerie'  (yowsa!)

bumpuser511563

Assembly_Reqd:

We are attending a SN couples retreat at the end of June starting at 7pm Friday and ending at noon Sunday. It is free retreat for 25 couples which will include a hotel room, meals and snacks except for Saturday night dinner, and a 250 dollar stipend available for child care. Even without the childcare stipend I would have made us go.

It is sponsored by a big grant won by our state's deaf/hoh parent support office in conjunction with sponsorship from our deaf-blind organization, local school for the deaf, and department of education. Due to the grant this is probably a once in a lifetime weekend. You can see by the sponsoring groups what types of parents they marketed to, but they did not limit to attendees by those dx's. A lot of my parent buddies from Nate's school are going and we cannot wait!

It does have a educational component and the theme is How to form Collaborative parent professional relationships and the discussions are lead by Janice Fialka, a LMSW and ACSW who wrote "Parents and Professionals Partnering for Children with Disabilities: A dance that Matters" There will also be some small group discussion for moms and also for dads, some free chair massages. DH and I will be bringing liquor for the hotel room and maybe some lingerie'  (yowsa!)

That does sound awesome!